Think you know everything about sex? Not the biology per se, but the world stats, percentages, and quirky little facts? Probably not. And do you think more sex results in more happiness? Well, apparently not, studies say. Yes, you read that right.
Before we get to that peak of pleasure, here are some classic facts about the status quo on sex in the US and around the world, which are science-backed along with some recommendations for you to apply in the bedroom and relationship.
1. The First Lusty List
Most people have sex for the first time in their lives, when they are in their teens. A survey showed that people usually have the best sex of their lives over a decade after losing their virginity.
Around 96% of people feel that sex is more satisfying when they share an emotional attachment or connection with that respective partner. Forget what Hollywood says, in fact married people have way more sex than single people.
The average American adult, whether single or married, is said to have sex close to 2 to 3 times per month. However, there are still close to 60% of singles and 20% of married people who have not had sex over the past year, said the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, which is one of the leading studies of the sexual lives of Americans.
Sex drive is something that varies from person to person, but women are said to feel especially horny right before or during their periods. Biologically, this is because progesterone is generally said to down sex drive. But during a woman’s menstruation, the levels are at its lowest making her feel extra frisky. However, the biggest sex buster for a woman is claimed to be stress.
[pullquote]From studies of evolution, women are also said to be sexually driven toward men who have a strong immune system and high levels of testosterone, as they possess qualities that enable them to survive and live long.[/pullquote]
In terms of physical features, men who have a pronounced jaw line, broad shoulders, big palms or hands are said to be most sought after. Sadly (literally), women are said to be more sexually attracted to brooding men than happy men. Likewise, for both men and women, even a faint scent of cologne or perfume is said to stimulate a large sexual response or attraction. That scent fused with the personal scent or pheromones of that person, even from their sweat, is a biological turn on. This may not count for their stinky feet or armpits, unless that’s your fetish.
2. Foreplaying Facts
Some ways to make sex more satisfying can be an adequate amount of foreplay including snuggling, cuddling, kissing, and keeping it intimate, which is said to increase sexual satisfaction more than the final stage of intercourse. Make things more interesting and break your usual routine by having sex with some props, new tricks, in a new place, at an odd time, or even try some new positions.
[pullquote]Another tip is to positively discuss (or dirty talk) what you like or enjoy with your partner. And remember to have regular sex, as libido is said to decline the less you use it.[/pullquote]
Contrary to popular belief, a study conducted in 2015 claimed that having more sex did not necessarily make couples happier or more satisfied in their relationships or sexual lives. This was proven through an experiment conducted on a few married couples, who were told to increase the number of times they had sex over a span of 3 months. The results showed that this only led to a decrease in sexual satisfaction, drive, and desire. Something like the law of diminishing returns in economics: the more you get, the less happy you are.
3. Time For The Orgasmic Peak
According to a study done by the University of Chicago, 75% of American men orgasm a number of times during sex but only 50% women do so. Likewise, worldwide, 64% of men are said to orgasm regularly whereas only 32% of women do so. And only about 1 in 4 women can orgasm from vaginal sex alone.
[pullquote]Couples who have sex at least once a week are shown to be the happiest, but it is equally essential to keep intimacy alive while doing so to perfectly please and preserve that connection with your partner.[/pullquote]
Researchers who read various brain scans were able to aptly forecast if the person was more inclined to be sexually promiscuous or loyal. The way they saw this was with over-activity in one side of the brain and under-activity in another part of the brain, usually in the brain chambers linked to impulsive behavior, drinking, and rash decision making.
Moreover, if you are looking for a loyal partner, check if they have a short ring finger. If so, he or she is genetically inclined to be faithful to one partner.
4. Climax Of Satisfaction
Women who are less sexually frustrated are obviously shown to be happier too.
According to a recent survey, the average woman is said to experience the best sex of her life only by the age of 26, while men have it at the age of 32.
Sex around the world ranked by highest to lowest satisfaction: Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Greece, Netherlands, Mexico, India, Australia, and Nigeria.
5. The Snuggle Or Sleep Finale
Couples who have a tendency to kiss, hug, snuggle, or cuddle, i.e., have intimacy even after intercourse, are said to more sexually satisfied in their relationships. This quality is in fact said to be more important to men who are looking for a long-term partner or relationship. As for women, men who help out in daily life beyond sex, such as with housework, are said to be more satisfying partners.
Those who have neurotic partners or angst-driven partners in neurotic or difficult relationships need to have more sex and usually have amazing sex too. It has been proven that newlyweds who have sex frequently are happier than the non-neurotic ones.
Source: Happif
