Sex & Science

In the name of progress, researchers are forever discovering the reasons behind why we do the strange things we do. Here and updates and explanations of the newest science around sex.

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Sexsomnia: the mysteries of sleep sex

Your partner wakes you up in the night to make passionate love. Sounds romantic? Not if he’s still fast asleep. Why do some people suffer from sexsomnia? A UK sexpert investigated.

What does it take to turn you on or off?

Is a glance enough to drive you wild with desire? Or is the slightest mood-killer enough to put you off sex? Your answer can reveal a lot about your sex life, says the latest research on women’s sexuality.

Anal sex: why do people like it?

People are into anal sex all over the world – men, women, gay, straight, and everything in between. There are some very good reasons. At the 2015 world sexology congress, sexpert Dr Richard Hillman gave the low-down on all things anal.

Yoga for a better erection?

Is erectile dysfunction spoiling your sex life? Exercise could make all the difference, say researchers. For a good firm pose, for example… try yoga!

Coffee for a better erection?

Coffee could do more than just kick-start a guy’s day – it might boost his sex life too, according to US research.

Mixed signals: sex or just friends?

Does the girl or guy you’re crushing on just want to be friends? Or will the two of you end up having sex? New research provides clues on why decoding their signals can be so tough.

Why do men like curvy bottoms?

Are curvy bottoms just the latest fashion trend or is there a reason men dig bodacious behinds? Scientists say they’ve found the secret.

Which aphrodisiacs actually work?

Looking for a natural way to spark passion? Read on for a list of aphrodisiacs that scientists say might genuinely improve your sex life.

Why you’re hardwired to get over heartbreak

Breaking up is hard to do. The latest science can help us understand why ending a relationship hurts so much.

Gay sex isn’t just anal sex

Only just over third of the gay men surveyed in a US study said they had anal sex last time they made love. Men who have sex with men have a much wider repertoire of sexual activities, researchers say.

Are homophobes secretly gay?

Why do some straight men get so angry about gay sex? Is it because deep down, they're really homosexual themselves? Marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Love Matters revisits research on this controversial claim.

Can sweet food spark romance?

Scientists might have hit on a way to boost the success of a first date. Could cakes and sweets be the way to woo? Read on to learn the sugary secret to helping romance blossom.