LiveScience Topics: Science of Sex

Sally Law's Science of Sex column reveals what is known about human sex and sexuality in the physical, mental and emotional realms. It examines the latest psychological, biological and sociological studies on sex, ranging from dating and mating, to flirting and cheating, to birth control and STDs. Sally Law has written about health and sexuality for the Cleveland Clinic, and has appeared regularly as a guest host on Sirius Radio. Her column, The Science of Sex, appears weekly on LiveScience.

Explore Science of Sex

Sex Change Operations: The Science, Sociology and Psychology

Gender-reassignment surgery addresses larger issues of gender, sexuality and sexual orientation.
The Risks of Summer Sex

Unsexy as it sounds, there are some health risks and practical concerns associated with summertime sex.
Antioxidants Boost Sperm Quality

Men who ate antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables have better rates of sperm movement, ejaculate volume, and sperm concentration.

More Science of Sex News and Information

Spiritual Women Have More Sex

New research has found that spirituality has a greater effect on the sex lives of young adults.
Basis for Male Promiscuity Questioned

A new study on reproductive success finds that humans don’t always conform to the roles of "promiscuous" males and "selective" females.
Some Men Prefer Fat Women

A recent study finds that not only do some men prefer overweight women, but that they also find a wide range of body sizes attractive.
10 Surprising Sex Statistics

Whether it's penis size, papillomavirus risk, or profligate pregnancies, it's good to know the numbers.
Survey Finds 'Friends with Benefits' Common

How well do "friends with benefits" relationships work?
The Truth on Whether 'Opposites Attract'

A new study finds that when it comes to personality, people seek partners with their same qualities.
Why Some Women Find Sex Painful

Research suggests women's pain during sex should be reclassified as a pain disorder rather than a sexual dysfunction.
Focusing on Sexual Desire Can Ruin It

Women who pay too much attention to their performance during sex could be inhibiting sexual desire.
Sex Sells, But Who's Buying?

Sex in advertising? Women aren't buying it.
What Modern Men Want in Women

What do men want in a woman? Brains? Beauty? Vacuuming prowess?
Everyone Agrees: Women Are Hard to Read

Both men and women are able to gauge a man’s interest in a woman, but are equally baffled when it comes to figuring out if a woman is interested in a man.
Women's Brains Respond to Manly Men

A new study finds that the brains of hormonal women respond to men with overtly masculine facial features.
Mating Game Is a Waiting Game

Extended courtships allow females to screen for potential providers, while males can prove they're suitable.
What Science Says about Enlightened Sex

Another year, another batch of boring resolutions. So why not resolve to have better sex?
Sex and Cheating: When Does It Count?

Ever since Bill Clinton, the nature of the act has become increasingly vague.