10 reasons to check out the Sexual Health Expo, 4/25-26

A sexual-health expo, on its face, makes sense.

It promises a judgment-free, inclusive and friendly space where men and women can learn, ask questions and pick up some lube or whatever they find themselves in need of.

But is it possible that something described simultaneously as the basic point of all living things' existence and the closest thing humans can do to commune fully with another could be boiled down, packed into to easy-to-understand five-item lists, reduced to a snappy selection of stress-free tips?

We can hope.

SHE: Sexual Health Expo promises to demystify the mysterious, simplify the complicated and bring humor and #realtalk to the awkward and sometimes shame-filled. The event is Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, at the Doubletree Resort by Hilton in Scottsdale.

Here are 10 reasons to check it out:

1. Learn how to express yourself

A "shocking number" of people essentially are having silent sex, according to sexuality educator Ashley Manta of Los Angeles.

"Most people are not dialoguing. That is the only way to get your needs met. Active checking in is really sexy; people think it's going to be really cumbersome, but it's actually really great," she said.

Manta will host "Talk Dirty to Me," a session on both being more vocal during sex and finding your own sexy voice and "dirty talk" style.

2. Learn how ergonomics applies to oral sex

"The act of oral sex, the misconceptions, the party tricks people try to attempt because they think they're porn stars, it's just hilarious," said Sandra Daugherty, who teaches classes, hosts events and runs the "Sex Nerd Sandra" podcast.

"A lot of people are really hung up on the physical discomfort. My throat hurts, my jaw hurts, my neck hurts. There are a lot of misconceptions, like you can't use your hands — use your hands, your arms, your elbows, your teeth, everything you've got. I find the most ergonomic, effective techniques and pass them along. I really want people to feel empowered and go the distance."

Daugherty is hosting a session on "Fellatio Fun: The Fundamentals of Oral."

3. Learn how to love your body while making love

The question Elle Chase gets asked the most is: "How can I get out there and date when I don't feel good about myself?"

First, you have to start working on feeling accepting of your body, says Chase, a Los Angeles sex educator and coach. You don't have to be in full acceptance of your body, but you have to be open to starting the process of self-acceptance.

"And the real answer is — there is not a short answer. The medium answer is — what I said above and what you see out there as attractive isn't real. So don't compare yourself to that."

Chase is teaching the workshop "Big Beautiful Sex: Body Image & Sexuality."

4. The expo is a celebration of normalcy

Many people don't feel comfortable talking about sex and worry that they're not normal, in terms of their anatomy, desires or sexual history.

"Most people just want to know if they are normal (which they are), and these kind of events are inclusive, educational and encourage people to learn more about their own sexuality, whether single or with a partner," said Emily Morse, a sexologist and host of the "Sex With Emily" podcast.

Morse is delivering the keynote address.

5. Learn how to find your sexy voice

"My favorite part of teaching dirty talk is finding your sexy voice," Manta said. "Slowing down, breathing, smiling when you're talking, dropping into your throat and getting a little breathy and trying it out. Go up an octave, whispering, experiment and figure out what feels the sexiest to you.

"The deal with sexy talk is it's so versatile; you can do it in person to enhance what you're doing in person. You can do it via text if you want to be discreet. Or you can do it over the phone if you want to have a really intimate experience with your partner, even though you're really far away."

If you're hesitant about finding your inner phone-sex operator, Manta suggests reading an erotic story out loud to your partner.

And, of course, Manta will walk you through what to do if your partner is not into the idea of feedback and instructions, even if given in a Jessica Rabbit voice.

6. It's a place for serious conversations

Almost everyone interviewed for this story addresses shame, awkwardness, fear of rejection and a myriad of other negative feelings that can be associated with intimacy and sexuality.

The experts at this expo are trained to help people think about these issues and to

start the process of reframing and moving through them. None of the workshops is a therapy session. But they are safe places to learn about getting some therapy, if that's what's needed.

7. You can bring questions and leave with solutions

Many of the speakers dish practical, how-to advice to try.

"Women typically want to talk about how to orgasm with a partner during intercourse. Many are surprised to learn that only 30 percent of women can actually orgasm this way and that there's nothing wrong with them," Morse said.

8. It's really not just about the sex

"Transactional sex is not what I talk about. I talk from a place of playfulness and curiousness," Daugherty said. "A lot of what I do is actually helping people understand that there's a whole series of tools that can help foster a relationship that can last a lifetime."

9. From tools to techniques, there's a bit of something for everyone

"There's a variety of workshops on a range of topics that are more in-depth on issues people really care about yet have no other place to find this kind of information," Morse said. "There are also booths with the latest and greatest products on the market, so they can really see what's out there and make decisions from educated people about what's right for their own sex life."

10. The expo can be transformational

People come to such events to learn, to be affirmed, to satisfy curiosities. Chase said they won't be disappointed.

"If you're desiring these changes in your life, you can get support for it, celebrated for it and tools for how to take these steps —whether that's practical what-to-do tips for how-to-do things or ways to think about yourself and others."

Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26. $25. Doubletree Resort by Hilton, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. sexualhealthexpo.com