Human sexuality is a complex topic, and as much as we may think we know about it, there are always new discoveries and surprising facts to learn. Here are thirty surprising facts about human sexuality:.
1. Men Think About Sex More Often Than Women
While the stereotype is that men think about sex all the time, studies indicate that men do in fact think about sex more often than women. Men tend to think about sex multiple times per day, while women think about it less frequently.
2. Orgasms Help Reduce Stress
Orgasms have been shown to release endorphins, which help reduce stress and anxiety. So, in addition to feeling good physically, having an orgasm can also help you feel better mentally.
3. Some People Can Orgasm From Touching Their Nipples Alone
While this may not be the case for everyone, some people can in fact have an orgasm simply by stimulating their nipples. This is due to the fact that the nipples are highly sensitive and can be an erogenous zone for some individuals.
4. Women Can Reach Multiple Orgasms
Unlike men, who typically experience a refractory period after an orgasm, many women are capable of multiple orgasms during a single sexual experience.
5. The Clitoris Has More Nerve Endings Than Any Other Part of the Body
Despite its small size, the clitoris contains over 8,000 nerve endings, making it the most sensitive part of the body.
6. Women’s Sexual Desire Can Increase During Ovulation
During ovulation, women’s bodies release more estrogen, which can lead to an increase in sexual desire and arousal. This is in part why some women experience heightened levels of desire around the time of ovulation.
7. Men Can Have Multiple Orgasms Too
While it’s not as common as it is for women, some men are capable of having multiple orgasms during a single sexual encounter. This is typically achieved by delaying ejaculation and continuing stimulation after the initial orgasm.
8. The Pill Can Affect Women’s Sexual Desire
Studies have shown that the use of hormonal birth control, such as the pill, can decrease women’s sexual desire and arousal. This is due to the fact that the pill alters hormone levels in the body.
9. The Average Sexual Encounter Lasts about 5-7 Minutes
Despite what you may see in movies or read in books, the average length of a sexual encounter is only about 5-7 minutes. Of course, this can vary depending on the individuals involved and other factors.
10. Testosterone Levels Influence Sexual Desire in Men and Women
While commonly thought of as a male hormone, testosterone also plays a role in women’s sexual desire. Both men and women with higher levels of testosterone tend to have higher levels of sexual desire and arousal.
11. Some People Are Asexual
Asexuality is a sexual orientation in which individuals do not experience sexual attraction or desire. This is a valid and legitimate orientation, although it is often misunderstood or dismissed by those who do not identify as asexual.
12. Sexual Fantasies Are Common and Normal
Many people have sexual fantasies, and this is completely normal and healthy. Sexual fantasies can be a way to explore desires or experience things that may not be possible in real life.
13. Women Can Ejaculate
While commonly associated with men, women can in fact ejaculate as well. This is known as female ejaculation, and it occurs when fluid is released from the Skene’s glands during sexual stimulation.
14. People Who Masturbate Regularly Have Better Sex Lives
People who masturbate regularly tend to have higher levels of sexual satisfaction and better sex lives overall. Masturbation can help individuals explore their own desires and preferences, which can translate to better sexual experiences with partners.
15. People Can Be Attracted to Both Genders
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation in which individuals are attracted to both genders. This is a valid and legitimate orientation, although it is often misunderstood or dismissed by those who do not identify as bi.
16. Sexual Orientation Can Be Fluid
While some people may have a clear and consistent sexual orientation throughout their lives, for others it can be more fluid and change over time. This is completely normal and a valid way to experience sexuality.
17. Women Can Be Unable to Orgasm
While many women are capable of orgasm, some are not. Female anorgasmia is the inability to achieve orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation and arousal.
18. Men Can Experience Painful Erections
Priapism is a medical condition in which men experience a prolonged and painful erection. This can be a serious medical issue and requires prompt treatment.
19. Men’s Sexual Desire Decreases as They Age
While women tend to experience a decline in sexual desire during menopause, men’s sexual desire decreases more gradually as they age. This can be affected by factors such as health, hormone levels, and relationship status.
20. Sexual Dysfunctions Are Common
While many people may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about sexual dysfunctions, they are actually quite common.
Issues such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and low libido can all be addressed with medical or therapeutic interventions.
21. Sexual Orientation Is Not a Choice
Contrary to popular belief, sexual orientation is not a choice that people make. People do not choose their sexuality any more than they choose their eye color or height.
22. Some People Are Demisexual
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which individuals only experience sexual attraction after forming an emotional connection with someone.
This is a valid and legitimate orientation, although it is often misunderstood or dismissed by those who do not identify as demisexual.
23. Cisgender Individuals Can Have Transgender Partners
Cisgender refers to individuals who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, while transgender refers to individuals who do not.
Despite misconceptions, it is possible for cisgender individuals to have transgender partners, and this is a valid and healthy way to experience a relationship.
24. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Are Different
While often related, sexual orientation and gender identity are two distinct aspects of a person’s identity. Sexual orientation refers to who a person is attracted to, while gender identity refers to how a person identifies their own gender.
25. Bisexual People Do Not Experience the Same Attractions Equally
Contrary to popular belief, bisexuality does not mean that individuals experience attraction to both genders equally. Some bisexual individuals may be more attracted to one gender or the other, or their attraction may fluctuate over time.
26. Men Can Experience Multiple Types of Orgasms
While commonly thought of as a singular experience, men can actually experience multiple types of orgasms, such as prostate orgasms or anal orgasms.
27. Sexual Orientation Can Be Inherited
While sexual orientation is complex and multifaceted, studies have shown that there may be a genetic component to it. People with family members who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to also identify as such themselves.
28. Sexual Orientation Can Change Over Time
For some people, sexual orientation can change over time. This can be due to a variety of factors, including personal growth, relationship experiences, and exposure to new ideas or perspectives.
29. Transgender Individuals Can Have Sex In a Variety of Ways
Despite misconceptions, transgender individuals can have sex in many different ways, depending on their own preferences and the preferences of their partners.
Transgender people may or may not use medical interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery, and this does not affect their ability to have satisfying sexual experiences.
30. Consent Is Crucial
Perhaps the most important aspect of human sexuality is consent. All sexual activity should be based on enthusiastic and informed consent from all parties involved, and any behavior that is non-consensual or coercive is not acceptable.