There is no ‘normal standard time’ for an intercourse. It depends upon the partners. Intercourse may be continued till it is mutually satisfying. A prolonged intercourse does not necessarily give more pleasure. This is a myth. What is important is not how long, but how satisfying?

Sexual intercourse is the means to an end, the end being pleasure. Therefore, a couple can have intercourse as often as it pleases them. It is a pleasure to be shared between the partners and there is no need to keep a tally. ‘Frequent’ or ‘normal’ depends upon the individual couple. The best thing to do is to forget the number’s game and indulge as often as it is mutually pleasurable and satisfying. What is- important is the quality and not the quantity.

Frequent Intercourse Harmfulness

Present medical knowledge acknowledges the fact that as long as intercourse occurs among accepting partners and is not associated with physical trauma or irritation, the act itself is not harmful, irrespective of its frequency.

Interplay implies the whole spectrum of interaction, that is the entire gamut of motions and emotions, between individuals indulging in ‘play’.

Foreplay is extremely important. It kindles desire and marks the beginning of the interplay. An adequate foreplay ensures adequate arousal and promotes sexual compatibility.

No. The diaphragm fits into the deep portion of the vagina where there are hardly any nerve endings. Real stimulation is in the outer aspect i.e. clitoris and the surrounding area and the outer one-third of the vagina. The diaphragm in no way inhibits a woman’s orgasm.

It is not necessary that a woman should reach orgasm during intercourse. She may achieve orgasm during foreplay or after play by any method including clitoral stimulation. What is important is satisfaction, no matter how one derives it.

Some women report an increase while others report a decrease in sexual desire at menopause. Increase in sexual desire may be because of relative freedom from pregnancy and hence one may respond and perform with greater abandon and enthusiasm. Some women harbor the misconception that menopause marks the end of their sexual career and this fear (about their waning sexuality) increases their sex drive so that they may reaffirm their femininity. A decline in sexual desire could be because of physical reasons.

During menopause (or even a few years earlier), a reduction in the secretion of the ovarian hormones may cause atrophy of the vaginal epithelium which leads to reduction in lubrication and hence pain at the time of sexual intercourse (which can be remedied by estrogen replacement therapy). This causes a decline in sexual desire and a woman avoids sexual overtures. Depression and anxiety are common features and they also tend to reduce the sexual desire.