How to Cure My Sex Drive? Dive for Sea Urchins.

The idea made me nervous — I’d never done it before. Was I strong enough? Would I have a panic attack deep underwater? Would I get lost? Would I run out of air?

I spent the next couple of months learning how to dive: logging 30 hours to pass online tests, practicing in a pool, getting open-water certified, diving with safety divers off the California coast, not far from where I live in Los Angeles. The prep alone entailed 10 dives; ultimately I did close to 20.

Finally, in August, I was ready.

Jaime Lowe is a contributing writer for the magazine and author of three books, including “Breathing Fire.” Glenna Gordon is a photojournalist and teacher based in Los Angeles. Liana Finck is a New Yorker cartoonist and the author of several graphic novels, most recently “Let There Be Light.”