The Time for Optimal Sex

Maybe the fact that those with chronic illness, particularly pelvic floor dysfunction and vulvodynia, may be relieved to know that for those in the general population, optimal sex takes only 3 to 13 minutes.

Maybe those who can't get it on as much aren't really suffering that much?

That was a bit tongue in cheek. I know full well we're suffering, but it just made me kind of giggle that even 3-13 minutes is good enough for most. For most of us with PFD or VV, 3-13 minutes wouldn't work out for a number of reasons (not enough time to prep, too much at once, etc.).

"There are so many myths in our culture of what other people are doing sexually," Brandon said. "Most people's sex lives are not as exciting as other people think they are."

Oh, dear sir...if only you knew.

The interesting part for those of us with chronic illness is this:

Corty said he hoped to give an idea of what therapists find to be normal and satisfactory among the couples they see.

Maybe this will help those of us (and I know it can be me from time to time) who think that we're less than normal when we can't get it on as much and for as long as others either sporadically, often or always.

And we all know, anything to make us feel a tad more "normal," helps.