How to have magnificent sex: 'We need to create new notions of romantic adult sexuality'

To understand the dynamics of successful lovemaking, academics interviewed couples who reported having extraordinary sex. Their findings give us a compelling insight into human relationships

'The myth I find the most toxic in my own therapy practice is that sex should be natural and spontaneous'

Certified sex therapist Dr Peggy Kleinplatz has spent much of her career working with clients who have symptoms of sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, difficulties with orgasm or pain on intercourse. However, in her role as Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Director of Sex and Couples Therapy Training at the University of Ottawa, Canada, she is also aware of how the topic of optimal sexual experiences has been marginalised and neglected in the academic study of sexuality. This was something she wanted to address in her new book, Magnificent Sex: Lessons From Extraordinary Lovers, co-written with Dr A. Dana Ménard, which is based on the findings of a groundbreaking in-depth interview study with people who reported having ‘extraordinary’ sex.

The book outlines the eight major components of magnificent sex, from deep sexual and erotic intimacy to being genuine, authentic and transparent.