Is This Normal? Sex Questions You're Too Embarrassed to Ask

Why do I sometimes laugh or cry uncontrollably during sex?

"Sex is a neurological and emotional event," says Debby Herbenick, PhD, a research scientist at the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University and the author of Sex Made Easy. In other words, it's intense, and getting naked (physically and otherwise) with someone can trigger unexpected feelings. An emotional reaction could also be due to hormones, where you're at in your menstrual cycle or fears you have about the relationship. You know yourself best: If you feel something's not right, consider bringing it up with your partner or with a therapist.

I'm nowhere near menopause, but I'm as dry as the Sahara down there—even when I'm in the mood. How can this be?

There are lots of factors involved in keeping the vagina naturally lubricated, but anything that sabotages your hormone levels or your blood flow throughout the body can dry you out, says Streicher, who is working on a book about sexual health. She also says that about 5 percent of women taking oral contraception experience vaginal dryness—yet even some gynecologists neglect to make that connection. Other culprits that have nothing to do with age include antihistamines, breastfeeding, chemotherapy, in vitro fertilization and diabetes. (An easy solution: Streicher recommends applying a good silicone-based lubricant, like Wet Platinum, before sex.)

Next: Should I be worried if I bleed after sex?