Sex still sells. But sex and anxiety sells even more — hence the never-ending features and programmes detailing the mistakes you might be making, gaps in your knowledge, and new things you simply must do with your body or be exposed as a prude. Women’s magazines are the most promiscuous in this area.
You would have thought that rising levels of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) would convince us of the need for good sex advice — someone who can help us negotiate and enjoy safer sex, cope with relationships, and debunk the many myths about sex. Sex education shouldn’t begin and end at school, and STIs are not just for teenagers.