Lately it seems like the only way I can get aroused is by reading dirty stories. Porn, dirty talk, even standard foreplay with my boyfriend won’t do it.

Is there something wrong with me? — J.I., Maine

As you haven’t relied on them in the past, it’s likely that you’re enjoying a phase and are spicing things up in your own way. Sex aids like vibrators, pornography and erotica books are good ways to speed up arousal. You can still get turned on without them, but it’s so much easier with their help that you start thinking you need them. It’s like making a cake from scratch versus making it from a mix. The cake made with the mix is pretty good and satisfies your cravings, but it’ll never be the same as a cake made entirely from scratch. 

Now, this is the part where I’m supposed to tell you to take a break from the sexy books and arouse yourself in other ways, but I refuse to tell anyone to read less. So let’s pray this doesn’t ruin your relationship and saddle you with a lifelong fetish (something that must be present in order for you to reach sexual completion).

Obviously you’re already checking out Penthouse Forum, an excellent source of naughty reading material, but let’s take it to the next level. There are a ton of great works of erotic literature out there that will definitely get the job done. And while there’s new stuff being published every day, I’m a fan of the tried-and-true classics, the books that have been helping people get off for years. They’ve lasted that long for a reason. Here are a few of my recommendations: The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty series by A. N. Roquelaure, an alter ego of Anne Rice; Little Birds and Delta of Venus by Anais Ninn; Lolita by Vladamir Nabakov; Fear of Flying by Eric Jong; Candy by Terry Southern; Island of the Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore; and Belle du Jour by Anonymous.

This column doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified health care professional for your medical, psychological, or relationship problems.