Is This Normal? Sex Questions Couples Are Too Embarrassed to Ask

Should I feel guilty if I secretly prefer sex with a vibrator to sex with my partner?

For many women (and men), masturbation is easier, faster and simply more reliable—like taking the highway versus the scenic country road, says Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, sexologist and certified sexuality educator. You'll be heartened to hear that research has found that women in relationships tend to masturbate more than those who are single. This could be due to many reasons, Fulbright says. "Maybe they're left hanging, or they're exposed to more testosterone through sex, or their partner is unavailable when they're in the mood." That said, partnered sex is an essential part of any intimate relationship, so it can become an issue if one of you is regularly sneaking off to find pleasure solo. Fulbright suggests occasionally introducing your favorite sex toy to your partner so that he doesn't feel left out—and bringing him along for the ride.

Could I be allergic to my partner's semen?

A true semen allergy often involves burning pain as well as swelling and breathing problems, says Lauren Streicher, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. But you could have a semen sensitivity, or you might have a yeast infection or a case of bacterial vaginosis (a common infection that often causes odor and discharge) that's being exacerbated by sex. If this is a persistent problem, Streicher advises that you bring it up with your doctor. While some research has shown that a semen sensitivity might actually be helped by more frequent sex with your partner and contact with his "allergens," it's dangerous to test that hypothesis without a medical diagnosis.

Next: Are we the only people not having crazy kinky sex?