How Stress Affects Your Sex Life—and What to Do About It

SELFCares Newsletter, April 3rd, 2019 SELFCares About... Sex Stuff [Painful Sex Isn't Normal—Let's Put This Damaging Myth to Bed]( If you are unable to see the message below, [click here to view.]( [SELF Cares]( [couple in a shower together] [hearts] This week, we're talking about... Sex Stuff Greetings from your friendly neighborhood editor who talked about vibrators in a work meeting today! There's a lot of fun to be had when editing sex stories is a part of your job description. But SELF's underlying mission behind these stories is a little more serious than that. Our sex and sexual health coverage is meant to destigmatize all sorts of sexual experiences, help you better understand what works for your mind and body during sex, and make you feel empowered to create the kind of sex life you want with zero shame. Of course, we also want to help you have an excellent time along the way. That's why we're pretty no holds barred when it comes to sexual matters. Whether you're curious about how to start using toys during sex, wondering if that pain you feel is normal, or not sure if cannabis can give you unreal orgasms, SELF wants to help. The stories below can get you started. And if you have a burning sex or sexual health question, send it over to SELFHealthQs@condenast.com. It's exactly why we're here. [Zahra Barnes, deputy health editor] [womans feet on a bed]( [columnist Lux Alptraum, SexEd]( [Painful Sex Isn't Normal—Let's Put This Damaging Myth to Bed]( Far too many people believe that it's totally normal for sex to hurt at least a little bit every single time. It's not. Here, writer and sex educator Lux Alptraum explains why. [Get the truth]( Advertisement [advertisement]( [Powered by LiveIntent]( [AdChoices]( [do not disturb sign]( [How to Bring Sex Toys Into the Bedroom Without It Being the Most Awkward]( Incorporating toys into sex can be eye-opening in the best way. But if the very thought makes you want to dissolve into a puddle of awkwardness, this one's for you. [Read the tips]( [womans feet in stirrups]( [16 Birth Control Myths Ob/Gyns Have Heard That Prove We Need Better Sex Ed]( If you're having sex, can get pregnant, and definitely don't WANT to get pregnant, make sure you don't believe any of these birth control myths. [Check 'em out]( [advertisement]( [Powered by LiveIntent]( [AdChoices]( [illustration of people touching]( [How Does Cannabis Actually Affect Sex?]( Senior Health & Beauty Editor Sarah Jacoby delivers a deep—and fascinating—dive on the science behind cannabis and sex. As a bonus, this one ends with a roundup of cannabis products that claim to elevate sexual experiences. [Read on]( [woman writing on a pad]( [8 Signs a Sex Therapist Might Improve Your Life (and How to Find One)]( There's a varied list of physical and mental reasons why people can benefit from seeing a sex therapist. Here, writer Sophie Saint Thomas explores some of the most common ones, plus ways to actually get the help you need. [Learn more]( [advertisement]( [Powered by LiveIntent]( [AdChoices]( [How Stress Affects Your Sex Life—and What to Do About It]( Stress is pretty much just a fact of life. (If it's not for you, I want to know your secret.) Given that stress is unavoidable, it's worth understanding exactly how that pressure can impact your sex life. Here, experts explain what to know, plus how you can combat this effect. [Find out]( [woman holding the bridge of her nose]( Sharing Is Caring! Forward this newsletter to your friends! Got this from a friend? [Sign Up Here]( Curated with care by SELF editors [instagram]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( Sent from Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10001, attn: Email Coordinator Copyright © 2019 Condé Nast. Heads up: SELF may earn a portion of sales revenue from purchases made through affiliate links on our site.