Medical journalist Michael Castleman has answered more than 12,000 sex questions throughout his career, including on his website GreatSexGuidance.com, through his "All About Sex" blog on Psychology Today, or even when he used to answer all the sex questions for Playboy’s “Advisor” column in the '90s. From his numerous years of experience comes this, the most thorough consumer sexuality guide ever written. It’s full of state-of-the-art sex information and sage advice, all written by a decades-long trusted sex author.
Sizzling Sex for Life addresses men, but is exquisitely sensitive to women’s sexual sensibilities. While it focuses on sexual enhancement and the resolution of individual and couple sex problems, it transcends similar books by delving into social/political sexual issues, including school sex education and pornography—and in today’s fraught #MeToo environment, prevention of sexual assault and harassment. This compelling, sex-positive guide will benefit men and women, from the teen years to old age. It offers an in-depth investigation of sexual issues throughout the lifespan, based on 2,500 studies published over the past seventy years—more source material by far than any other sex guide.
This book truly does it all, and does it respectfully. It reassures men that their sexual concerns can usually be happily resolved with self-help or brief professional therapy: penis size issues, premature ejaculation, orgasm/ejaculation difficulties, arousal problems, and erectile dysfunction. It comforts women that they can rediscover lost libido, have orgasms every time, and cure their sexual pain. It assures couples that their leading sexual complaint, desire differences, can usually be resolved to mutual satisfaction. It reassures parents that they can maintain their sex lives, provide effective sex education to their children, and survive today’s young-adult hook-up culture. It informs the elderly and those with chronic illnesses and disabilities that great sex is still possible. It reassures sexual minorities that they are psychologically normal and that LGBT sex, BDSM, and consensual non-monogamy are more popular than most people believe.
Whether for procreation, relationship affirmation, or just for fun, lovemaking is normal, healthy, nurturing, often therapeutic, and usually emotionally satisfying. Whether you're looking to learn more, have a specific question, or just want to spice things up between the sheets, this is your ultimate guide to better enjoy one of life's top pleasures.
Reviews (59)
The first and last self-help book you will need on male sexuality.
Possibly the first and last self-help book you will need on male sexuality. Sizzling Sex equips readers with the newest findings in the field of male sexuality paired with practical knowledge cultivated through Michael Castleman’s decades of experience as a sex therapist. Quiet elegantly, Michael Castleman answers some of the pressing questions such as how to be a better lover and how to improve your sexual communication? Additionally, Sizzling Sex challenges the myths around male sexuality and provide practical solutions to everyday problems. This book is fiercely intelligent, provocative and extremely witty. I highly recommend it to readers who seek to deepen their understanding of male sexuality and one that I will suggest to my patients.
Excellent and Inclusive
We think we know everything about sex but sometimes you don't now what you don't know! When I was a third of the way through my copy, I quickly ordered Michael Castleman's book for a couple of my friends and they (and their partners) love it! It's a fun, inclusive, and very informative read. I've been following Mr. Castleman's work for years and have always been impressed with his writing style, breadth of knowledge, compassion, and sense of humor. He is a skilled professional and an empathic educator.
A Wonderful Book on a Wonderful Subject!
Michael’s assembled a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom about sex, intimacy and relationships and put it all into one book that’s easy and engaging to read. Reading it, I realized there’s a lot of information and advice in here I didn’t know, I wish I knew, needed to know and now I’m glad I do. Wonderfully presented and thought-provoking on a very provocative subject - sex.
Essential Reading for the Young at Heart
Fascinating, fun, factually accurate and complete, Michael Castleman's Sizzling Sex for Life makes for essential reading for the young at heart and those of both sexes who want to keep the love light burning--strongly! -- Steve Chapple, co-author Burning Desires: Sex in America, A Report from the Field
Straight-forward explanations of healthy sex from children to adults, including the elderly.
This is a book that everyone should have. Learn in clear, unbiased language the full scope of making a key ingredient in life more pleasurable and fulfilling for yourself and your partner, regardless of sexual orientation, and read a primer on healthy sexuality among children. It's the best of its kind and highly regarded by other experts in the field.
Sizzles!
Yep, this book sizzles. Read it, enjoy it and learn from it...it's all you need to know and more about sex, pleasure and even stuff you hadn't even considered. Who wouldn't want to know more about this important part of life from someone who has done the research. It's one of the few books on sex that is both informative and a good read.
Answers Every Question You Can Think Of
This comprehensive guide to sexuality answers every question a reader could think to ask. Not only how to enjoy great, satisfying lovemaking, but also how to solve sexual issues at any age. Reading Castleman’s brilliantly written book – with its up-to-date research, humor, and compassion – is like getting advice from a trusted, longtime friend.
A Great Read at Any Age!
This book is full of factual and helpful advice for a satisfying, fulfilling sex life at any age. Castleman's expertise in this field shines through in not only helping to increase pleasure but also helping to solve any related issues or problems. Recommended for anyone at any age.
Comprehensive but fun
Mr. Castleman writes in a clear and engaging style that makes the subject matter serious and fun at the same time. The setup of the book makes information easy to find and isolate. Kudos.
How wonderful and concise Mr. Castleman's research is
Michael is a real human being; funny, sensitive, smart and dedicated to his love of writing. All this really comes out in his book - in this book are the things we all need to know are talk about and here it all is. Great job!!
The first and last self-help book you will need on male sexuality.
Possibly the first and last self-help book you will need on male sexuality. Sizzling Sex equips readers with the newest findings in the field of male sexuality paired with practical knowledge cultivated through Michael Castleman’s decades of experience as a sex therapist. Quiet elegantly, Michael Castleman answers some of the pressing questions such as how to be a better lover and how to improve your sexual communication? Additionally, Sizzling Sex challenges the myths around male sexuality and provide practical solutions to everyday problems. This book is fiercely intelligent, provocative and extremely witty. I highly recommend it to readers who seek to deepen their understanding of male sexuality and one that I will suggest to my patients.
Excellent and Inclusive
We think we know everything about sex but sometimes you don't now what you don't know! When I was a third of the way through my copy, I quickly ordered Michael Castleman's book for a couple of my friends and they (and their partners) love it! It's a fun, inclusive, and very informative read. I've been following Mr. Castleman's work for years and have always been impressed with his writing style, breadth of knowledge, compassion, and sense of humor. He is a skilled professional and an empathic educator.
A Wonderful Book on a Wonderful Subject!
Michael’s assembled a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom about sex, intimacy and relationships and put it all into one book that’s easy and engaging to read. Reading it, I realized there’s a lot of information and advice in here I didn’t know, I wish I knew, needed to know and now I’m glad I do. Wonderfully presented and thought-provoking on a very provocative subject - sex.
Essential Reading for the Young at Heart
Fascinating, fun, factually accurate and complete, Michael Castleman's Sizzling Sex for Life makes for essential reading for the young at heart and those of both sexes who want to keep the love light burning--strongly! -- Steve Chapple, co-author Burning Desires: Sex in America, A Report from the Field
Straight-forward explanations of healthy sex from children to adults, including the elderly.
This is a book that everyone should have. Learn in clear, unbiased language the full scope of making a key ingredient in life more pleasurable and fulfilling for yourself and your partner, regardless of sexual orientation, and read a primer on healthy sexuality among children. It's the best of its kind and highly regarded by other experts in the field.
Sizzles!
Yep, this book sizzles. Read it, enjoy it and learn from it...it's all you need to know and more about sex, pleasure and even stuff you hadn't even considered. Who wouldn't want to know more about this important part of life from someone who has done the research. It's one of the few books on sex that is both informative and a good read.
Answers Every Question You Can Think Of
This comprehensive guide to sexuality answers every question a reader could think to ask. Not only how to enjoy great, satisfying lovemaking, but also how to solve sexual issues at any age. Reading Castleman’s brilliantly written book – with its up-to-date research, humor, and compassion – is like getting advice from a trusted, longtime friend.
A Great Read at Any Age!
This book is full of factual and helpful advice for a satisfying, fulfilling sex life at any age. Castleman's expertise in this field shines through in not only helping to increase pleasure but also helping to solve any related issues or problems. Recommended for anyone at any age.
Comprehensive but fun
Mr. Castleman writes in a clear and engaging style that makes the subject matter serious and fun at the same time. The setup of the book makes information easy to find and isolate. Kudos.
How wonderful and concise Mr. Castleman's research is
Michael is a real human being; funny, sensitive, smart and dedicated to his love of writing. All this really comes out in his book - in this book are the things we all need to know are talk about and here it all is. Great job!!
Good Stuff
Good information and advice, especially for oldsters like me. Eventually the day will come when outercourse replaces intercourse.
Thank youo
At 73 years old and 41 years of marriage, thank you for these words and reflections.
A Wonderful guide for all
authoritative, complete, and enjoyably written text.
Must read!
What an incredible book for lovers! This will change your life!
Thoughtful, approachable guidebook, based in facts and studies
This book offers much in the way of practical advice for its target audience, straight men who seek intimate relationships with women. (Although it does address LGBT people and other sexual minorities with respectful advice as well). Journalist Michael Castleman, used to answering questions from the public, helps people figure out how to best enjoy lovemaking at all ages, from early to late adulthood. He addresses common issues (communication in the bedroom, different levels of desire between partners, masturbation, and porn) as well as dealing with past sexual abuse or trauma, illness and disability, and getting older. I'm nearly 40 and have both things I remember facing and things I will face in the future within these pages! This book also does a great job of balancing practical intimate advice for couples with commentary on larger subjects (how men can avoid harassing people and make sure they are engaging in activity with enthusiastic consent, and how to approach pornography as a couple and what NOT to learn from it). Overall very thoughtful title that will help many people! And the author is still answering sexuality questions from anonymous members of the public.
Everything you want to know...and SO MUCH MORE!
Wow! What a treasure trove of information! As a family doctor, I thought I might find some useful counseling ideas in this book, and hey, maybe pick up a few pointers myself. There is plenty of practical advice on how to make sex more fun and worry-free for everyone, all explained in a casual style that belies the impressive research that went into the book. But Castleman goes well beyond the usual sexual challenges–how to negotiate what you want, how to deal with orgasm problems (too early, too late, not at all...), masturbation, etc. He also tackles more controversial subjects like BDSM, pornography and polyamory with fact-packed insight. It's worth the price just for the endless list of slang terms for masturbating! (Tickled your pickle lately?) Seriously, if you have a question about sex at any age, this book has the answer.
Excellent, factual, comprehensive, easy to read.
I've have been lecturing around the world as a Ph.D. sexuality educator for over 20 years, and this book is GREAT! Comprehensive in scope, full of facts, not rumors, about sexuality. Topics from asexuality to clear consent (say yes or no, not "maybe"), from advice your MD won't give you, such as "don't ejaculate for four days before your PSA test because it will spike your levels." There's an excellent overview on different forms of contraception/birth control, it's easy to read and understand. Sex and disability, and sex and aging, are both covered, which is a nice change of pace! (There are other books that focus on these areas exclusively, for those who need more details.) Sex is good and healthy. Alcohol can mess up your judgment, and impair that erection your were hoping to have. Vibrators, anal sex, ovulation, swinging, porn, dealing with post-rape trauma, kink, self-help, LGBTQI+...Michael has written an excellent book covering countless aspects of human sexuality. Unlike lots of American school sex education, this is based on facts and science, which is not required in 3/4 of the states! An excellent book, suitable for anyone from the age of puberty onwards, since we all have a penis or a vagina, and sexuality is healthy and normal and fun.
Interesting and informative about sex. I learned a lot!
There seem to be two types of sexual advice books, one from doctors, and one from alternative sexual health advocates. Books from doctors tend to be accurate but uninteresting, and dismissive of any findings that are not heavily researched. Books from alternative sex advocates, are livelier, optimistic, but often written by people with a product to sell. Michael’s book combines the best of both types and is informal and accurate. Michael has the perfect temperament for talking about sexual matters. He is non-judgmental in his approach and backs his words with solid research. When talking about medicines for ED he discusses the studies that show traditional treatments, like ginseng, ginkgo, and saffron, can be effective. Even when he takes a controversial stand on pornography, Michael backs up his words with numerous scientific studies. The book covers sex at any age, men’s and women’s sexual problems, and niche subjects, from anal sex to vibrators. Michaels superb writing is filled with humor and compassion. I highly recommend this book.
Comprehensive
This is not your typical sex book and is recommended for those readers who are looking for a comprehensive and well-researched book that covers everything about sex from soup to nuts. The content goes well beyond what might be found in a self-help book or manual; notably, it covers the societal aspects in a thoughtful manner. Nonetheless, if you are looking for advice, having this book means that you won't have to go it alone.
Best Answers to the Most Essential Questions About the Most Questioned Subject on Earth
I've been a sex therapist for 30-plus years, and Michael Castleman has been answering sex questions since I was barely a teenager. He's answered all the big questions -- patiently, over and over again -- for fifty years. This volume contains Castleman's best answers to the most essential questions about the most questioned subject on earth. As such, it deserves a place on any educated person's bookshelf. Well done!
Excellent Read .. our sex life is Sizzling ✨✨❤️
Wow !!! The book is fantastic!! It was super , dealing with sex for all ages . Reading it, I realized there’s a lot of information and advice in here I didn’t know, I wish I knew, needed to know and now I’m glad I do. Wonderfully presented and thought-provoking .
Reliable, practical, and easy-to-read
Whether you love sex, hate sex, have never had sex, or are confused about sex, this book is for you. Unlike the jillions of sex blogs and internet sex articles that beg for our attention, this book is based on sound science and the experience of dozens of well-known sex therapists. It's easy to read, because it's so focussed on the real-world experiences of real people. But it doesn't settle for anecdotes or political correctness--Castleman is the country's #1 journalist of sexuality, and so he backs up everything he says with impressive research. Castleman does an exquisite job of discussing how men and women can discuss sex, understand each others' sexuality, and actually ENJOY sex TOGETHER--what more could you ask for?
Perspective from an avid reader
What Roger Angell is to baseball, Mr Castleman is to the important world of our sexual education/awareness . It’s not a manual of how to reach lothario status but certainly more of a guide that allows sexual partners to learn how to enjoy one another. A comprehensive book that one can leaf through in order to find out about any particular concern(s) someone might have related to a wide variety of issues related to sex. Sex is a blast! I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want helpful tips😇
Is it an Encyclopedia, a Humor Book or a Fix-It Manual?
It's all these things, and more! You can immerse yourself in this weighty tome or just leaf through it- you'll learn something fascinating and new in just about any section. This book will inform you, provide entertainment, make you laugh out loud, and turn you into a more skillful and capable lover. Heartily recommended, by a Sex Therapist with 20+ years of experience.
I want to give copies to everyone I know
After decades of being sexually active, my partner and I thought we knew everything there was to know. But this book is a treasure chest that we've been enjoying and learning from. A must for anyone over 50.
Will become a "standard desk reference" for healthcare providers
Michael Castleman has published a delightfully readable magnum opus on human sexuality that will become a "standard desk reference" for any healthcare provider who wants to be up to date on this important topic. Across a dazzling array of issues, in brief essays he captures information—the scientific research, good self-help books, passionate controversies—and presents it beautifully. Chapter 22, "You're Insatiable!" "You Never Want To!" How Sex Therapists Recommend Overcoming Desire Differences, is one of my favorite readings for my clients. As you can tell by the title, Sizzling Sex for Life, it is a pleasure-focused book but doesn't cut corners in dealing with difficult issues. -- Elizabeth Rae Larson, MS, DHS, LMHC; certified sex therapist, sex educator, clinical sexologist
Everything you need to know about sex...and more!
Consummate medical journalist Michael Castleman has culled through 2,500 studies so you don't have to. This new 441-page tome answers all your questions, plus ones you didn't dare dream of. Jargon-free, this book is fun to read. More than any other sex writer I know of, he has taught men to be thoughtful sex partners, while maximizing their own lifelong pleasures. Dr. Janet Lever, former "Sex and Health" columnist for GLAMOUR.
Lots of helpful information, even for the experienced
This book if filled with well organized information, making it easy to learn something in topics of interest. If you are open minded enough to want to learn something, this book will help you do so.
Something for everyone and more.....
Michael is an excellent writer. In this book he covers many topics including controversial ones like porn addiction, rape and sexual abuse, and BDSM and Kink. Senior sexuality is discussed thoroughly, as is erectile dysfunction and problems with women's orgasm. I recommend this book for everyone, from sexual novice to sexuality Expert. Michael backs up his information with research. A "must read" for anyone interested in sex, which is most of us!
A necessary book for all adults looking to maximize their sexual pleasure
Michael has written a 400+ page book that will answer any of your sexual questions, male or female, young or old. Written in a very professional manner, Michael cites numerous studies to support the information in this comprehensive book. I highly recommend this book for all adults to enhance their sex lives with their partners and answer the many sex-related questions they didn’t even know they had!
A Must-Read
Sizzling Sex is packed with so much wonderful information! It's a book I know I'll reference time and again as a sex therapist and one I'll also recommend to clients. It's easy to read, accessible, and written in a way that will help you feel more confident about your sexuality. - Emily Jamea, PhD, LMFT, LPC, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
An excellent book for everyone.
“Sizzling Sex for Life” is a wonderful book for everyone. You learn everything you ever wanted to know about sex. On the one hand it is very informative, and on the other hand it is very personal. The book is humorous and serious, it debunks myths and expands truths, it is for young and old, LBGTQ and straight. “Sizzling Sex for Life” is factual and a good read. I highly recommend it for everyone .
WONDERFUL, IMPORTANT READ FOR ANY LOOKING TO STUDY THIS SUBJECT
Thrilling and educational book from an insightful author. Grounded in facts, this go-to reference book for all things sex is essential reading for anyone looking to take a deep dive into the subject. I would highly reccomend other works from the author as well. His expertise spans many subjects.
Easy, fun, informative, immensely readable.
Castleman brings humor, wit and clarity to all of his work, including here. A lot of thought went into this book, from the research, to the writing, to the organization. Each chapter––and there are chapters on a wide range of interesting and pertinent aspects of sex––provides a ton of info. Importantly, each of these chapter stands alone. The result is a book full of clear and easy to digest facts and advice that can be consulted quickly and often. Well done.
Encyclopedic resource on sex in all its flavors and manifestations.
"Sizzling Sex for Life" is a brilliant encyclopedic guide and resource dealing with sex in all its flavors and manifestations. Michael Castleman offers information and advice with clarity, perspective, and a delightful overarching sense of humor that in no way undercuts the seriousness of his subject. This is a great, highly readable, resource for anyone wanting to understand and experience sex fully and richly. Highly recommended!
Calm, clear, helpful, supportive, reassuring
This book is like having the best older brother of all time sit down and take his time explaining sex, sexuality, loving, caring, and who's not afraid to discuss all the physical aspects of sex. You feel like somehow Michael listened to your own personal questions and then responded with thoughtfulness and knowledge. This book feels good to have in the house.
A Must Read for Anyone Old Enough to Know What Physical Intimacy Is
As a clinical and developmental psychologist, Michael Castleman's witty and comprehensive guide alerts me to all I need to know and learn and it reminds us all that it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings--that is, our intimate lives and erotic pleasures start when we're first ready and can stay with us until we're no longer here. Thank you, Michael Castleman. Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D.
As easy to read as it is informative
As easy to read as it is informative.
Clear, accurate, entertaining and fascinating information
As a former sex therapist and a present human being I have always find Castleman's sex writing some of the best around. I whole-heartedly recommend it.
A Bright Light in the Darkness
In this extraordinary book, Michael Castleman's decades of experience shines through. How rare to find a well-written book that is both wise and witty, informative and entertaining! Highly recommended!
Just a regular person.
I am not a therapist, clinician, medical doctor or professional in the world of health and sexuality. Just a senior citizen who wishes this book had been written 20 years ago. It is an encyplodia of a lifetime of research in sex and sexuality. Not a bedside book but one for the resource part of your library. It answers all your questions and some you might not have thought of!
Invaluable!
This book is invaluable for all humans. It is comprehensive, well thought-out and well written. It is especially valuable for senior citizens like me who are puzzling through the aging process but anyone of any age or gender will discover useful and beneficial information. Highly recommended.
Everything you could ever want to know!
This book is a great, easy to read and in-depth book about all topics involving sexual health, is all gender inclusive, and answers any questions you may have throughout each life stage. If you ever wanted answers to sex questions, including how to have sizzling sex for life, this is the book for you ;) Highly recommend!!
Well-written, informative, humorous
It's sad that books like this one are still so badly needed, but they are. Everyone--even knowledgeable experts--will learn something from Castleman's book. Most people will learn a ton, and have an enjoyable read at the same time.
The Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sex for this generation!
Michael, once again, proves his dedication to research and clarity about everything sexual. So informative. Short chapters get right to the meat of the issue. Bravo!
Leaves almost no stone unturned
Very well written, extremely thoroughly researched and documented, covers almost every issue related to satisfying or problematic sexual issues I can think of. As a physician, I would heartily recommend it to both mend and women. And humor always helps!
Read it with my partner
My partner and I read Michael's book in bed! Enjoyable, informative and warm. Recommended!
Good Read
Thank you Michael. I have gained knowledge in the first few chapters that I thought I already knew. Easy read and very clear. Thanks again for sharing your insight.
Must read
A very informative book. Castleman provides practical advice and tons of useful information. The chapters are segmented well and is a nice guide towards progress.