50 Shocking Facts About Sexuality & Masturbation You Didn’t See Coming
Table of Contents
Sex is full of surprises. Facts about sexuality can be bizarre, some thrilling, and some that might just change the way you think about pleasure, attraction, and the human body.
Did you know your sense of smell can influence your orgasm? Or that ancient Sumerians believed a god created rivers through ejaculation?
We’re diving into the weird, the scientific, and the downright shocking. From masturbation in space (yes, really) to the truth about the "orgasm gap," these facts will challenge myths, spark curiosity, and maybe even give you a few new conversation starters.
Brace yourself, this is the side of sexuality they never taught you in school.
50 + Facts About Sexuality & Masturbation
Facts about Masturbation
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In the microgravity environment of space, ejaculating would cause an astronaut to move backward very slowly due to the conservation of momentum. However, this movement would be minimal and not practical for propulsion.
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Masturbation is not exclusive to humans; it has been observed in various animal species, including birds, apes, and horses. These animals engage in self-stimulation, indicating that the behavior is natural across different species.
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In ancient Sumerian culture, masturbation was believed to enhance sexual potency for both men and women. The god Enki was mythologically said to have created the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by masturbating and ejaculating into their empty riverbeds.
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Regular ejaculation, including through masturbation, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A study suggests that men who ejaculate at least 21 times a month could lower their risk of prostate cancer by about a third.
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A survey by the Kinsey Institute found that 36% of women aged 40 to 65 experienced relief from menopausal symptoms through masturbation. Benefits reported include improved mood, better sleep, and reduced stress.
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Engaging in masturbation can boost the immune system by increasing levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes.
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Common myths suggest that masturbation can cause blindness, infertility, or erectile dysfunction. However, these claims have no scientific backing, and masturbation is considered a normal and healthy sexual activity.
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Masturbation can improve sexual function by allowing individuals to explore their bodies, understand their sexual preferences, and increase sexual satisfaction.
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The release of hormones during masturbation, such as prolactin and oxytocin, can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
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Masturbation can act as a natural pain reliever due to the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. This can be particularly beneficial for alleviating menstrual cramps in women.
Facts about Sexuality
The average vagina measures approximately 3 to 4 inches in length but can expand by up to 200% when aroused, accommodating penetration and enhancing sexual pleasure.
A heightened sense of smell in women has been associated with increased sexual satisfaction and a positive sexuality feeling. Research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that women with a more acute sense of smell reported more frequent and satisfying orgasms, suggesting that olfactory cues play a significant role in female sexual pleasure.
The shape and size of the labia are unique to each woman and are not indicative of sexual activity or history, highlighting the natural diversity of female genitalia.
Female sexual dysfunction involves both physical and psychological elements, requiring a comprehensive approach to address issues related to desire, arousal, and satisfaction.
Regular orgasms can reduce a woman's risk of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, and depression, contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of mental illness.
Only about 25% of women can achieve orgasm through intercourse alone; most require clitoral stimulation to reach climax, highlighting the importance of understanding female anatomy in sexual satisfaction.
Research indicates that sexual satisfaction remains elevated for approximately 48 hours after intercourse, a phenomenon known as the "sexual afterglow." This effect contributes to bonding and long-term relationship satisfaction among couples
While the existence and influence of human pheromones are still under investigation, some studies suggest that humans may use olfactory cues in sexual behavior. However, the extent of their impact remains a topic of debate.
A famous experiment by Claus Wedekind found that women preferred the scent of T-shirts worn by men with dissimilar major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, which are linked to immune system function. This preference may play a role in mate selection.
This phenomenon describes how males (and to a lesser extent, females) exhibit renewed sexual interest and sexual feelings when introduced to novel partners, even after refusing sex from prior but available partners. It has been observed in various animal species, including humans.
Research has suggested that each older brother increases the likelihood of a male being homosexual by approximately 33%. This is known as the fraternal birth order effect.
Kissing allows individuals to assess potential partners through taste and smell, providing subconscious clues about compatibility and genetic fitness.
Some individuals experience sneezing when thinking about sex or after orgasm. This rare phenomenon is believed to be due to the close wiring of the brain's sexual arousal and sneezing centers.
Facial and bodily symmetry are often associated with genetic health and are considered attractive traits. Studies have shown that individuals with more symmetrical features are often perceived as more attractive and may have more sexual partners.
In some social events known as "pheromone parties," participants sleep in a T-shirt for several nights to capture their body scent. At the event, others smell the shirts to determine attraction based on scent alone, highlighting the role of olfactory cues leading to stronger feelings in human attraction.
Engaging in adventurous or risky activities can increase sexual attraction. This is thought to be due to the adrenaline rush associated with such activities, which can enhance arousal and attraction when experienced together.
Approximately one in ten dreams contains sexual content for both men and women. However, there are gender differences: women are more likely to have sex dreams about politicians, celebrities, or ex-partners, while men are more likely to dream about having multiple partners simultaneously.
Some individuals experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability after consensual sex, a condition known as post-coital dysphoria. This phenomenon can occur even when the sexual encounter is satisfying.
While the external part of the clitoris is small, it has extensive internal structures that can be up to 10 centimeters long, contributing significantly to female sexual pleasure.
In the context of human evolution, "sperm competition" refers to the idea that male sperm has evolved to compete with that of other males within a female's reproductive tract, suggesting that ancestral human mating systems may have involved multiple partners.
The existence of the G-spot, an area inside the vagina purported to elicit strong sexual arousal, remains a topic of debate among scientists, with studies producing mixed results regarding its anatomical presence.
Engaging in sexual activity can increase pain tolerance. The release of endorphins during sex acts as a natural painkiller, which can help alleviate headaches and other discomforts.
Wearing high heels can affect the pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to increased sexual pleasure for some women due to the way posture is altered.
While less common than in women, some men can achieve multiple orgasms through specific techniques that separate orgasm from ejaculation.
A newly identified form of sexual attraction termed "symbiosexual" describes individuals who are attracted to the energy and connection shared between couples, rather than to individuals themselves or based on someone's sexual identity.
In the 18th century, masturbation was controversially linked to various health issues by physicians, leading to widespread stigma, a perspective that has been debunked in modern times.
Prolonged periods without sexual activity can lead to clitoral atrophy, where the clitoris doesn't receive enough blood flow, causing it to retract into the body. Regular sexual activity can help maintain clitoral health.
Some individuals experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability after consensual sex, a condition known as post-coital dysphoria. This phenomenon can occur even when the sexual encounter is satisfying.
On average, a female orgasm lasts about 20 seconds, which is significantly longer than the average male orgasm, lasting approximately 6 seconds.
Engaging in sexual activity can lower stress levels. A study found that participants who had vaginal intercourse before a stressful task had lower blood pressure and stress levels with increased mental health compared to those who abstained or engaged in other sexual activities.
Regular sexual activity has been linked to improved immune function, potentially reducing the frequency of common illnesses.
healthline.com
This phenomenon describes how males (and to a lesser extent, females) exhibit renewed sexual interest when introduced to novel partners, even after refusing sex from prior but available partners. It has been observed in various animal species, including humans.
Research has suggested that each older brother increases the likelihood of a male being homosexual with a same sex attraction by approximately 33%. This is known as the fraternal birth order effect.
Some individuals experience sneezing when thinking about sex or after orgasm. This rare phenomenon is believed to be due to the close wiring of the brain's sexual arousal and sneezing centers.
Facial and bodily symmetry are often associated with genetic health and are considered attractive traits. Studies have shown that individuals with more symmetrical features are often perceived as more attractive and may have more sexual partners.
In some social events known as "pheromone parties," participants sleep in a T-shirt for several nights to capture their body scent. At the event, others smell the shirts to determine attraction based on scent alone, highlighting the role of olfactory cues in human attraction. [Source: PubMed]
Engaging in adventurous or risky activities can increase sexual attraction. This is thought to be due to the adrenaline rush associated with such activities, which can enhance arousal and attraction when experienced together.
Research indicates a significant disparity in orgasm frequency between genders during heterosexual encounters. While 95% of heterosexual men report usually or always orgasming during sex, only 65% of heterosexual women report the same. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "orgasm gap."
In ancient Greek society, intercrural sex, where a man places his penis between the thighs of another person, was a common practice, especially in pederastic relationships. This form of non-penetrative sex was depicted in various artworks and literature of the time.
Studies have found that women's preferences for certain male traits in the opposite sex can change throughout their menstrual cycle. During ovulation, women may be more attracted to men with more masculine features and dominant behaviors, possibly due to evolutionary factors related to reproduction.
Regular sexual activity has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that men who had sex twice or more per week had a lower risk of fatal heart attacks compared to those who had sex less frequently.
FAQ
Sexuality is fluid, meaning that sexual orientation and attraction can change over time. It is deeply connected to physical, emotional, and mental health, influencing everything from stress levels to immune function. Sexuality is also shaped by culture and history, with different societies celebrating or suppressing it in various ways. There is a significant disparity in sexual pleasure, particularly in heterosexual relationships, where men orgasm more frequently than women. Lastly, attraction is not just about looks. It is influenced by factors like scent, genetics, risk-taking behaviors, and even hormone cycles.
Heterosexuality is the most commonly recognized and historically enforced sexuality, with opposite-sex attraction being the dominant societal norm in most cultures. However, research and shifting societal perspectives have revealed that human sexuality exists on a spectrum with many differences, with many people identifying as bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, or fluid at different points in their lives. The Kinsey Scale was one of the first scientific models to illustrate this, showing that many people do not fit strictly into one category of attraction.
Sexuality plays a crucial role in identity, relationships, and overall well-being. It affects confidence, emotional connection, and physical health, with studies showing that a healthy sex life can lower stress, improve heart health, and even boost the immune system. Beyond personal well-being, sexuality also impacts social and cultural structures, influencing laws, healthcare, and human rights. Understanding and embracing one's sexuality allows for greater personal fulfillment and a more open, accepting society.
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