How Sex Works

From the New York Times–bestselling author. “How Sex Works manages to inject science writing with the prurient thrill of a gossip rag.” —O, The Oprah Magazine

Why are women biologically driven to find Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome?

Can more sex help ensure a safe pregnancy?

What effect does pornography have on a man’s fertility?

Dr. Sharon Moalem, author of the New York Times–bestseller Survival of the Sickest, takes us on a trip from prehistory to the forefront of cutting-edge medical research—and through a bedroom or two—to tell the story of how human sexuality has developed over time. How Sex Works challenges common perceptions about our bodies as it provides answers to such provocative questions as:

• Can the birth control pill influence the type of men women are attracted to?
• Why do hourglass-shaped women tend to be especially fertile?
• When are women most likely to cheat?
• Can twins have different fathers?

From the composition and function of human sex organs to the fascinating biochemistry behind sexual attraction, How Sex Works is an entertaining, comprehensive exploration of culture, biology, and history that takes us far beyond our common understanding of sex.

“Moalem makes evolution sexy and sex astonishing. If you’ve ever been surprised by either your body or your heart, this book will probably tell you why.” —E. Kinney Zalesne, New York Times–bestselling coauthor of Microtrends



“Read this book and discover sex again, but from a scientific perspective, and see why it evolved. It’s almost as much fun, and needs less energy.” —Peter Macinnis, author of Poisons