6 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life, According to Science

6 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life, According to Science

Here's a universal truth: No human wants to be labeled as lousy in bed.

In fact, most people probably don't want to be rated average, either. We want to excel in the sack. Fortunately, science has discovered a few ways that both men and women can boost their bed cred.

1. Talk Dirty To Me

A big plus of long-term relationships is that you know, or should know, what pleasures your partner. But sticking to the same sexual routines can be a buzzkill when it comes to actually desiring your partner, explains sex researcher Dr. Kristen Mark, director of the Sexual Health Promotion Lab at the University of Kentucky.

The big problem: people — even in long-term relationships — often find it tough to talk about sex and what they want. "Talking about sex makes you feel vulnerable and most people think they may make their partner feel bad if they suggest something new," says Mark.

Her own research, however, shows that people actually are open to trying new things in —or out — of the bedroom. And couples who talk about sex are much more satisfied with their sex lives.

In a survey or more than 3,000 folks ranging from 18 to 70-plus years of age, Mark and colleagues found that majority of participants indicated that engaging in sexually adventurous behaviors (ranging from masturbation, voyeurism, the use of sex toys, and more!) increased their sexual satisfaction, with a large majority of participants indicating their partner's satisfaction was also improved with engaging in the behaviors.

Women weren't averse to talking dirty or sharing fantasies with their partners. In fact, they were significantly more likely than men to have engaged in a wider variety of sexual activities, indicating they are more "sexually open" than often 

thought, says Mark.