MORE PASTA THAN PASSION
Oh, oh… Despite their reputation as passionate, an Italian study has revealed that 40 percent of the country’s couples no longer have sex. This is attributed in part to a drop in the Italian male sex drive. Chiara Simonelli, a sexologist with the University of Rome found that the number of men with low sex drives had increased threefold in the last ten years. As well as this, the study found that the number of Italian men who preferred cyber sex or sex with prostitutes is rapidly increasing.

WOODEN TOYS FOR PRISON WARDENS
Upon his release a Swedish ex-con decided to make his feelings towards female prison employees clear by presenting them with hard-carved wooden penises and a note saying he hoped the dildos would be put to good use. The recipients were not amused and reported the matter to police. The former prisoner was charged with sexual molestation and fined.

TSA SAY NO TO NIPPLE RINGS
America’s Transportation Security Administration have taken their definition of dangerous items to a bizarre new level by forcing a woman to remove her nipple rings with pliers before boarding a plane. After the piercing caused the handheld metal detector to beep, Mandi Hamlin offered to show the rings to a female officer in private but male officers at the airport refused to allow her to board without removing the jewellery. Hamlin has accused the male officers of sniggering when she removed the jewellery and has filed a complaint for pain and public humiliation.

BOOKS
Like millions of women my first introduction to sexual information came via the glossy pages of Cosmo. If you’ve ever read the magazine, then Cosmo’s Guide to Red-Hot Sex is pretty much what you’d expect – plenty of pictures of young, gorgeous people with lithe bodies and straight-forward advice. The book covers all the basics including seduction tips, massage, oral sex, positions, after-play and a beginner’s guide to anal play. It’s is a good introduction for younger and less experienced women, but if that’s not you, give it a miss. Available from Books Unlimited for e25.37 (see www.booksunlimited.ie)

TOYS
DUREX PLAY TOUCH
Durex’s latest disposal toy is a little vibe that packs a fair punch despite its tiny size. The vibe slips onto your finger and comes with two power cells for up to 40 minutes of vibrations. It’s small, discreet, suitable for penetration and waterproof – I tried mine out in the bath. This is the perfect introductory vibe for those a little wary of sex toys and a good choice for women who would like to use toys with a partner, but are worried about giving offence. Available from Boots for e16.

Sexton’s Miscellany
A SHORT HISTORY OF VIBRATORS
Necessity is the mother of invention – Cleopatra is said to have used a container filled with buzzing bees as a vibrator.
In the nineteenth century doctors treated women for ‘excessive lubrication’ or ‘pelvic heaviness’. They used water jets and steam-powered vibrators to help the patient achieve ‘paroxysm’.
A coal-fired vibrator called the ‘Manipulator’ was invented in 1869. The first electric one appeared in 1883.
Vibrators were considered respectable massage devices until the 1920s when they began appearing in pornographic films. Magazine adverts even advised men to buy them for their wives to keep them ‘young and pretty’.
According to the Durex Sexual Well-being Global Survey 21% of people worldwide have used a vibrator.

Sex Tip
TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

Men, in the desire to please and act like sex gods, frequently concentrate on sexual gymnastics and erogenous hotspots. This is not always wise. Sometimes slowing things right down is far more pleasurable for the ladies.
Take your time – most women need around 20 minutes of foreplay in order to reach orgasm.
Most women love to kiss, so spend plenty of time kissing before and even during penetration.
Irish people can be a little weird about compliments. However, almost certainly the woman in your life – or should that be bed? – will appreciate knowing that you find her sexy, sensual or beautiful.
Don’t focus exclusively on the genitals and nipples. Skin is the body’s largest erogenous zone. While a massage is always appreciated, just running your hands across the body feels sensual and sexy.
Spend time exploring the body to discover the little sweet spots that can drive a woman crazy – try back of the knees, wrists, neck, feet and the undersides of the breasts.
For a great many women, a feeling of connection with their partner during sex is what makes the experience so worthwhile. Use positions that allow you to kiss, to hold your partner tight –and look her in the eyes during penetration.