2014 saw some incredible scientific revelations about human sexual behavior. For centuries, humans have been trying to understand why we do the things we do when it comes to sex, and the latest research has brought us closer than ever to the answers.
Here are 10 of the biggest discoveries in sex research from 2014:.
1. Women are at their ‘horniest’ while ovulating
A study published in the journal Hormones and Behavior confirmed what has long been suspected: women are most sexually active during ovulation.
The researchers found that women’s sexual desire was highest during the 72-hour window in which they were most likely to conceive, and that this was accompanied by increased blood flow to the pelvic area and a more attractive scent.
2. Men with high testosterone seek out riskier sexual behavior
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with higher levels of testosterone were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, such as having multiple partners or having sex without a condom.
The researchers believe that this is because testosterone makes men more impulsive and less likely to consider the long-term consequences of their actions.
3. Pornography doesn’t necessarily negatively impact your sex life
Contrary to popular belief, a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that watching pornography doesn’t necessarily lead to a decline in sexual satisfaction or performance.
On the contrary, the researchers found that for some men, watching pornography actually increased their sexual satisfaction and confidence. However, the study also found that watching too much pornography can lead to negative consequences, such as unrealistic expectations and desensitization to real-life sexual experiences.
4. Women orgasm more during same-sex encounters
A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that women were more likely to orgasm during same-sex sexual encounters than during encounters with men.
The researchers believe that this may be because women are better able to communicate their sexual needs and preferences with other women, or because same-sex encounters tend to last longer and involve more stimulation of the clitoris, which is the primary source of female orgasm.
5. Men with high sperm counts are more attractive to women
A study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology found that women were more sexually attracted to men with higher sperm counts, presumably because this indicates greater fertility.
The researchers also found that men with higher sperm counts tended to have more masculine facial features, which are considered more attractive to women.
6. Women are more likely to orgasm during oral sex
A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that women were more likely to orgasm during oral sex than during vaginal intercourse.
The researchers believe that this is because oral sex provides more direct stimulation to the clitoris, which is the key to female orgasm.
7. People in open relationships tend to be just as satisfied as those in monogamous relationships
A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that people in open relationships, where they are free to have sex with other people outside of the relationship, tended to be just as satisfied with their sex lives and overall relationship satisfaction as those in monogamous relationships. However, the study also found that people in open relationships tended to experience more jealousy and insecurity than those in monogamous relationships.
8. Men who have sex with men are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections
A study published in the journal AIDS found that men who have sex with men were more likely to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than those who only have sex with women.
The researchers believe that this is because men who have sex with men are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, such as having multiple partners or having unprotected sex.
9. Sexual orientation is largely determined by genes
A study published in the journal Psychological Medicine found that sexual orientation is largely determined by genes, rather than environmental or social factors.
The researchers analyzed the DNA of over 800 openly gay men and found that they were more likely to share genetic markers than straight men. However, the study also found that sexual orientation is not determined by a single “gay gene”, but rather by a complex combination of genetic factors.
10. Different types of orgasms may be due to different types of nerve stimulation
A study published in the journal Clinical Anatomy found that different types of orgasms, such as clitoral, vaginal, and G-spot, may be due to different types of nerve stimulation.
The researchers believe that each type of orgasm may be the result of different nerves being stimulated in different ways, which could explain why some women are able to achieve multiple types of orgasm.