How often do most people make love? Do certain foods boost your libido? Can men really have multiple orgasms? When it comes to copulation, there are probably lots of things you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask. That's why we've grilled the experts with your most intimate questions. Want to uncover the naked truth? Read on as we reveal the 10 things you always wanted to know about sex.
1. How often do most people have sex?
According to 1994's groundbreaking Sex in America study, frequency of sex varies greatly from person to person. Among married couples, 45 percent reported getting frisky a few times a month, 34 percent two to three times a week, 13 percent a few times a year, 7 percent four or more times a week, and 1 percent not at all. Among singles, the rates are lower, with up to 23 percent of non-married men and 32 percent of non-married women reporting that they hadn't engaged in sex within the past year.
2. What's the average male genitalia size?
A comprehensive report of 12 studies published in the British Journal of Urology International found that the average erect penis is approximately 5.5 to 6.2 inches long and roughly 4.7 to 5.1 inches in circumference. While there are hundreds of pills, potions, and other products claiming that they can increase genitalia size, none of these products has been proven to work long term (including vacuum devices and exercises). Interestingly, several studies have shown that size matters far less to women than it does to men.
3. Is there really such a thing as sex addiction?
Although it remains a controversial diagnosis, many experts recognize sexual compulsion as a form of psychological addiction. According to the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), sex addiction is characterized by compulsive sexual behavior, the inability to control sexual thoughts, and continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences. In fact, SASH maintains that at least 3 to 5 percent of Americans could meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder.
4. Is low sex drive normal?
While low libido may not be normal, research suggests that it is exceedingly common. In one study, 33 percent of women and 15 percent of men reported having a lack of interest in sex-a condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), if it causes distress and/or interpersonal difficulties for the patient. According to experts, the causes of HSDD can be psychological or physical, and treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, talk therapy, or stress-management techniques.
5. Are men naturally promiscuous and women monogamous?
Contrary to popular opinion, men aren't the only ones with a desire to get around. A growing body of research suggests that women are also genetically programmed to be promiscuous. What's more, humans aren't alone; males and females across the animal kingdom-from birds and bees to fish, reptiles, and mammals-all engage in adulterous liaisons. That said, biologists also observe that, among many species, females have an incentive to be faithful, since having offspring from multiple males can result in societal abandonment.
6. Do men reach their sexual peak earlier than women?
It sounds like a cruel conundrum: Men reach their sexual stride in their teens, while women don't peak until their thirties or forties. But experts believe this myth is misleading. Although men and women's hormones may peak at very different times, that doesn't mean they reach their peak performance in different decades. When it comes to rates of sexual satisfaction, experts believe men and women are more in sync than their hormones might indicate.
7. Do people stop having sex as they age?
A growing body of research suggests that seniors have steamier sex lives than you might think. A 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that while interest in sex tends to wane over the years, more than 25 percent of people aged 57 to 85 had sex in the previous year. Not surprisingly, those whose health was excellent or very good were nearly twice as likely to be sexually active as people in poor or fair health.
8. Do aphrodisiacs really work?
For centuries, people have hailed certain herbs, foods, and drinks for their ability to arouse or intensify sexual desire. But are the claims true or simply wishful thinking? New research suggests that it may be a bit of both. While it's highly unlikely that chocolate or rhino horn will turn you on, oysters and traditional herbs such as yohimbe, tribulus, and maca have shown some promise in scientific studies. Whatever you do, though, stay away from traditional Spanish fly: Made from ground-up blister beetle, the liquid causes a burning sensation in the urinary tract and is potentially lethal.
9. What's a G-spot, and where is it?
The G-spot, or Grafenberg spot, is a female erogenous zone that may produce heightened physical pleasure when aroused and enable women to have vaginal orgasms. However, some experts remain skeptical about both its existence and its value, while others believe that some women have this zone and others do not. To find it, feel for an area on the anterior vaginal wall that's about 1 to 2 inches in size and feels rough, rather than smooth.
10. Can men really have multiple orgasms?
The good news: A growing number of experts believe it's possible for men to achieve a multi-orgasmic state. The bad news: It may take a lot of work. According to Masters and Johnson's landmark research, the typical sexual response cycles of men are excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. For men to achieve multiple orgasms, they generally need to disrupt this progression and withhold ejaculation repeatedly, which may require a lot of practice.
