Kinsey Confidential | Sex Blog, Sexual Health Podcast and Newspaper Column from the Kinsey Institute

Find A Common Language: Step 1 To Understanding Sex And Gender

Part 1 of a multi-blog series introduces the first step to understanding sex and gender: establishing a common language.
Virginity Loss: Physiological And Psychological Satisfaction

A new study examined the satisfaction of young people's virginity loss experience.
Can Women Ever Really Say Yes…?

Sex educators encourage people to get consent before engaging in sex. The implication is that men and women are free to consent to sex...but is it that simple?
Hookups Aren’t Bad For Your (Mental) Health, But Grades May Suffer

In a study of teen sexual behavior and relationships, two researchers have found that teens who engage in casual sex face a few negative academic consequences.
What Exactly Is A “Booty Call” Anyway?

The "booty call": an elusive form of casual sex that researchers have now begun to untangle the meaning of.
Cheating Or Non-Monogamy? The Difference May Matter For Health

A new study of gay relationships in SF finds that nearly half of the couples maintain “open relationships,” and nearly half are monogamous - few are discrepant.
Support Increases For Same-Sex Marriage Despite The Rhetoric Used

One question has been raised in the debate over same-sex marriage: are attitudes affected by the rhetoric used in the debate? A study suggests that they aren't.
A Research Review Of Heterosexual Anal Sex

Although widely practiced, little research has been dedicated to the study of anal sex in a heterosexual context.
Scientific Discovery: Steps Toward Possible HIV Vaccine

Researchers found 3 key proteins that neutralize 91% of the strains of HIV...making leaps in the search for HIV vaccine.
Are Women Faking It In Bed? A New UK Study Says Yes, Sometimes.

A study of 71 women finds that women are least likely to orgasm during sexual intercourse, yet sometimes fake orgasms due to boredom, discomfort, or fatigue.
More Women In The US Are Choosing Not To Have Children

A new study has highlighted that nearly 20% of older women in the US do not have children, compared to 10% in the 1970s.
“Settling” May Not Mean What We Think It Means

Perhaps the "settling" part of the book title was used to spark controversy and interest...because Gottlieb's idea of "settling" isn't all that bad afterall.
Prejudice And Attraction: Is Beauty Really In The Beholder’s Eye?

Many of us are attracted to people on the basis of age, race and ethnicity, body shape and size, and even social class, religion, culture, and nationality.
Potential Impact Of “Desire Drug” On Women’s Sexuality

Although "female Viagra" was unanimously rejected by the FDA panel, a continued search has been recommended. What will this do for women's sexuality?
Plus-Size Girls Are More Likely To Have Sex Early And Unprotected

A new study finds that overweight teen girls are more likely than thinner teen girls to start having sex earlier and are less likely to use contraceptives.
Will New Emergency Contraception Drug UPA, Win FDA Approval?

Guest Blogger Makenzi Brock writes about a (controversial) alternative that gives women two more days to prevent conception