Top Five Things We Should Know About Sex by Age 40

Most of us didnt receive a crash course in sex education in our younger years, but we certainly collect quite a few observations by the time we hit our golden years.

In this Prevention article, writer Gail Belsky lists the top 40 things we should all know about sex by the time we turn 40. The facts range from the obviouswidth beats lengthto the more obscure (did you know that wearing socks almost doubles your chances of reaching an orgasm?).

Here are our favorites:

Everyones doing it

Feeling frisky? Masturbatethats what most women are doing these days.

According to a 2004 survey by AARP, half the women between the ages of 45 and 49 have practiced self-stimulation in the previous 6 months.

But theyre not alone in the bedroomin a 2009 survey by the University of Indiana, more than half the respondents used a vibrator at least once, with a quarter having used one in the previous month.

Hes the problemnot you

Middle-aged men may have difficulty maintaining an erection as their testosterone levels drop. Termed male menopause, most men experience a steep drop in their testosterone levels between the ages of 45 and 50.

So if he takes longer or is less gung-ho, go easy on him...and yourself, Belsky advises.

Sexual passion can be everlastingreally! If you think long-term relationships equal a routine romp or even sexual doomthink again. New research shows that long-term relationships can keep their sexual chemistry, intensity and engagement going strong, Belsky writes. Additionally, long-term relationships are free of the anxiety and insecurity of passionate, short-lived relationships, according to a 2009 study by Stony Brook University. Male nipples are important, too Imagine if your partner never touched your nipples during foreplay or sex, Belsky writes. Well, why are you ignoring his? According to a 2006 study by the University of Sheffield in England, more than half of the male respondents said nipple stimulation caused or enhanced their arousal. But surprise, surpriseonly 17% ever spoke up. Hormones are the problemnot you Loss of sexual desire is common during perimenopause, the menopause transition that usually occurs for women in their mid to late 40s. Your periods lasts forever / your sex drive has shriveled up, Belsky writes, Youre dry as dust / your mood swings like a wrecking ball. While some women are happy with their lowered sex drive, there are treatments available, including lubricants and hormone creams. For the rest of the list, click here. Share with us: Is there anything about sex you know now that you wished you knew when you were younger?
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