8 facts About Sex Psychology
Sex is a fundamental aspect of human life, yet it remains a topic shrouded in mystery and often surrounded by questions and misconceptions. While many of us engage in sexual activity, few delve into the psychology behind it. In this blog post, we will explore eight intriguing psychological facts about sex that are often overlooked. Let’s uncover the secrets of human sexuality and gain a deeper understanding of our own desires and behaviors.
1. Wired for Desire: The Variability of Sexual Motivation
“Ever since high school, my friend Kevin always had more hookups and short-term relationships than the rest of my friend group. The UCLA brain study made me realize he may just be wired to have a higher inclination for sexual variety.”
Did you know that our brains are uniquely wired when it comes to sexual desire? A study conducted by the University of California Los Angeles revealed that the way our brains are wired can influence how many sexual partners we are likely to have. In this study, participants were shown sexually suggestive images while their brain activity was monitored. The results were astonishing — those who had more sexual partners showed higher brain activity when exposed to sexual stimuli. This suggests that our brains play a significant role in determining our sexual motivations.
2. Cholesterol and Performance
“Since my doctor put me on Lipitor for high cholesterol last year, I’ve noticed improvements in my stamina and sexual functioning that I didn’t expect.”
Surprisingly, lower cholesterol levels may not only be beneficial for your heart but also for your sexual performance. A 2014 study from Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School found that men taking cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, often experienced improvements in their sexual function. While this doesn’t mean you should take these medications solely for that purpose, it underscores the importance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels to prevent issues like erectile dysfunction.
3. Attention Matters: Men’s Focus on Their Partners
“I could always tell when my ex-boyfriend seemed distracted during sex. He would lose his arousal and we would have to stop. I now realize men are evolutionarily tuned into perceiving responsiveness.”
Contrary to some beliefs, men are biologically predisposed to pay special attention to their partners during sex. Neuroscientists have found that men can become suspicious and anxious when their partners are not responsive or engaged during sexual encounters. This highlights the importance of mutual engagement and connection during intimate moments.
4. The Pressure of Speed
“Despite what movies show, my first boyfriend John admitted he felt a lot of relief when I told him I wanted to take things slowly sexually when we first started dating.”
Society often portrays men as constantly eager for sex, but the reality may be different. Studies have shown that many men feel relieved when their female partners express a desire to wait before having sex. In fact, a recent survey found that 56 percent of men welcomed the idea of delayed sexual intimacy, and 21 percent of young men felt pressured to push sexual boundaries beyond their comfort zones. This dispels the notion that men are always in a rush for physical intimacy.
5. Birth Control and Attraction
“When I went off birth control pills last year after being on them for a decade, I was surprised to find myself becoming attracted to more sensitive, artistic guys rather than the rugged jocks I used to crush on.”
Birth control not only prevents pregnancy but can also influence a woman’s attraction to certain types of men. Fascinating research indicates that women taking hormonal contraceptives may be less attracted to men with masculine physical characteristics and high testosterone levels. Additionally, studies have shown that women on birth control may feel less sexually satisfied when they meet their partners while taking the pill. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between hormones and attraction.
6. Ovulation and Attractiveness
“I never closely tracked my cycles, but looking back I can remember feeling irresistibly drawn toward alpha males right before my period each month — more so than other times of the month.”
Your attractiveness may vary depending on your menstrual cycle. Studies have suggested that men find women more attractive when they are ovulating. One study even had men rate the scent of women’s armpits at different stages of their menstrual cycle, with the most attractive scent occurring during ovulation. Fertile women are also believed to exhibit a stronger attraction to alpha males during this time, indicating that ovulation can influence sexual attraction.
7. A Startling Statistic: STD Prevalence
“Even with using protection, last year I ended up with a cervical HPV infection. My doctor said how extremely common it is — over 75% of people catch some HPV at least once.”
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more common than you might think. Over two-thirds of healthy American adults are infected with at least one or more strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). While most HPV infections are harmless, some can lead to cancers and genital warts. This statistic emphasizes the importance of safe sexual practices and regular medical check-ups.
8. Sex in Long-Term Relationships
“Spicing up our sex life took effort years into our marriage but making intimacy fun again ended up bringing back the passion I thought had faded for good.”
Maintaining a satisfying sex life in a long-term relationship requires effort. Contrary to the belief that sexual satisfaction inevitably diminishes with time, recent research from the University of Toronto suggests that a healthy, happy sex life in a long-term relationship is achievable with communication and effort. Building and maintaining intimacy takes work, but the rewards are worth it.
Sex psychology is a complex and fascinating field, filled with insights that can help us understand our own desires and behaviors better. These eight findings shed light on various aspects of human sexuality, from the influence of brain wiring to the effects of birth control and the importance of communication in long-term relationships. Understanding the psychological aspects of sex can lead to healthier, more fulfilling intimate lives.
