---
title: "When Sex is a Bummer: How To Turn Your Sex Life Around"
date: 2015-03-15T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/when-sex-is-a-bummer-how-to-turn-your-sex-life-around"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# When Sex is a Bummer: How To Turn Your Sex Life Around

How do you deal with sex or sexual encounters that are anything from disappointing to all-out lousy, and can there be hidden value in crummy sex?

> Sex and sexuality really are a lifelong learning process for everyone, and something people tend to become more comfortable and confident with over time. Like anything else, sex with ourselves or others is often something where our experiences improve with practice, and where, when we’re just starting — and I mean in the first decade or so of exploring, not the first few days, weeks or months — we’re more likely to experience more not-so-amazings as we are knock-your-socks-offs.

[Read the full article ](https://www.scarleteen.com/article/relationships/when_sex_is_just_a_ing_bummer)

SOURCE: Scarleteen • AUTHOR: Heather Corinna • LAST UPDATED: December 16, 2023

![Pexels alex green person on bed in clothes scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Alex Green/Pexels

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ sexualities, gender, and relationships](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexualities-gender-relationships)
- [ sex education](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/sex-education)
- [sexual activity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-activity)
- [sex education](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sex-education)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Low Sexual Desire Levels

While motherhood decreased SA’s desire to have sex, communicating with her husband and redefining what sex looks like for their relationship has been helpful.

![Steph](data:image/png;base64,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)

While motherhood decreased SA’s desire to have sex, communicating with her husband and redefining what sex looks like for their relationship has been helpful.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-low-desire-levels)

[ResourcesRead

## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.

![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.

![My Story- Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wanting-more-in-the-sex-ed-curriculum)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Setting Boundaries and Communicating

MB discusses how consent, communication, and boundaries as practiced in sexual relationships can also be useful in working relationships.

![My Story- Setting Boundaries and Communicating](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses how consent, communication, and boundaries as practiced in sexual relationships can also be useful in working relationships.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-setting-boundaries-and-communicating)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.

![My Story- Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-about-what-sex-ed-in-school-didnt-teach-me)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Being in a Relationship When You Don’t Like Your Body

"Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for."

![201711youngwoman](data:image/png;base64,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)

"Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for."](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-being-in-a-relationship-when-you-dont-like-your-body)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Claiming Back My Sexuality and Body

L discusses how she reclaimed a sense of confident power in her own body and her sexuality, from contraceptive choices to the decision to have a natural birth with no medication.

![Mom and newborn baby skin to the skin after birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

L discusses how she reclaimed a sense of confident power in her own body and her sexuality, from contraceptive choices to the decision to have a natural birth with no medication.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/claiming-back-my-body)

[ResourcesRead

## How Young Urban Women Experience Menstruation

We share findings from a recent qualitative study that explores how moving from rural areas to cities ends up affecting menstrual health in India.

![Three Indian school girls](data:image/png;base64,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)

We share findings from a recent qualitative study that explores how moving from rural areas to cities ends up affecting menstrual health in India.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menstruation-urban-india)