Mumbai: Living in an era of a ‘sex-drenched culture’, there is a constant consumption in some form – thanks to the available mediums. Either we are watching it on television, or internet or reading about it.
According to a report on The New York Post, Dr Aaron E. Carroll and Dr Rachel C. Vreeman found that about 57% of men and 51% of women aged 18-24 “have not had sex in the last year,” and that “only 36% of men reported having watched at least one pornographic film in the last year,” a finding consistent with other studies.
Though there are many myths that suround sex, here are a few of them:
How big is big?
Though the average size of the penis is said to be six inches, it is more for ‘wishful thinking’ than science. According to a study, 2,545 men on the internet found that the average penile length, erect, was “6.4 inches, with a standard deviation of 1.2 inches.”
A study of 1,661 American men by the Kinsey Institute set the average as 5.6 inches, and included the finding that “the average size was different based on how the man got the erection,” with those who were made erect by oral sex having longer lengths than those who were measured after manual stimulation.
However, size is just a myth. Men of all shapes and sizes can do plenty to learn to satisfy and pleasure their partner.
No sex before the big game
Often before big games and tournaments, athletes are asked to refrain from sexual activity, sometimes weeks before their games. The reason: it would be harmful to their sporting efforts.
However, study shows otherwise. “The science of what happens in the body during and after sex suggests that … you might actually perform better if you have sex!”
In terms of the amount of energy expended, sex is a far less strenuous activity than some perceive — equivalent, they say, to simply walking up two flights of stairs.
“Estimates of how many calories are used up during sex range from 25 to 125,” they write. “That is not a lot of energy — especially for an athlete. Sex is only considered a mild to moderate intensity activity.”
What’s more, sex can increase testosterone, leading to better, not worse, performance the next day. What the authors argue is that psychological and emotional level is different.
Can oysters make you horny?
Some food items tend to make you horny. Oysters, according to reports, are one of those food items which increase sexual desire.
Casanova, the legendary lover, “was rumoured to eat 50 oysters every morning to fuel his crazy sexual escapades.”
However, “No study has ever showed any sexually enhancing effect from oysters”.
“Nor can scientists find any special ingredient in the oyster that would suggest an ability to turn men or women into raging beasts. Oysters are mostly water, a few carbohydrates, and some minerals.”
Do marriage and masturbation mix?
Does have a partner around, prevent masterbation? According to the study, “One [study] found that people living with a sexual partner masturbated more,” noting that “about 85% of such men and 45% of such women had masturbated in the last year” — compared to a separate study which found that “about 60% of men and 40% of women” overall, including those married and single, had done the same in that time period.”
To cut, or not?
Circumcision is a controversial topic. While it is driven by religious and sociological factors, it is perceived as medically and sexually wise by some, and as risky barbarism by others.
Studies suggest that “men who have been circumcised are actually 50% to 60% less likely to get HIV.”
“Overall, the circumcised men actually report that their penises are more sensitive [after circumcision], and that they have an easier time reaching orgasm,” the report said.
Circumcision is not only valuable for male health, but woman too. Those who have sex with circumcised partners are less prone to sexually transmitted diseases.
Do stinky guys repel women?
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, observed the effect of male sweat on women by getting groups of women to “smell various compounds, one of which was androstadienone, a component of male sweat. They had them take twenty sniffs … over a two-hour time period.”
What they discovered was that “women who smelled the androstadienone had an improved mood and reported more sexual arousal. Those women also saw their blood pressure increase, their heart rates go up, and their breathing become more rapid.”
Some women may be unhappy with encouraging men to skip the shower after a vigorous workout — but hey, that’s science for you.
Does the G-spot exist?
The G-spot is “an especially sensitive zone that supposedly exists in a woman’s vagina,” leading to greater intensity of pleasure during sex.
While many women would surely weigh in strongly on this matter — “in multiple large surveys,” the authors write, “a majority of women report that they have G-spots” — for science, the question of the G-spot’s existence inspires passionate debate.
“Surprisingly enough, scientists, gynaecologists, and sex researchers argue about this all the time,” write the authors. “The opinions disagree so strongly that you could imagine these researchers getting into fist fights over the issue.”
The G-spot, according to scientists who believe, is “located on the front wall of the vagina, about halfway between the pubic bone and the cervix.”
Big feet, big hands — big delusion
Do big hands and big feet cause phobia? Rumour shows if a man has large hands and feet, that this was somehow indicative of a large penis as well.
