It's safe to say that by now, most of us know a thing or two about sex — but though we've gained plenty of experience through the years, the primal act still seems like a mystery. Yes, we spend a ton of time reading, watching and practicing intercourse, but no matter how long we've been doing it, it always seems like there's more to learn.
Case in point? These crazy facts. From the reason we don't pee all over ourselves mid-thrust to the skinny on why food is a turn-on, you're gonna wanna check these puppies out.
- Vibrators were invented for something else
The vibrator was originally invented in the 19th century as a way to reduce "hysteria." That seems a little extreme. However, we do not recommend testing that theory by taking away a woman's vibrator to see if she goes into a hysterical fit. That's just dangerous.
- The sperm ratio
Your average healthy man produces approximately 300 million sperm in just a teaspoon of his semen. However, it only takes one little swimmer to fertilize a woman’s egg and it can live for up to a week inside your body.
More: 6 Positions That Make Anal Sex Easier & Less Intimidating
- The first thing people do after sex is...
Forget post-coital cuddling! According to a poll by consumer electronics site Retrevo.com, 36 percent of people under the age of 35 check their Facebook and Twitter accounts after a roll in the hay. Hopefully, they are not posting any pictures!
- Which sex actually gets busy more often
Think men get laid more than women? Wrong! According to Men’s Fitness, women have sex 17 percent more often than the average guy. Go girls!
- The longest orgasm
Even though the male O seems to get all the attention, it turns out the women get the last laugh when it comes to climaxing. The average female orgasm lasts 20 seconds — 14 seconds longer than the male's six-second O.
- Orgasms are good for you
Orgasms are good for your health! They can lower a woman's risk of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and even depression. So have sex and get happy!
- Sexercise is not a myth
Sex counts as a workout! During 30 minutes of active sex, you burn about 200 calories. And you can even have an orgasm while working out.
- Women are friskier than we admit
Even though straight women reported only being aroused by men, researchers at the Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, found that most women in a study became aroused by every sexual stimulus they saw — including nude male and female bodies, heterosexual and homosexual sex and even animal sex.
- Sex makes you dirty, in a good way
When aroused, people are not as likely to think things are disgusting, according to a study published in the online journal PLOS ONE.
- How your brain responds to sex
Researchers at Rutgers University, who used fMRI scanners to find out exactly what happens in your brain when you're aroused, found that different regions of the brain became activated in response to stimulation of the vagina, cervix, clitoris and nipples.
Next Up: Sex releases hormones that prevent you from peeing
Originally published December 2015. Updated August 2017.
- Sex releases hormones that prevent you from peeing
Ever notice that it's kind of tough to go pee right after sex? Your body releases an antidiuretic hormone when you orgasm, which prohibits you from going potty as easily as usual. Just don't hold it for too long, or you could risk infection.
- Why it can be hard to conceive
Most of the time, a woman only releases one egg per month.
More: How I Overcame Sexual Dysfunction After Having a Baby
- How young teens start having sex
According to Live Science, by the age of 19, a whopping 71 percent of American teenagers have already had sex.
- Answering your phone during sex
Mom can multitask! According to a survey, at least 12 percent of moms admitted to using their cellphones during sex.
- When kids lose their virginity
The Kinsey Institute estimates that, on average, boys lose their virginity at age 16.9. For girls, the age jumps to 17.4.
- Physically talking about sex makes sex better
People who are more open to talking about sex are actually happier with their sex lives, according to Live Science.
- You're not the only one aroused by food
Think food is sexy? Some people admit to feeling a similar sense of arousal when thinking about food as they do when thinking about sex.
- Your body image plays a huge role in sex
According to Live Science, a small study of obese women found that those who accepted their bodies reported better sex. So appreciate your body, or your sex life could suffer!
- Sex increases your pain threshold
According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research, a person's pain threshold significantly increases during arousal.
- Your brain turns off (sort of) during sex
According to a study from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, the amygdala — the part of the brain involved in fear and anxiety — shuts down during a female orgasm. So that brain mush you experience during sex is legit!
