Have you ever been told that spirituality has nothing to do with sex? Or that sex goes downhill after midlife? Or that sexual intimacy depends on Viagra and other pharmaceuticals? Or that almost half of all American women are sexually dysfunctional? These are some of the things medical research says. But these researchers are asking only about the performance aspects of sex-that is, genital stimulation and intercourse with a goal of orgasm.

What if we ask different questions?

This is what Dr. Gina Ogden has done. Her groundbreaking survey on Integrating Sexuality and Spirituality (ISIS) asks about the aspects of sex you can't count and measure-how sex feels, and what it means in our lives-no matter what our age, background, or choice of sexual partner.

The ISIS survey tells a whole new story

Although new ISIS data is not being collected right now, you can look at the ISIS survey to see how you might answer the questions. Note what questions you have problems answering, and what questions you might add to the survey. Taking the ISIS survey with your partner can open new areas of sexual communication for you. The survey questions can also be instructive for students, clients, and colleagues.

Click here to download the ISIS SURVEY

3,810-the number of women and men who answered the ISIS survey

18 - 86-the age range of ISIS respondents

78-the percent who say, "Sex is much more than intercourse; it involves all of me-body, mind, heart, and soul."

32-the percent who say sexual desire has been a source of guilt

68-the percent who've experienced sexual ecstasy

86-the percent who say a spiritual element is necessary for sexual satisfaction

27-the percent who experienced sexual abuse in childhood

81-the percent who say honesty and sharing deep feelings help sex feel spiritual

63-the percent who say letting go of control helps sex feel spiritual

61-the percent who say safety is important to their sexual well-being

4,412-the number of times ISIS respondents mentioned spiritual, emotional, and relational aspects of sexual experience

23-the number of times ISIS respondents mentioned genital stimulation and intercourse.

See Dr. Ogden's monograph from the Wellesley Centers for Research on Women: "Sexuality And Spirituality In Women's Relationships: Preliminary Results Of An Exploratory Survey." (click to: http://www.wcwonline.org/author305.html )