Let's talk about sex, baby!

So how do we go about doing that? That’s where I come in, Sex Therapist Catherine Novac. In the months to come I hope to inform, educate and answer the questions you dare and dare not ask. I wish to open minds with the topics I bring forth and capture your interest in the hope that you will walk away from this column with more than you started with.

You ask the question, I answer it. No topic is taboo. I will cover everything from orgasms to premature ejaculation, from child sex education to sexually transmitted diseases, from sexual orientation to sexual identity issues, and then there is the wondrous world of paraphilias.

Let’s talk about it, sex. The mere mention of “sex” elicits a wide range of responses and reactions. No matter how you say it, the word triggers memories, images, curiosity, and emotions... The emotions can range from arousal to embarrassment to repulsion.

Sex has many roles and many meanings in our lives. Sex is our gender, our sense of masculinity or femininity (or lack there of). Sexuality can be an intimate form of self-expression of one’s love and desire. It can be the expression of one’s anger and need to overpower. Sex can be a place to experiment, to test limits, to play or create a profound connection with another. It can also destroy one. A sexual relationship is one where values, beliefs, personality, sensuality and eroticism collide. Sexuality is nothing if not complex.

For some, the path to sexual self-discovery is straightforward. “What’s the big deal right?” “Just do it”. “Let go”. “Enjoy”.

For others this very same path is filled with many obstacles. The day may come where some major repair work is needed to make that path smooth again. Those obstacles can come in the form of performance anxiety, pressure, sexual trauma, and betrayal…

One thing is for sure, we are all sexual beings. Our sexual development starts the moment we are born and continues till the day we die. The range and variety with which we express this sexuality is vast.

So send me your questions and join the conversation. I look forward to chatting with you.

You can reach me via email at catherinenovac@videotron.ca or you can call me at 514-626-9307.