Increasing intimacy with your partner

It’s important to know that pleasure is not just limited to sexual intercourse and orgasms. Our brains have a special area called the diencephalon, which can be activated by emotions, sensory perceptions, and thoughts. This means that we can experience sensuality and intimacy in many different ways.

There are various ways to express affection and connection with others, and create a sense of closeness. These can include having deep conversations where we express our wishes and needs, sharing imaginative and romantic experiences, practicing hobbies together, and making plans for the future.

Other ways to experience pleasure and intimacy can include gentle touching, oral stimulation, tender massages, and exploring erotic fantasies. By focusing on creating these intimate moments with our loved ones, we can build strong connections and deepen our relationships.

Author: Dipl. Biol. Esther Witte| Reviewer: Dr. Christian Keinki

Sources:

• Homepage. (2022). Cancer Care Map. https://www.cancercaremap.org/
• NHS website. (2021a, November 18). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/
• NHS website. (2022b, May 30). What does a sex therapist do? Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/what-does-a-sex-therapist-do/
• Sexual problems | Prostate cancer | Cancer Research UK. (2019). Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/practical-emotional-support/hormone-symptoms/sex-hormones-relationships
• Carter, J., Lacchetti, C., & Rowland, J. H. (2018). Interventions to Address Sexual Problems in People With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Adaptation Summary. Journal of Oncology Practice, 14(3), 173–179. https://doi.org/10.1200/jop.2017.028134
• sda.uk.net. (2016). Sexual Advice Association. http://www.sda.uk.net/ed
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. (2022, July 6). British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. https://www.bacp.co.uk/
• Support groups. (2022). Prostate Cancer UK. https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-support/support-groups
• Spencer, M. (2021, October 27). COSRT Factsheets: PDF Downloads: Information for the public on therapy. Cosrt. https://www.cosrt.org.uk/factsheets/