SEX is a learned act.

That's right, said Dr Martha Lee, who is believed to be Singapore's first female sexologist. Otherwise, how does one explain the couples who seek her advice in their uncertainty of how to consummate their marriage?

She said women have to first get comfortable with their own sexuality. The problem now is that some women here are simply too shy.

Dr Lee is not a fertility doctor but a clinical sexologist who provides sexuality and intimacy coaching. Think of her this way, it's like turning to a friend for advice - the only difference is, she has a good knowledge of human sexuality.

That Dr Lee is a woman makes it easier for other women to share their dark bedroom secrets.

Dr Lee, 33, told The New Paper on Sunday: "The best thing about my job is seeing the glimmer of hope on the faces of clients, reigniting the sparkle of light in their eyes."

Dr Lee has a doctorate in human sexuality from the Institute of Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco and a certificate in sex therapy from the Florida Sex Therapy Institute.

Yet, the term "sexologist" still rings unfamiliar with many people and she often gets questions about the work she does from people she meets for the first time.

Dr Lee said a clinical sexologist helps people with their sexual concerns in a clinic or counselling setting - unlike the gynaecologists, urologists and general practitioners that those who struggle with sexual difficulties and concerns may commonly approach.

There is also self-styled sex guru Wei Siang Yu, better known by his nickname "Dr Love".

He recently launched an online sexuality education portal, which is aimed at providing young people with interactive online sex education in Singapore.

To be a board-certified sexologist, one has to complete between 300 and 500 hours of training in human sexuality.

Those who possess an academic degree such as a doctorate, like Dr Lee, would have completed between 3,000 and 5,000 hours.

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