A rush of blood to the penis – and vaginal tenting: what happens to our bodies when we get turned on

Arousal may be spontaneous, or arise in response to sensory stimulation, memory, fantasy or emotional connection. Understanding the difference can help us have better sexual experiences

‘She would pop up in my sexual fantasies’: what happens when you fancy your therapist?

They’re often compassionate good listeners who focus on their clients’ needs – so is it any wonder many patients find themselves with a crush? A writer, who is in exactly this position, talks to people on both sides of the couch

Threesomes, rough towels and ‘lesbian bed death’: 23 of the best Sexual Healing columns

The Guardian’s sex advice column is coming to an end after 20 years. Here are some of the most memorable questions and answers

‘I knew I was starting to have a seizure’: women describe lasting effects of being ‘choked’ during sex

Three women tell of blacking out, feeling dazed and dizzy, and of ongoing memory issues and fatigue

Nearly half of sexually active young people in UK have experienced strangulation, study shows

Survey reveals crisis of distress, consent issues and physical harm caused by strangulation during sex

The best self-care gifts in the UK for Christmas, from cosy PJs to massagers

Whether you go for affordable luxury buys or true indulgence, you can’t go wrong with these presents for pampering

‘The Swiss army knife of sex’: 26 easy ways to spice up your love life

From massage mitts to snackable aphrodisiacs, here’s how to liven up your sex life – no matter your age, experience or relationship status

I’m delighted with my 45-minute erections – but why are my orgasms such a letdown?

After a long, slow buildup, everything is over in a flash. Changing positions doesn’t help, so what’s left?

The best vibrators, tested: ‘it could get an orgasm out of a cabbage’

From bullets to rabbits to wand vibrators, our sexual wellbeing expert demystifies what’s available, and rates her top 16 models (she tested 53)

The private pain of prolapse: six things I wish I’d known – from sex to exercise to mental health

Pelvic organ prolapse affects around half of all women, yet it is little understood and very rarely discussed. Here is what I found out after my diagnosis