Sex pertains to the biological traits that differentiate males and females in a species and the process of sexual reproduction. In humans, sex includes various physical, physiological, and psychological components connected to reproduction, sexual attraction, and sexual behaviour.

The conclusion of a study conducted by the US National Center for Biotechnology Information, which facilitates access to biomedical and genomic information, is that individuals who endorsed a sexual double standard tended to engage in behaviours or hold beliefs that were more aligned with traditional gender roles.

Our thoughts and feelings strongly influence how we perceive our bodies, which in turn affects our sexual well-being. It's crucial to be compassionate towards yourself and to take care of your body, even if you're not always comfortable with it. Your physical health can impact your mood and mental well-being.

Navigating sex can be challenging, especially if your partner finds parts of your body attractive that you don’t like or find distressing. Remember, you have the right to enjoy sex, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to use parts of your body that you're uncomfortable with. Learning new skills and improving communication can help you negotiate safer sex and boost your confidence.

Introducing estrogen hormones into the body can affect your sex drive and lead to a desire to explore new experiences with different people, genders, and body types. Everyone's preferences are unique, and you may enjoy being a receptive and penetrative partner in anal, oral, or vaginal sex. According to experts, there are now more ways than ever to protect yourself and your partner, including various types of condoms, dams, lubricants, and other medical options.

A 2014 research study conducted by the Journal of Sex Research surveyed 760 participants, including 449 women and 311 men, on their definition of sexual satisfaction. The responses varied, but two main themes stood out: personal sexual well-being and dyadic processes.

Regarding personal sexual well-being, the experience of pleasure went beyond orgasm and included positive feelings during sexual activity, desire for one's partner, lack of inhibitions, feeling aroused and excited, and mutual enjoyment between partners.

In terms of dyadic processes, the study highlighted the importance of expressing feelings, courtship and romance, and creativity, such as novelty and surprise in sexual satisfaction.

Licensed US psychologist Dr La Keita Carter, who specialises in trauma, sexual wellness, relationships, addictions, women’s issues, and cultural barriers to treatment, notes in her writing that according to the latest Sex Frequency and Satisfaction report from the Center for Researching and Understanding Sexual Health, dissatisfaction with the frequency of physical intimacy is a significant issue.

This dissatisfaction cuts across various cultural groups, including race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and marital status.

Twenty-first-century Indian philosopher Osho has a very clear definition of sex. He views sex as a source of energy. He believes that sex is a natural and integral part of human life, and he speaks extensively about it in his teachings.

The following are some key points from his perspective on sex:

Acceptance and Celebration: Osho emphasised the importance of accepting one's sexuality without guilt or shame. He encouraged people to celebrate their sexual energy as a powerful force that can lead to spiritual growth.

Awareness and Consciousness: He stressed the significance of awareness and consciousness during sexual experiences. He believed that through mindfulness and presence, individuals could transform sex into a meditative and spiritual practice.

Transcendence of Ego: He suggested that sex has the potential to transcend the ego and connect individuals with a deeper sense of unity and oneness.

Detachment and Non-Attachment: While Osho celebrated the beauty of sexual expression, he also cautioned against becoming overly attached or dependent on sexual experiences for fulfilment. He encouraged individuals to cultivate a sense of non-attachment and inner contentment that transcends physical desires.

Though his teachings on sex were often controversial, and they were just one aspect of his broader spiritual philosophy, Osho's views on sexuality were influenced by various Eastern and Western traditions, as well as his own unique insights into human psychology and consciousness. As with any spiritual teacher or philosophy, interpretations of Osho's teachings on sex may vary among individuals.

Let's talk about how meditation improves our sexual life.

According to studies conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, meditation can positively impact your sexual life in several ways. It fosters a deeper connection between mind and body, increases awareness and presence, reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

These findings suggest that women who meditate, compared to those with no meditation experience, generally experience improved sexual function, which is associated with better overall mental health.

Another study convened by the same organisation in 2023 refers to the effectiveness of mindfulness practice on male sexuality. Specifically, its application improves sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, erectile function, orgasmic function, and self-control.

These findings can provide valuable insights for sex therapists and researchers to better address men’s sexual well-being and satisfaction. Similarly, mindfulness practices have been shown to increase variables related to self-esteem, which can be impacted by social and physical standards, and can influence sexuality. For instance, mindfulness improves body image, sexual self-esteem, and genital self-image.

On the other hand, mindfulness practices have been found to decrease sexual shame, sexual anxiety, and the link between alcohol consumption and sexual assault. These improvements have also been observed in men with physical disabilities.

More studies and meta-analyses on sexual satisfaction through meditation have been conducted, which summarised the following findings:

Increased Awareness and Sensuality: Meditation cultivates mindfulness, which allows you to become more aware of sensations in your body, including those related to sexual arousal. By being more present in the moment, you can enhance your experience of touch, pleasure, and intimacy.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can significantly impact sexual desire and performance. Meditation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation help reduce stress hormones like cortisol and promote relaxation, making it easier to let go of worries and focus on the present moment.

Improved Emotional Connection: Meditation can enhance emotional intimacy and connection with your partner by fostering empathy, compassion, and communication skills. As you become more attuned to your own emotions and those of your partner, you can deepen your bond and create a more fulfilling sexual relationship.

Enhanced Sexual Energy: Meditation practices, such as certain forms of yoga and tantra, aim to channel and cultivate sexual energy, often referred to as kundalini energy, throughout the body. By harnessing this energy and circulating it through various energy centres and chakras, individuals may experience heightened arousal, vitality, and pleasure.

Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction: For individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or difficulty reaching orgasm, meditation can be a helpful tool. By addressing underlying psychological factors, such as performance anxiety or negative self-talk, meditation can promote confidence, relaxation, and a healthier mindset around sexuality.

It's important to note that while meditation can offer significant benefits for sexual health and well-being, it's not a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment when dealing with serious sexual issues. Additionally, individual experiences with meditation may vary, so it's essential to explore different techniques and find what works best for you.