SEX

PEOPLE COME TO ADULT STORES like Misstique for a lot of reasons. Usually, they want advice on what toy to buy or some tips on spicing up their sex lives. But sometimes we face bigger challenges.

We appreciate that not everyone is comfortable discussing sexual issues. Embarrassment can be a major barrier to people seeking help for problems in the bedroom, and for many the prospect of whipping off their pants and baring all to their GP can be daunting. This is why so many people turn to stores like ours for potential solutions to their sexual health. It’s for this reason that our friendly staff are on hand to offer help and advice on a range of maladies. Here is everything you ever wanted to know about the most common sexual problems but were too afraid to ask...

Erectile Dysfunction Erectile dysfunction occurs when a person can’t get or sustain an erection. Many people experience erectile dysfunction at some point, and the causes can be physical (issues like heart disease, diabetes, weight and blood pressure problems), or psychological (like stress, tiredness and anxiety). Though distressing, erectile dysfunction can usually be resolved in the majority of cases. The best thing to do if you suffer from erectile dysfunction is to speak to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic, but there are products you can buy that might help.

Vacuum pumps come in a wide range of styles and prices. Pumps encourage blood flow to the penis, causing an erection. They work for most people and can be used if medicine is not suitable. Alternatively, lassos and cock rings can be used to prolong an erection providing the person using it can get an erection to begin with. Herbal supplements like Gold Maxx and Red Stallion are all- natural aphrodisiacs specially formulated to provide five distinct enhancement benefits: improved performance, increased libido, longerlasting orgasms, harder erections, and a boost to sexual stamina for men and women alike.

Try Pipedream’s Beginner’s Power Pump (£21.95), Stay Hard’s Beaded Cock Rings (set of three for £5.95), or Gold Maxx (pack of 5 for £20.00).

Premature Ejaculation Premature ejaculation occurs when a person comes too quickly during intercourse or when masturbating. Ejaculation problems are as common as erectile dysfunction and can have a range of causes,

particularly because of anxiety around sexual performance. A study looking at 500 couples from five different countries found the average time taken to come during intercourse was around six minutes; however, it is up to each couple to decide if they are happy with the time taken to have sex. A visit your GP might be necessary if the issue causes you distress.

Treating premature ejaculation is fairly simple. Thicker latex condoms are effective, particularly when combined with numbing creams that contain a local anaesthetic like lidocaine. This combination will help decrease the sensitivity in the area, significantly delaying orgasm.

Try Delay 100 Spray (£9.99), Stud D-Lay Cream (£9.99), or Safe Condoms (pack of 10 for £9.99).

Orgasm Problems Some women do not need to have an orgasm to enjoy sex, but an inability to reach orgasm can pose problems. The reasons for not having an orgasm can include fear or lack of knowledge about sex, not enough effective stimulation, or stress. This can also be as a result of pain during sex because of conditions like vaginismus, where the muscles in or around the vagina go into spasm, making intercourse painful or impossible.

It is important to remember that not everyone enjoys penetration, while for others orgasm cannot be achieved without clitoral stimulation. For those who don’t enjoy penetration or who cannot physically be penetrated, toys like wands and clitoral suckers can provide a helpful alternative.

Try Orgasm Gel (£11.99), a Satisfyer Pro 2 clitoral sucker (£69.99), or the Palm Power Massage Wand (£78.95).

Disclaimer: You must not rely on the information in this article as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your GP. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information in this article.