The Secrets of Great Sex
Aphrodisiacs, Sex Toys, and Games
Your guide to incredible, exhilarating, sensational sex
Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
Avon, Massachusetts
Contents
Introduction
The Secrets of Great Sex books are concise guides, focusing on only the essential information you need. Whether youre looking for a new sex position to try, need advice about achieving real intimacy, or want to know how to please your partner, theres a Secrets of Great Sex book for you!
As George Michael once sang, Sex is natural, sex is fun. While both statements may be true, it may not always feel that way. Yes, sex is a natural, biological process as old as mankind, but for many people especially those who are self-conscious in the bedroom sex (good sex, at least) may not seem to come naturally. And if you are worried, anxious, self-conscious, or otherwise distracted, sex probably wont be much fun, either.
The good news is, great sex isnt an impossible feat. In fact, it may be much more attainable than you may think. It may take a little bit of effort and perhaps a little practice (which will be fun, I promise!) but before you know it, your sex life will be better than you ever dreamed possible.
The truth is, you probably already have the basic ingredients for a terrific sexual experience: desire, passion, primal urges, and a willing partner. Most likely, you are letting yourself get way too hung up on technique (or your perceived lack thereof) and how you insert Tab A into Slot B. Fortunately, thats stuff you can easily learn, if you have the motivation and dedication. And, since youve made the effort to pick up this book, Im assuming you are indeed eager to learn. Thats half the battle.
Exploring and learning about our sexual nature comes easily to some people and seems challenging to many others. We arent taught much about sex unless we were lucky enough to have parents who werent afraid to talk about it. Young people learn about sex from their peers or from experimentation. The older a person gets before he has experienced some kind of sexual encounter, the more ill-equipped that person will feel upon actually entering a sexual relationship.
When we feel well informed, practiced, and excited about sex, it becomes an awesome experience. We are born with all the right equipment for sex. What we need is a sort of an owners manual a guide to help us learn, give us ideas with which to experiment, and supply the guidelines to let us know that we are on the right track.
Every couple and every sexual encounter a couple has is unique. It may not feel that way to you right now, but, as you begin to learn more about your sexual nature, you will begin to observe the differences each time you make love. By doing this you will have a basis from which to expand even further. Becoming conscious but not self-conscious while having sex is the key to having each separate experience feel new, exciting, and creative.
Each one of us is responsible for our own sexual happiness. It isnt our lovers responsibility, though it is wonderful if we feel partnered with someone who wants to have sexual happiness, too. The Secrets of Great Sex series is designed with the goal of giving you every tool necessary to have a complete, satisfying, expansive sexual and sensual experience.
These guides will inform you for many years to come and provide the insight and knowledge you need for a future of great sex. A long life, a healthy life, a happy life, and a great sex life all go together!
If youd like to learn more about great sex, check out The Everything Great Sex Book, 2nd Edition, available in print (978-1-4405-0148-7) and eBook (978-1-4405-0149-4) formats.
Aphrodisiacs and Sexual Aids
While porn can be a great way to add sizzle to your sex life, there are plenty of other helpful items that can make things fresh and exciting in the bedroom. You can enhance your sexual experience with special foods, toys, adult gadgets, props, and more. Really, just about anything can be used as a bedroom aid if you have enough imagination (and, in some cases, adventurousness). In fact, it can be fun to take something innocent or unusual and try to find an erotic use for it. Experiment and be creative!
The Power of Aphrodisiacs
An aphrodisiac is a substance (generally, a food or drink) that you use to enhance pleasure or susceptibility to pleasure. The list of possible aphrodisiacs is probably endless, since everyones tastes are different. Plus, a substance can have aphrodisiac effects if it reminds someone of an enjoyable experience. Many people become aroused when exposed to certain foods, odors, or environments that their brain associates with sex.
Sensual foods have a definite place in the bedroom. They are especially welcome if they are juicy, soft, mysterious, and sweet. If the foods are evocative reminders of sexual organs, theres even more reason to include them as part of your lovemaking ritual.
You can have lots of fun with food in the bedroom. Food can be used for stimulating the various senses. Try an evening of lovemaking that involves blindfolding your partner and offering her different sorts of fruits, chocolates, and desserts that are suggestive of softness or juiciness. This is more about sensing than it is about eating. Keep the bites very small and offer the food gently for smelling and brushing across the lips first, before letting your partner take the bite into her mouth.
Whipped cream and chocolate syrup are fun (though messy!) in the bedroom, but allowing these types of substances to dry and remain on the skin or in/near bodily openings can cause all sorts of problems. A good solution: enjoy a shower together after a food-enhanced sexual romp.
Fact
Some of the most well-publicized aphrodisiacs in ancient times were rhinoceros horn, elk antler, and powdered sea horse. There is little evidence that these substances actually work, however, and serious damage is being done to the environment today by people who want to obtain these aphrodisiacs.
Some substances that are commonly believed to have aphrodisiac qualities are oysters, chocolate, and wine. Certain spices and plants are also said to be aphrodisiacs.
While the stereotypical aphrodisiacs may indeed have an erotic effect on you, it can be fun to try to find new and unusual alternatives. Try lots of different foods, and you just may discover some exciting new arousal boosters.
Pheromones: The Chemicals of Love
Pheromones are chemicals found in body secretions that attract the opposite sex. They dont have a discernable smell, but humans have special detectors in their noses for pheromones. We respond physiologically to another persons pheromones, even if we cannot consciously smell them.
Fact
Pheromones are available for purchase; you can add them to your favorite perfume or dab them on separately. The jury is out on their effectiveness, since there havent been many studies done with manufactured pheromones, but they arent too expensive, so try some out for yourself.
The word pheromone is derived from a Greek word meaning to transfer excitement. Body temperature, skin conductance, heart rate, and blood pressure are just some of the functions that can be affected by our reactions to our partners pheromones. (Women taking oral contraceptives seem to be less responsive to pheromones.) Pheromones have also been isolated as the cause for synchronized menstruation cycles among women who live in close proximity over a period of time.