Got an embarrassing bedroom dilemma? Read on to get your sex-angst solved...
Q. “I want to be more vocal but feel like an idiot when I moan or scream. Plus I’m worried my flatmates will hear.” – Tania, 25.
A. “It’s great to make a bit of noise during sex because it gives your man some guidance as to whether his moves are hitting the spot. Just relax and do whatever comes naturally. Having sex with the lights off will help you feel less like an idiot, as will asking him to be vocal too. Also, try to have sex when your flatmates are out, so you can get used to making noise without worrying about them hearing you.
Then, when you’ve got your confidence up, test what level of volume you can reach before it’s audible in the other room. Have him stand on the other side of the wall and listen as you yell.”
Q. “My boyfriend constantly asks if he can lick my bottom but I think it’s disgusting. How can I let him down nicely?” – Geneva, 22.
A. This is not an uncommon desire. Call it passion but lots of guys are eager to explore every bit of their girlfriend’s body, bottom included. If you’re really not into trying it, just tell him. Say you’re not comfortable but are there other things he’d like to try? That gives him the option to swap the bum-licking fantasy for something else. If that doesn’t work, you can always remind him that anuses carry a lot of bacteria, so putting his mouth or tongue near your bottom is a real health risk.”
Q. “I’m in a long-term relationship and, over the last few months, I’ve lost all desire to have sex. What can I do to crank my sex drive back up?” – Sophie, 19.
A. “The pill could be one of the reasons you’ve lost interest in sex. A long stretch on the pill can alter hormonal levels and drive your libido down to rock-bottom. Ideally you should be on something non-hormonal for a while to allow your body to sort itself out. You could try an IUD, the Progestogen-only Pill or the Implanon implant. Stress, tiredness, depression and low self-esteem could also be a factor. Look after yourself, eat healthily, spend more time on foreplay, buy yourself something sexy and talk about times you’ve had amazing sex – that should get your juices flowing!”
Q. “My boyfriend wants me to be rougher with his balls during foreplay but I'm worried I might hurt him. Help.” – Steph, 20.
A. “The sensation he feels in his testicles is similar to what you feel in your inner and outer labia or vaginal lips. The sensation in his penis is similar to your clitoris. Each person feels things differently, so be guided by what he asks you to do. He knows what he enjoys, so just ask him to tell you if it’s too rough!”
Q. “My fiancé really wants to try anal sex but the idea freaks me out! Is there a safe, painless way?” – Pia, 30.
A. “Anal sex shouldn’t hurt if you do it right – that's slowly and carefully, with lots of lubrication! If you rush things, and you're anxious, it will be painful. The trick is to relax and work up to it slowly. It's not a bad idea to clear your bowels beforehand and it also helps if you're already aroused (ask him to go down on you to get things going). Once you're in the mood, your fiancé could massage your anus gently with a well-lubricated finger, encouraging that small but crucial muscle to relax. Sexual etiquette dictates that the one in the vulnerable position (that's you) calls the shots. So, if he's getting too rough or it becomes too much for you at any time, it's your right to call for immediate withdrawal.”