By Patricia Yarberry Allen, MD and Evelyn Hecht, PT, ATC

A menopausal woman loses approximately 70 percent of her estrogen levels, and when she has not had intercourse for three years, this combination causes the pelvic-floor muscles to tighten, making intercourse painful. The old motto “Use it or lose it” is very applicable here!

By Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.

“Your story,” Dr. Hilda writes to Marcia, “is one that I hear almost every day. It is not easy to take care of a home and two very busy adolescents. At the end of the day, sex can begin to feel like one more chore that you need to do for someone else.”

The objectification of women in men’s magazines infuriates us—but how about looking critically at magazines supposedly meant for the female gaze?

By Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.

What can you do? First, be patient, understanding, and loving. He is hurting. Pressuring him to perform sexually will only make him feel like more of a failure as a man and push him farther away. (Aren’t “real men” supposed to be ready to have sex every hour of every day?) Let him know that you understand his feelings and that you are there for him.

“I accidentally found my husband’s computer left on and saw that he has been visiting porn sites and apparently chat rooms for people interested in porn. This has just made me sick. What steps would you suggest for a person with a problem like this?”

Helen Gurley Brown’s story is one fit for the big the screen. When the dust settles and the debate about her brand of feminism simmers down, she will remain a symbol of innovation and change.

Wow! Rope bondage students? Really? Where exactly is this class held? Still, I was intrigued by the book’s tone—it was knowing and funny, not “Penthouse Letters” smarmy. Wouldn’t it be interesting to learn what actually goes on in all those wilder bedrooms?

By Roz Warren

The publisher calls this smut-drenched novel an “erotic romance.” If you ask me, erotica is just smut that’s putting on airs. Let’s call this book what it is. Porn.

In June 20l1, TED released a list of its 20 most-visited Talks to date. On that list was Mary Roach’s stunning and compelling presentation of “The Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Orgasm.”

by Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D., and Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.

We’ve heard from more than a few women who want to know why we keep talking about sex, about “keeping that spark alive.” Our Dr. Pat and Dr. Hilda weigh in.

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D. and Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.

In their final conversation in this round of Sex Talk, Dr. Hilda and Dr. Pat talk about what it takes to keep a long-term relationship—straight or gay—sexually energized, and why it’s worth it.

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D. and Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.

Earlier in this series, Dr. Hilda and Dr. Pat talked about why orgasms are good for physical and emotional health. Here, the conversation turns to vaginal health and how to make sure that the terrific orgasms keep coming.

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D. and Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.

In the most recent Sex Talk, Dr. Hilda and Dr. Pat turned the focus to men. Here, they get down to specifics about testosterone levels, erections, and who might want what, and when.

By Cecilia Ford, Ph.D.

For some, dating through a device is often preferable to face time. But for the rest of us, connecting this way can still be still a awkward, unsettling, and confusing.

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D. and Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.

This week, Dr. Pat and Dr. Hilda’s conversation turns to men as sexual partners: their physiology, their concerns, and their responses.