Many people often question whether their sexual arousal and level of interest is normal. They may wonder if they are too slow to warm up or, on the other hand, if they reach the point of climax too quickly. Once again, this is something that varies widely from one person to another. Don't try to compare yourself to others. For one thing, you can drive yourself crazy trying to figure out how you stack up against other people. Not to mention, you can't be sure you are getting totally accurate information. It probably won't shock you to learn that many people lie or exaggerate their sexual stats.

The important thing is figuring out what's normal — and ideal — for you. If you experience a sudden or drastic change in your libido or your ability to become sexually aroused, try to figure out what might be causing it. Red flags include: inability to become sufficiently aroused (meaning, inability to maintain an erection for men or inability to become lubricated and/or engorged for women), inability to reach a climax even after sufficient stimulation, and premature climax. Unfortunately, lots of things can disrupt your ability to become aroused or reach a climax, including medical conditions, prescription medications, and illness or injury. The good news: many of these situations are temporary or can be easily remedied.

However, should you notice a sudden change in your sexual responses that occurs for no apparent reason, you might want to address it with your doctor. It's possible there's a medical cause. (If not, you might need to consider whether it could be caused by a physiological or emotional issue, such as a problem with your relationship.) Keep in mind that slight fluctuations in desire and arousal are totally normal. For women, this often follows a pattern according to their menstrual cycle.