15 Surprising Sex Facts You Probably Didn't Know!
Sexuality is a fundamental part of human existence, yet it's often surrounded by misconceptions and mysteries. From ancient times to now, our understanding of sex has considerably evolved. Get ready to unravel some intriguing truths and challenge conventional wisdom with these surprising facts:
1. Sex can be a serious pain reliever
During arousal and orgasm, your brain releases the "feel-good hormone" oxytocin, which can significantly reduce pain perception. Researchers have found that this surge of oxytocin can help women feel less pain, especially during menstruation, and can even cut pain perception by half in men.
2. Want a better orgasm? Keep your socks on
Believe it or not, research from the University of Groningen suggests that wearing socks during sex might increase your chances of orgasm. The theory is that to achieve orgasm, you need to be completely relaxed and anxiety-free, and cold feet can interfere with this ability, particularly for women.
3. The clitoris is much bigger than meets the eye
What's visible externally is just the tip of the iceberg. The clitoris has extensive internal components, including erectile tissue that can extend up to 9 centimeters around the vaginal canal. This complex structure underscores its vital role in female arousal and orgasm.
4. Your voice is considered the most effective "sex toy"
While physical toys can be fun, the most effective tool for sexual pleasure is communication. Experts encourage partners to take charge of their sexual pleasure by verbally expressing their desires or guiding through touch, taking the guesswork out for their partner.
5. Most women don't orgasm from "regular" intercourse alone
It's a common worry, but it's totally normal: about 75% of women need direct clitoral stimulation—whether from a hand, a toy, or a specific position—to achieve orgasm during sex. So, if penetration alone isn't always enough, you're in the majority.
6. Penis size doesn't matter for pleasure, but girth might
Many focus on length, but for female pleasure, the reality is different. The vagina is mainly covered in stretch mechanoreceptors, which means that girth (width) is generally a more important aspect of the penis than length.
7. The egg isn't passive, it chooses the sperm
Contrary to the common narrative of the fastest sperm winning the race, the egg has sophisticated biological mechanisms that actively choose which sperm it allows in. It's not always the first one to arrive.
8. Peeing after sex is a must for your health
This simple act can prevent serious issues. Urinating immediately after sex flushes out bacteria from the urethra, preventing them from traveling to the bladder and potentially reaching the kidneys, thereby helping to avoid renal failure and other infections.
9. Your sweat contains natural "love potions"
Pheromones, chemical signals present in sweat, can make people more sexually attracted to each other. Studies also show that our natural scents communicate the makeup of our immune systems, and we tend to prefer the scents of people with different immune system compositions, which may be an evolutionary strategy for genetic diversity.
10. Sex can be a workout, literally
If you're looking for another way to burn calories, sex counts. Researchers have found that men can burn approximately 4.2 calories per minute during sex, while women burn about 3.1 calories per minute.
11. "Use it or lose it" might apply to your orgasm capacity
While rare, it is possible for individuals, particularly women, to lose some sexual sensation if they go for long periods without sex. This can occur due to conditions like clitoral atrophy, where the clitoris doesn't receive enough blood flow and retracts into the body. Penile atrophy can also occur, though it's less often linked to lack of sex and more to aging or injury.
12. A headache might actually put you more in the mood
Contrary to the popular excuse, "Not tonight, I have a headache," some studies suggest that migraine sufferers, for instance, report higher levels of sexual desire. This could be because sexual desire and migraines are influenced by the same brain chemicals.
13. Crying after sex is a real and common phenomenon
If you've ever felt sad, angry, or distressed after orgasm, you're not alone. This is known as Post-Coital Dysphoria (PCD). While not fully understood, it's believed to be linked to a surge in hormones and, in some cases, past trauma.
14. Sex isn't just about pleasure, it also boosts immunity
Several studies have shown that orgasms can boost your immune system. So, if you think the weather is getting heavy on you, "sexual healing" might actually help.
15. Older people can have a fulfilling sex life
Don't assume retirement means retiring from intimacy. Many studies indicate that a high percentage of people over 60 remain sexually active. In fact, having extensive sexual experience can lead to a more fulfilling sex life than younger people's, especially when coupled with a healthy lifestyle.
Want more facts where these came from? Browse our blog, explore new toys, and maybe burn a few calories while you're at it. Explore now.