Sex
Sex and relationship advice from the Guardian. Sexual health matters, sexuality, information and sex tips all discussed
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The UK pornography law: a scientific perspectiveDean Burnett: The new rules have baffled many but do they hold up to scientific scrutiny? Not really, no -
Readers recommend: songs about leaving or being left behindPassionate endings, fond farewells, sad separations or stimulating solitude, name songs that capture or reflect on a moment when two or more people are parted, says Peter Kimpton -
Men, Women & Children review – Jason Reitman’s patchwork of digital livesAdam Sandler plays a porn-addicted husband in this spirited attempt to capture the essence of modern digital life, writes Peter Bradshaw
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Ben Okri wins bad sex in fiction award for scene featuring rocket going offBooker winner beats distinguished peers to clinch Literary Review award on strength of passage from The Age of Magic
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I’m 23 and have never had sex. Should I tell my new boyfriend?I have never shared the romantic connection I feel is necessary, but I’ve met someone with whom things look promising. I don’t know whether to tell him about my lack of experience Pamela Stephenson Connolly advises a reader
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The joy of no sexA society of asexual people is trying to promote greater awareness of those who do not feel sexually attracted to others
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A letter to … the girl who accused me of rape when I was 15The letter you always wanted to write
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Sex, cinema and secrets: early exposure at the arthouseErin Cressida Wilson drew on a young education in erotica for her first script, Secretary. Ahead of the release of Men, Women and Children, she looks back at those first glimpses from the back row
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I have been unable to climax since having a psychotic episodeI used to enjoy masturbating. Could I have suffered some psychological damage that has caused this change? Pamela Stephenson Connolly gives her advice
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I’m attracted to men, excited by women and confused about my sexualityA 36-year-old woman who is emotionally attracted to men but physically attracted to women is confused. Mariella Frostrup says it’s time she tried them both out
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Milan travel: Love me TinderFinding romance online is never easy. So Morwenna Ferrier takes to Italian Tinder on a trip to Milan and checks out the local talent
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Mother awarded $630,000 after judge finds man abused her mentally ill daughterVerdict in favour of Mary Kortner is latest twist in 11-year case, which raised questions of whether mentally ill adults could consent to sadomasochistic sex
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Hairs and graces: Joy of Sex illustrations go on displayThe Wellcome Collection’s Institute of Sexology exhibition displays the original drawings for Alex Comfort’s bestselling book
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HIV is increasing in young gay men. Will Hollyoaks help raise the alert?Patrick Strudwick: Nigel Farage blames migrants, but rising HIV infection rates are a homegrown problem we need to tackle ourselves
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Into the orgasmatron! The Institute of Sexology hits the spotStephen Moss flings off his pullover to unleash his inner libido at the Institute of Sexology exhibition, which probes everything from Victorian masturbation manuals to priapic pottery
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I’m stressed at home and work, and now I can’t maintain an erectionI’m 24 and my sex drive has diminished after a stressful and frustrating few months. What can I do? Pamela Stephenson Connolly advises a reader
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I am a libertarian woman who completed a gender transition, and it saved my lifeMikayla Novak: Tim Wilson recently called upon Australians to engage in respectful conversations about the position of transgender people in our society. To that end, I volunteer my personal story
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It's not 'anti sex' to want to expose pornography's complicit role in child abuse and traffickingLaura McNally: Child sex abuse is not so far removed from the glamorised world of adult pornography – in fact, it is part of its continuum
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No, no, no! Victorians didn’t invent the vibratorFern Riddell: The idea that orgasms were administered to women by doctors is pure fantasy
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I am dry during sex with the man I loveWe have been together for several years and I still desire him, but am increasingly remaining dry. What can I do? Pamela Stephenson Connolly advises a reader
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The rise and rise of sexologyVibrators, erotica, condoms … Christopher Turner puts on his plastic gloves to examine treasures from the Institute of Sexology, and finds that the pioneers of the study of sex were not just campaigners, they were political activists and collectors, too
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When a woman reaches 50 does sex become less important?In Portugal a judge reduced a compensation payout to a woman because she was in her 50s and so her “sex life isn’t as important”
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Jeff Sparrow: The kitchen’s as fraught as the bedroom – even more so because cooking seems so innocent. Cooking is where our most profound political and social anxieties are brought to lightTo cook or not to cook? A sensual pleasure for some can be plain serfdom for others
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From the archive, 6 November 1976: Tory MP seeks tax on sexy filmsOriginally published in the Guardian on 6 November 1976: ‘If people must really see X or AA films then I think they should not object to paying a little extra for the privilege’ - Richard Body MP
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From the archive, 5 November 1960: Lady Chatterley's Lover cleared in obscenity trial
From the Guardian archive From the archive, 5 November 1960: Lady Chatterley's Lover cleared in obscenity trial
Originally published in the Guardian on 5 November 1960: Michael Frayn on DH Lawrence’s novel and the possibility of motoring - which requires skill, gives pleasure but leads to disaster if misapplied - becoming the new taboo -
I’ve been with my boyfriend for three years, but he’s only ever made me climax a few times
Sexual healing I’ve been with my boyfriend for three years, but he’s only ever made me climax a few times
I love my boyfriend, but our sex life is becoming a problem. What can I do? -
Is there such a thing as ethical porn?The actors say they’re happy, the makers say it’s guilt-free – but what exactly is ‘fair trade’ porn? Zoe Williams finds out
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The claims against Jian Ghomeshi show we still need to talk about sexual consentKitty Stryker: It’s too easy for abusive people to leverage the idea that consent and communication isn’t ‘sexy’ against their victims
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Stop this mindless conflation of LGBTLetter: Heterosexual women are much more likely to get robbed by men using a dating app, so they’re the people who need to be warned
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My girlfriend and I are still virgins after being together for more than a yearShe says she is ready to have sex, but she doesn’t feel comfortable being naked in front of me. How can I put her at ease? Pamela Stephenson Connolly advises a reader
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From the Observer archive, 26 October 1969: Copenhagen hosts Scandinavia’s first pornographic fair
From the Observer archive From the Observer archive, 26 October 1969: Copenhagen hosts Scandinavia’s first pornographic fair
Denmark’s relaxed censorship has reduced crime and porn consumption at home, but the tourists don’t know where to look first, writes Roy Perrott
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Our three-way relationship isn't your business. Even if we’re doing businessHugh Ryan: Call us a ‘thruple’ if you must. My boyfriends and I are happy together, even if it makes some people uncomfortable
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My mum’s a sex therapistAnn-Marlene Henning, a best-selling Danish sexologist, is on a crusade to give the internet generation a porn-free sex education – with a little help from her son
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I’m no fan of the porno-industrial complex but these new rules are unworkable