Let’s get down and dirty.
The reality is we all enjoy a fling of seven between the sheets, and as we continue to get horizontal, more data and insights are emerging about what gets us off.
We spoke with some of those in-the-know, from the team at ilo wellness to sexual psychologists and authors, and, well, the stats and findings will astound.
Strap in (or on?) and prepare to be ahhh-mazed.
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Here are 16 things about sex – and orgasms – you probably didn’t know:
- Clitoral Nerve Endings
Did you know that the clitoris has over 8,000 nerve endings, making it the most sensitive erogenous zones in the human body? - Clitoral Enlargement
It takes approximately 20 minutes of sexual stimulation for the clitoris to become fully engorged and ready for penetration. It is essential to prioritise foreplay in sexual arousal and satisfaction. - Internal vs External Stimulation
Of a survey conducted by ilo, 45% of the community preferred external stimulation, 4% internal and 51% a combination of the two. Vibrators are generally the most commonly used sex toy. - Edging For Delayed Gratification
Edging is a sexual technique that involves delaying orgasm to prolong sexual pleasure and intensify the eventual climax. By building arousal and then pausing or slowing down stimulation before reaching the brink of orgasm, individuals can experience heightened sensations and more powerful orgasms when they finally allow themselves to climax. - Quality Sleep Enhances Libido
Adequate sleep plays a vital role in regulating hormones such as estradiol and testosterone, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy libido. Therefore, prioritising a good night’s sleep can lead to increased sexual desire and improved sexual function, ultimately enhancing the potential for orgasms. Additionally, 88% of us who experience an orgasm, are more likely to experience better sleep. - The Clitoris Is The Pleasure Temple
The clitoris is the only organ in the body that is specifically designed for sexual pleasure. It plays no other part, but does its sole job well (very well). - The Orgasm Gap
There’s something called the orgasm gap, which details heterosexual encounters and the trend that women experience far fewer orgasms than men. In one study of more than 50,000 people, 95% of heterosexual men said they usually or always orgasm when sexually intimate, while only 65% of heterosexual women said the same. - Solo Is More Fruitful
Studies have shown that women are more likely to orgasm when masturbating as opposed to with a partner. At least 92% of women orgasm when pleasuring themselves. - Relationships Reign Supreme Over First-Timers
In a study of more than 12,000 college students, only 10% of the women said they orgasm during first-time hookups while 68% said they orgasm during sex that occurs in a committed relationship. - Women Know Best
Women orgasm more when having sex with other women. One study assessing a group of bisexual women found that 64% said they ‘usually’ or ‘always’ orgasm when intimate with other women. - Penetration Is Not Key
When working with women, Laurie Mintz, sexual psychologist, found that only 4% said penetration would result in orgasm, while 96% said clitoral stimulation, alone or paired with penetration, got the job done. - Faking The Big O
Studies suggest that between 53% and 85% of women admit to faking an orgasm, and research has also suggested that the majority of women have faked it at least once in their lifetime. - Stress Impacts Your Libio
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the production of other hormones, such as testosterone and oestrogen, which are essential for sexual desire and arousal. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to a decrease in libido.. - Orgasms As Pain Relief
Orgasms have been found to be more effective than ibuprofen in alleviating mild pain. The release of oxytocin during orgasm acts as a potent pain reliever, providing immediate relief that can last throughout the day or night. - Orgasms Boost Your Immunity
Masturbation increases the number of inflammatory mediators called leukocytes (white blood cells) and natural killer cells. Both of these fight infection as a part of the body’s immune response. - Oxytocin Connects Us
While both men and women experience the release of oxytocin from orgasms, the effect and significance of this hormone can vary between genders. Women generally tend to release more oxytocin, often referred to as the “feel-good” or “connecting” hormone, which plays a role in bonding and social interaction. This may contribute to a greater sense of emotional connection and intimacy following sexual activity for women.
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5 best waterproof vibrators
Lovehoney Silencer Whisper Quiet Classic Vibrator
If you’re keen to go it alone in the bathtub or shower (power to you) but want to keep things quiet, this is your orgasmic friend. It’s all in the name with this whisper-quiet product that garners the most reviews of any product on the Lovehoney website. For maximum pleasure, use it with a good quality water-based lubricant.
Below Body Personal Vibrator
This waterproof, lightweight vibrator is the ultimate in discrete pleasure. It boasts multi-speed options, is made with 100% silicon-based materials and is ergonomic to boot. To be used externally on any erogenous (i.e. sensitive) zone for solo player, or with your partner.
We-Vibe Tango X Bullet Vibrator
A little bullet with a lot of luxurious power, the We-Vibe Tango X Bullet Vibrator is no larger than a tube of lipstick but packs a punch. The ergonomic narrow tip is designed to touch all of those sensitive zones and it offers 8 vibration intensities. Best part? It’s teeny tiny, so happily accompanies you on holiday with your partner, or for a solo getaway.
Lelo Gigi 2
This is one of Lelo’s most popular G-spot vibrators, and with good reason. It boasts a flattened tip, perfect for those erogenous zones (see a theme, here?), and is the enhanced version of LELO’s wildly popular G-spot vibrator. The new upgrades include even softer silicone, a fully-waterproof design and a 100% increase in power over 8 modes.
Rocks Off Touch Of Velvet Rose Blush Bullet Vibrator
Pretty, petite and powerful, the Touch Of Velvet bullet offers 10 speeds ranging from constant to flutter, pulsation and escalation. Perfect for the bath, shower or spa this quiet vibrator is ready to use as soon as you get it. Enjoy the ride to O town.
ilo Ring Vibrator
A ring vibrator, which is designed to be worn like a ring on your hand, is a pioneer when it comes to foreplay in the tightest and most sensitive of spots. Because it’s so, well, small. Boasting 8 unique vibration patterns, and medical-grade silicone for improved sexual wellness, this is one tiny toy that’s good for both you and the planet.
