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What really happens in your body and brain when you orgasm?
You may be surprised at how your body and brain react to this type of pleasure.
04 August, 2020
Image by gpointstudio on Shutterstock
- An orgasm is described as a feeling of intense pleasure that happens during sexual activity.
- By studying the brain activity of people experiencing orgasms, researchers have been able to pinpoint some of the key changes that occur.
- These changes include heightened sensitivity to areas of the brain that control how we feel pain, making us less sensitive to it.
<p>An orgasm is described as a feeling of intense pleasure that happens during sexual activity. While some people experience orgasms differently than others, there are some key changes that occur in the mind and body.</p><p><span></span>By studying the brain activity of people experiencing orgasms, researchers have been able to pinpoint some of these key changes that occur. Using fMRI machines (functional magnetic resonance imaging) or PET scans (positron emission tomography), were able to measure blood flow and neuron activity inside the brain during climax.</p>
What really happens in the brain during orgasm?
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUzMjAzOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzk0MTg3N30.XMncIeu8myjL-bgF936p4NYAmXpCbI7dQl1AXuXBZc0/img.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C93%2C0%2C94&height=700" id="aab53" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="309e980e413d58c454f6fed13596917f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="3D rendering of hypothalamus lighting up" />The hypothalamus, which plays a key role in releasing hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, is one of the regions of the brain that lights up during orgasm.
Image by SciePro on Shutterstock
<p><strong>Does the "logical" part of your brain shut down? That's hotly debated.</strong></p><p><strong></strong>There may be a reason why you feel bold and uninhibited during your climax.<br></p><p>"The lateral orbitofrontal cortex becomes less active during sex. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for reason, decision making, and value judgments. The deactivation of this part of the brain is also associated with decreases in fear and anxiety," explains clinical psychologist <a href="https://www.betweenusclinic.com/about-us/" target="_blank">Daniel Sher</a>. </p><p>However, not all experts in the field agree with this widely publicized study's findings. Recent (2017) research suggests otherwise, with results that show that these areas of the brain <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28986148/" target="_blank">did not deactivate within the 10 female participants of this study</a>.</p><p><strong>Parts of your brain associated with memories, touch, and movement may light up. </strong></p><p>Research has found that the hypothalamus, thalamus, and substantia nigra may light up during orgasm. "Dirty Minds: How Our Brains Influence Love, Sex and Relationships" author <a href="http://kaytsukel.com/" target="_blank">Kayt Sukel</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2011/nov/16/orgasm-mri-scanner" target="_blank">was interviewed</a> for her work alongside researchers who studied the effect of an orgasm on the brain while she was in an MRI machine.</p><p>The thalamus helps integrate information about touch, movement, and sexual memories/fantasies. This could explain how you call upon sexual memories and fantasies (or why your imagination is able to be more active) during sexual arousal and peak. </p><p><strong>Oxytocin builds up and is released.</strong></p><p>Oxytocin is defined as a "bonding" hormone. The forming of oxytocin during sex happens in the pituitary glands and it is then released in the hypothalamus. The <a href="https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/hypothalamus" target="_blank">hypothalamus</a> plays a key role in many important functions including the releasing of other hormones (like dopamine), regulation of body temperature, controlling of appetite, and of course, the management of sexual behaviors.</p><p><strong>A surge of dopamine is released. </strong></p><p>During orgasm, your brain works hard to produce various hormones, like the aforementioned oxytocin. In that cocktail of hormones is dopamine, which is released at the moment of orgasm. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure and desire and therefore acts as a motivation to keep experiencing those feelings of pleasure and desire. </p><p>Dopamine is formed <a href="https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_03/d_03_cr/d_03_cr_que/d_03_cr_que.html" target="_blank">in the part of the brain</a> that receives information from several other areas in order to define if your needs (specifically your human needs) are being satisfied. </p><p><strong>The release of endorphins, oxytocin, and vasopressin make you less sensitive to pain during sex. </strong></p><p>For many, pain and sex go hand in hand. Many people enjoy a little bit of pain during sex, and there is actually a very good reason for this: you're less susceptible to pain during sex. The pituitary gland is activated during sex, which then frees your brain up to release all kinds of endorphins that are able to promote pain reduction. </p><p>An interesting thing to note is that some of the same areas of the brain that are active during sex are also active when you experience pain. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4000685/" target="_blank">A very interesting 1985 study</a> looked at the correlation between vaginal stimulation and the elevation of pain. </p><p><strong>In people who are unable to feel genital stimulation, the brain may actually be able to "remap" itself. </strong></p><p>People who have suffered lower-body paralysis can still achieve orgasm through stimulation of other body parts such as the nipples. In this case, the brain actually creates new pathways to pleasure that doesn't involve our genitalia. <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/paralyzed-women-rediscover-orgasms/" target="_blank">This Seattle Times article</a> details paralyzed women who were able to rediscover their ability to orgasm through various other sensations.<br></p><p><strong>Having orgasms can keep your brain healthy. </strong></p><p>Because there is a significant increase in blood flow across multiple areas of the brain so dramatically when we achieve orgasm, it's entirely likely that orgasms may have developed in part to keep our brains healthy.</p>What really happens in the body when you orgasm?
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUzMjAzOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwOTYyMzA2Nn0.-etGxz-ejxnP2n4CJ4OVoQy5KrrLL2uTxet7i-nBFZk/img.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C52%2C0%2C52&height=700" id="4b6fe" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="648070a56f9fea934d8780dba38bfb1f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="woman holding blanket in her hand" />What really happens in the body when we orgasm?
Photo by NATNN on Shutterstock
<p><strong>Your body swells and becomes more sensitive.</strong></p><p>While men experience the obvious swelling in the genitals due to increased blood flow, women can experience some forms of swelling during sex as well. From your breasts to your vulva, many women experience swelling during sexual arousal and release. </p><p><strong>Your heart rate quickens, which leads to euphoria. </strong></p><p>Of course, your heart rate elevates when you're experiencing orgasm, but along with that, you also experience a blood pressure rise and your breathing rate also increases. Both of these things are considered mild aerobic activity responses and could factor into the kind of euphoria you feel during sexual experiences - similar to a "runners high."</p><p><strong>Muscles in the vagina, anus, and uterus contract and release - like a workout.</strong></p><p>Not only is your pulse racing, but you may also be working out some of the muscles in your body (aside from the ones you're using to physically have sex). </p><p>According to <a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/9-things-that-happen-to-your-body-when-you-have-orgasm-that-you-never-realized-8487239" target="_blank">Bustle</a>, "Increased blood flow to the genitals during orgasm also maintains the integrity of the smooth muscle that lines the vagina, rectum and connective tissue between the penile shaft and scrotum."</p><p><strong>Orgasms may improve allergy symptoms or clear blocked nasal passages.</strong></p><p>"Orgasms can be effective at opening blocked nasal passages and can alleviate some allergy and congestion symptoms," according to sexologist and clinical professional counselor Dr. Laura Deitsch.</p>
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Does porn cause erectile dysfunction...or not?
While this has been a popular debate, the evidence suggests there isn't a strong link between pornography use and erectile dysfunction (ED).
30 July, 2020
Photo by Yeexin Richelle on Shutterstock
- According to UW Health, around 5 percent of men that are 40 years old have complete erectile dysfunction. That number increases to about 15 percent by age 70.
- While there are many things that can cause or contribute to ED (such as high blood pressure, smoking, the use of drugs or alcohol, depression, and anxiety), there has been wide debate over the impacts of pornography use.
- Several studies outlined in this article look at the supposed link between ED and pornography use.
<p>Erectile dysfunction (commonly referred to as ED) is the inability to get (or maintain) a full erection during normal sexual activity. This can occur sporadically or it can be a long-term issue. While ED can occur at any age, it is more common in men that are older as they are more likely to have health conditions that require medication, which can interfere with erectile function. </p><p><a href="https://www.uwhealth.org/urology/erectile-dysfunction-ed/20537#:~:text=About%205%20percent%20of%20men,of%20men%20in%20their%2060s)." target="_blank">According to UW Health</a>, around 5 percent of men that are 40 years old have complete erectile dysfunction, with that number increasing to about 15 percent of men by the age of 70. Mild to moderate ED impacts approximately 10 percent of men per decade of life (for example, 50 percent of men in their 50s, 60 percent of men in their 60s, etc.). </p><p>While anything from stress, to low self-esteem, to a physical injury can cause ED, there are some more specific causes that have been accounted for by the <a href="https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction(ed)" target="_blank">Urology Care Foundation</a>: </p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Having high blood pressure</li><li>Having high blood sugar (diabetes) </li><li>Having high cholesterol </li><li>Smoking</li><li>Using drugs or drinking too much alcohol</li><li>Being obese</li><li>Lacking exercise </li><li>Depression</li><li>Anxiety</li><li>Stress</li></ul><p>However, there is one specific "cause" of ED that has been widely debated for years - the use of pornography.</p><ul class="ee-ul"></ul>
Can pornography really cause erectile dysfunction?
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUyMjIxMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyODc3NDE0MH0.YIoVjpvc1V2X6viFQ0q62Bfr37dzWZGDb_JdfzpOlv8/img.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C104&height=700" id="aeea4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cbb4798850bfefec88f62c3538741ba0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="naked man hiding behind a pillow" />Is there really any evidence proving porn causes ED?
Photo by PrinceOfLove on Shutterstock
<p>Over the years, there have been multiple studies with conflicting results when it comes to this controversial question.</p><p><strong>A 2012 study links porn and erectile dysfunction in men ages 20-40 but says it is only "one piece of the puzzle."</strong></p><p>According to a <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/news/20170512/study-sees-link-between-porn-and-sexual-dysfunction#1" target="_blank">HealthDay News study</a>, porn-addicted men are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction and are less likely to be satisfied with sexual intercourse. This was determined based on a survey of 312 men between the ages of 20-40. Of men surveyed, 3.4 percent said they preferred masturbating to pornography over sexual intercourse, but the researchers found a statistical relationship between porn addiction and sexual dysfunction.</p><p>According to lead researcher Dr. Matthew Christman (staff urologist with the Naval Medical Center in San Diego), the rates of organic causes of ED in this age cohort are extremely low, so the increase in erectile dysfunction needs to be explained. "We believe that pornography may be one piece to that puzzle. Our data does not suggest it is the only explanation, however."</p><p><strong>A 2016 study has also been cited as proof that pornography use causes ED, however the study itself explains that more research is needed to prove this theory.</strong> </p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039517/#B9-behavsci-06-00017" target="_blank">According to this study</a>, 1 in 4 participants who sought help for new-onset ED were younger than 40, which was highly unusual. The conclusion of this study was that traditional factors that once explained sexual difficulties in men appear insufficient to account for the sharp rise in sexual dysfunctions and low sexual desire in these men."Both the literature and our clinical reports underscore the need for extensive investigation of Internet pornography's potential effects on users, ideally by having subjects remove the variable of internet pornography in order to demonstrate potential effects of behavioral modification," the authors wrote.</p><p><strong>An Italian study suggests men could suffer from "sexual anorexia" after pornography use. </strong></p><p>A survey of 28,000 users suggests many Italian males started an "excessive consumption" of porn sites as early as 14 years of age. The study uses the term "sexual anorexia," which is referred to in this case as a pathological loss of appetite for romantic-sexual interactions. </p><p>This particular study has been cited in multiple articles that claim ED is directly linked to pornography use. However, the study, listed in ANSA, outlines "daily use" for people in their early-mid 20s, and how individuals <em>may </em>become "inured to even the most violent images" in porn. </p><p>"It starts with lower reactions to porn sites, then there is a general drop in libido and in the end it becomes impossible to get an erection," <a href="https://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/english/2011/02/24/visualizza_new.html_1583160579.html" target="_blank">explains Carlo Foresta</a>, head of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS). </p><p><strong>A 2019 study that analyzed porn watching and ED risk suggested there isn't likely to be a link. </strong></p><p><a href="https://www.seksuologen-vlaanderen.be/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Grubbs-Gola-2019-J-SEX-MED-no-causal-link-pornography-and-ED-2.pdf" target="_blank">According to this study</a>, which sampled 877 American men between the ages of 18-60, porn-watching and ED were not likely to be linked. While it was true that some porn-watching men in the study did report ED, researchers found "very little evidence that mere pornography use is associated with changes in erection function."</p><p><strong>While porn may have some impact on ED, that impact isn't always negative.</strong></p><p>"ED is a biopsychosocial phenomenon, meaning there are many factors that can contribute to it," Christene Lorenzo, a therapist specializing in sexual health and relationships, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/experts-debunk-new-survey-claiming-watching-adult-videos-causes-ed#What-sexual-health-experts-think" target="_blank">explains to HealthLine</a>. </p><p>There are many possible physiological, psychological, and relationship factors that impact ED that most surveys arguing the impacts of pornography of erectile function don't take into account. <span></span></p><p>Additionally, while porn-induced erectile dysfunction is possible, porn may also actually help with ED in some cases. Erectile dysfunction is a complex health issue that has both physical and mental health components, according to <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317117" target="_blank">Medical News Today</a>. </p><p>"A <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/sm2.58" target="_blank" style="">2015 study</a> found that men who reported more time spent viewing pornography had greater sexual responsiveness to a partner in a laboratory setting. This suggests that pornography might help prime the brain or body for sex, potentially improving intercourse with a partner." </p>
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Pornography has been linked to easier, better orgasms in women
This study has linked female porn consumption to orgasms that are easier to achieve and more satisfying during both masturbation and partnered sex.
28 July, 2020
Photo by Oleg Elkov on Shutterstock
- A new study has linked the use of pornography to better sexual outcomes for women.
- Researchers had 2,433 women complete an anonymous survey in which they provided both demographic information and completed several assessments related to their sex lives. Both masturbation and partnered sex were taken into account.
- Studies like this can alter misconceptions about how porn impacts our relationships.
<p><a href="https://www.psypost.org/2020/05/women-who-use-pornography-more-frequently-tend-to-have-better-sexual-outcomes-study-finds-56886" target="_blank">A new study</a> has linked the use of pornography to better sexual outcomes in women. In fact, according to this new research, the use of pornography among women is associated with several positive outcomes including better orgasms that are easier to achieve.</p><p>"In this particular study, we examined whether frequency of pornography use during masturbation can predict sexual response outcomes such as difficulty reaching orgasm, latency to orgasm, and orgasmic pleasure during both masturbation and partnered sex," explains study author Sean M. McNabney.</p>
Will watching porn really make your sex life better?
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUxODQwNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTc0NDI5Mn0.PGJ3_YgS7-drKzngAz6udBhWLmKcthW12nuEgf1CghY/img.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C104%2C0%2C0&height=700" id="13a4e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="56f2517182c8377a4d51053522338422" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="woman in her room on her bed watching laptop" />Pornography use can be related to less difficulty becoming aroused and an easier time achieving an orgasm, according to new research.
Photo by CandyBox Images on Shutterstock
<p>In this study, researchers had 2,433 women from the United States and Hungary complete an anonymous survey, in which they provided demographic information and completed several assessments related to their sex lives. This study unearthed some very interesting observations that challenge much of the stereotypes and misconceptions people place around female porn viewing habits.</p><p><strong>Pornography use is more common in...</strong></p><p>Pornography use during masturbation was more common among pre-menopausal women, women who reported persistent anxiety or depression, non-heterosexual women, and women who had two or more partners. </p><p>Pornography use during masturbation was also more popular among American women than women from Hungary. </p><p><strong>Positive outcomes related to pornography use can include...</strong></p><p>More frequent use of pornography was related to positive outcomes during masturbation including less difficulty becoming aroused, less orgasmic difficulty, greater time to orgasm, greater orgasmic pleasure, and a higher percent of time reaching orgasm. </p><p>More frequent use of pornography for partnered sex was related to positive outcomes like less difficulty becoming aroused and greater time to orgasm. </p><p><strong>Pornography use does not negatively impact relationships as much as many people think.</strong></p><p>There was no association between pornography and sexual relationship satisfaction, which challenges the assumption that pornography is harmful to partnered sexual relationships. </p><p>More frequent pornography use was not associated with lower sexual responsivity. In fact, pornography use during masturbation predicted great ease becoming aroused during partnered sex. </p><p><strong>The missing parameters of this study are important to note.</strong></p><p>The study did not assess whether some women perceive themselves as dependent upon (or addicted to) pornography in order to achieve orgasm. This is important to note because distress resulting from pornography use may independently interfere with the female sexual response cycle. </p><p>Some other things impacted impaired sexual function in women that are worth taking note of, including lower levels of educational attainment and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression were also associated with lower relationship/sexual satisfaction. </p>It’s time to rethink how porn impacts our relationships
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUxODQwOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyODQ5ODEzM30.vmZ1Tf5MAb4vAKEIInne2Wq4LkL1S3ES0J389tngp8o/img.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C52%2C0%2C52&height=700" id="d933d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="276c7fcf0a11e26ed5a9ab4b6ea77d8b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="woman in bed holding phone wearing headphones" />Audio porn is becoming more and more popular for its immersive and inclusive nature.
Photo by popcorner on Shutterstock
<p>It's more common than ever for women to consume porn. Back in 2016, <a href="https://sofiagray.com/an-inside-look-at-female-porn-habits-what-kind-of-porn-do-women-watch/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=5d01e68d5abf31eaa6790fffed7a5ec6e0a7206e-1595926098-0-Af6EeCMMUhn8Dr2ltUceMpHzG1nC0jOcQJFiOF538eJ3iZ2gvMO3rBYkkdJaSWiXp9JeM5UmnxHknRpyqpier-zkdLWk9GCf3-C_vQ_j5f-Bn8BcBQFfoyNfU0ysK4LrWfOL9w61H_ETWgxjXogIgZNN45hii8ywWo5O7vjVw8pv5T6-4pRv9wnjcKAzVU62yua3E3pFH_dRKArrEF2OhNP7PB1KTvAnzgMMsywgcO9P-Yy5SLHrPLCZ7PnRCOgrAXnGr38CDH_8zhd0bCkMHFkDWuR9rI_T1-GTB7e2bqirzee3DbJbe_OgkV7-rhY6Rrf52ITliuzwNWUhK45NDZimEmcQWntN9irxrGu0U1-HNZO_dTUOuwJMwmnIOXr7tQ" target="_blank">the average percentage of women who consumed porn</a> was 26 percent worldwide. <a href="https://fightthenewdrug.org/how-do-men-and-womens-porn-site-searches-differ/" target="_blank">In 2018</a>, that number was much higher, with 3 out of every 10 PornHub users identifying as female.</p><p>While this may be surprising to some, it really shouldn't be considering the lengths this industry has gone to in order to become inclusive, accepting, and more appealing to people of all genders and sexual orientations.</p><p><strong>Visual porn platforms (such as PornHub) are still on top, but not for long.</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.pornhub.com/insights/2019-year-in-review" target="_blank">In 2019</a>, there were over 42 billion visits to PornHub, one of the largest visual porn platforms around. This means there was an average of 115 million visits to the website per day. Their statistics outline that the amount of content available on the site at any given time that year would have taken 169 years to watch. </p><p>Other visual pornography platforms have similar statistics, however there is a new kind of porn rising—and it's captivating the imagination of women, in particular. </p><p><strong>Audio porn is offering a more widely accepted, inclusive, and all-encompassing approach to sexual health and happiness. </strong></p><p>"Audio porn" has been around for longer than you may realize, with the first phone sex line being <a href="http://www.nathanaelwolfe.com/stellaresults/" target="_blank">launched in 1977</a> by Gloria Leonard. The 2010s saw a rise in audio porn, with platforms like <a href="https://www.tryquinn.com/" target="_blank">Quinn</a> and <a href="https://www.dipseastories.com/" target="_blank">Dipsea</a> breaking onto the pornography scene in a big way. Now, in 2020, platforms like <a href="https://audiodesires.com/" target="_blank">Audiodesires</a>, <a href="https://www.voxxx.org/" target="_blank">Voxxx</a>, and more are following suit. </p><p>Audio porn offers a more in-depth, immersive, imaginative experience for women who previously found visual sex to be off-putting, offensive, or crude. More than that, it's making the concept of pornography more "acceptable" and appreciated in mainstream media, with more attention being paid to these new platforms from sources like <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/tried-quinn-audio-porn-website-180410453.html" target="_blank">Yahoo</a> and the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/20/style/audio-porn-erotica-quinn-dipsea.html" target="_blank">New York Times</a>. </p><p><strong>Studies like this can alter misconceptions about how porn impacts our relationships. </strong></p><p>"Some readers may be relieved to learn that pornography use is fairly common among women and is unlikely to interfere with sexual functioning during partnered relationships. Other variables such as ongoing anxiety/depression or sexual relationship dissatisfaction appear to more consistently predict sexual problems," said McNabney. </p>
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Do vegetarians really have better sex than meat-eaters?
There are many reasons why this could be true.
21 July, 2020
Photo by Prostock-studio on Shutterstock
- A new study explains the differences in libido and sexual satisfaction between vegetarians and meat-eaters, with vegetarians coming out on top.
- According to this survey, 57 percent of vegetarians claim to have sex 3-4 times per week compared to 49 percent of meat-eaters. Also, 58 percent of vegetarians (compared to 35 percent of meat-eaters) claim to be "givers" rather than "takers" in the bedroom.
- There are many reasons why vegetarians may be having better sex, from a healthier, easier-to-digest diet, to actually appearing physically more attractive due to the benefits of the vitamins in their food.
<p><a href="https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/news/people/vegetarians-have-better-sex-meat-eaters-new-survey-reveals-2004070" target="_blank">A 2020 study</a> that surveyed 500 vegetarians (38 percent of which identified as vegans) and 500 meat-eaters has suggested that vegetarians are having better, more fulfilling sexual encounters than meat-eaters. </p><p>This survey was conducted by Illicit Encounters, the UK's largest extramarital dating site. According to survey poll results, vegetarians are more likely to enjoy foreplay and dirty talk than their meat-eating counterparts. </p><p>The majority of vegetarians polled (57 percent) claimed to have sex 3-4 times per week, whereas most meat-eaters (49 percent) claimed to have sex 1-2 times per week. Additionally, 84 percent of vegetarians reported being satisfied with their sex lives compared to 59 percent of meat-eaters. Surprisingly, the polls showed that 95 percent of strictly vegan participants claimed to be completely satisfied with their sex life. </p><p><strong>The survey went even further, diving into what specifically the participants were enjoying about their sex lives the most: </strong></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>58 percent of vegetarians and 35 percent of meat-eaters claim they are "givers" rather than "takers" in the bedroom</li><li>Most vegetarians and meat-eaters enjoy making out (92 percent versus 79 percent) and foreplay (88 percent versus 68 percent)</li><li>Dirty talk was enjoyed by 48 percent of vegetarians compared to 35 percent of meat-eaters</li><li>Bondage was enjoyed by 26 percent of vegetarians and 15 percent of meat-eaters</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"></ul>
Vegetarians really could be having better sex...and here's why
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwMDgyNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNjIyMTI0M30.umHTs11jjuHgg63IR_8BK7gyvDk_oPIoxF2TO0eUDD4/img.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C79%2C0%2C79&height=700" id="9f258" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="16a2a3ae512b5e421a94d33f8972d5ec" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="illustration of burger fighting broccoli" />There are many reasons why vegetarians may be having more satisfying sex...
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<p><strong>Vegetarian or vegan diets can promote optimal body function</strong></p><p><em></em>"Never underestimate the power of a plant-based diet," writes Delfina Ure in <a href="https://www.muscleandfitness.com/features/active-lifestyle/7-reasons-why-vegetarians-are-better-sex/" target="_blank">Muscle and Fitness</a>. "Every plant, seed, herb, nut, and fruit has a powerful chemical makeup and nutrient profile that promotes optimal body function for a healthy libido…" </p><p>Along with packing a punch with nutrients, eating less meat may also mean you have more energy to burn doing other things (like having sex). "Vegetarians have the one up on digestion with plants being easier on the body than a flank of meat," that same article explains. Plants tend to be easier to break down into nutrients which can give your body a quick energy boost without a heavy feeling. </p><p><strong>Erectile dysfunction may be more common in meat-eaters </strong></p><p><a href="https://www.muscleandfitness.com/features/active-lifestyle/7-reasons-why-vegetarians-are-better-sex/" target="_blank">Studies show around 75 percent</a> of men who suffer from heart disease also suffer from erectile dysfunction. And <a href="https://www.peta.org/about-peta/faq/does-eating-meat-really-cause-impotence/#:~:text=Medical%20evidence%20indicates%20that%20meat,disease%2C%20cancer%2C%20and%20stroke." target="_blank">medical evidence indicates</a> meat-eating can cause impotence because the meat clogs up the arteries going to all the organs, not just the heart. </p><p><strong>Diet and digestion can interrupt sleep, which can impact your sex life </strong></p><p>A good night's sleep naturally regulates athletic performance, according to <a href="https://www.muscleandfitness.com/features/active-lifestyle/7-reasons-why-vegetarians-are-better-sex/" target="_blank">Muscle and Fitness</a>. Not only that, but sleep can impact hormone production, mood regulation, memory, and mental functions, and all of those can impact your sex drive. According to research, 1 in 3 Americans struggle with a sleep disorder and among those, the biggest culprit is diet and digestion.</p><p>"If you're a heavy meat-eater overloading your body with protein you can't break down, toxins you're not removing and nutrients your body can't get to, over time your body's natural biorhythms will pay the toll…" </p><p><strong>Vegetarians may be "more attractive"</strong></p><p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16891352/" target="_blank">According to a 2006 study</a> from Charles University (in the Czech Republic), women may prefer the scent of a man who is vegetarian over the scent of a man who is a meat-eater. This makes sense, considering unprocessed toxins from meat can be released into the bloodstream and large intestines, and then get pushed out of the pores of the skin, causing meat-eaters to have a harsher body odor than vegetarians or those on a plant-based diet. </p><p>Someone on a vegetarian or vegan diet may also have better skin. Typical vegetarian diets consist of a lot of vitamins A and C, chlorophyll, and other vitamins/antioxidants that naturally work to clean, detox and revitalize the body (including our skin). </p>
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The COVID effect: How more time at home translated to record porn views
The line between work and play has became blurred during the pandemic.
16 July, 2020
Credit: Mariia Korneeva / Shutterstock
- Pornhub measured its daily traffic and reported an average increase of 24% in daily traffic compared to days before COVID-19 lockdown.
- During lockdown, VR porn has helped breach the gap between social distancing and human connection.
- There are many reasons it's better to pay for porn than rely on free websites: it reduces exploitation, the quality is better, and you can dive into the world of VR.
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<p>Since the breakout of COVID-19, we have seen an undeniable pattern: As countries went into isolation, their use of porn increased. Pornhub, the worlds largest porn website, measured its daily traffic and reported an average <a href="https://www.pornhub.com/insights/coronavirus-update-april-14" target="_blank">increase of 24% in daily traffic</a> compared to days before lockdown. Interestingly, the countries that were slow to isolate showed no increase in traffic until they went into isolation.</p><p>To provide an example, Italy, which was one of the first European countries to go into lockdown, saw its use of porn increase by <a href="https://www.pornhub.com/insights/coronavirus-update-april-2#demographic" target="_blank">57% on March 12</a> compared to previous days. Both the United Kingdom and the United States, however, which were slower to respond to the pandemic, saw an increase in porn traffic later in March, just as they began to tighten social policy.</p>
Porn sites' response to COVID
<p>Several porn sites made their premium features free during the pandemic so that people would be more inclined to stay at home. In addition, a number of websites enabled their verified models to upload content and receive 100% of the income generated from those videos in a bid to help support them during the pandemic.</p><p>From the beginning of March, there was a <a href="https://www.pornhub.com/insights/verified-model-uploads" target="_blank">30% increase</a> of uploaded material from adult models compared to previous periods. Interestingly, more than 1,000 corona-themed videos were uploaded onto Pornhub, many of which received over one million views each. Surprisingly, corona and COVID were searched over 15 million times during this period.</p>How virtual reality bridged the gap of social distancing and human connection
<p>Porn fulfills a need when there is no one around but it's not quite the real thing so, after a point, it can leave us wanting a little bit more. Unfortunately, COVID is forcing us to wait a significant amount of time before we can really connect with someone, but thanks to virtual reality websites, such as <a href="https://badoinkvr.com" target="_blank">Badoink VR porn</a>, that little bit more was enough for many to stay at home, remain safe and satisfied.</p><p>Virtual reality porn is as close to the real thing as you can experience despite being completely alone. You can experience your sexual fantasies as though you are actually in the room watching or even experiencing the actors and actresses before you. When you look around the room or check out your company for the evening, you see it from a point-of-view perspective, which gives it a very realistic feel. It's the perfect bridge between reality and fantasy. Of course, it's no substitute for the real thing, but during lockdown, there are not many ways you can make it better.</p>Why paying for porn is better for everyone
<p>You may ask, 'Why pay for something when you can get it for free?' but COVID has highlighted the importance of looking after those who keep us going during difficult times. We have a reasonable expectation to pay for things that we use and consume, be it music, movies, and even dating sites, <a href="https://mashable.com/article/pay-for-your-porn-erika-lust/?europe=true" target="_blank">so why should porn be any different?</a> On some level, we recognize that we receive a better quality service or product when we make a financial contribution and doing so prevents the exploitation of others in disadvantaged circumstances.</p> <p>It's fair to say that few other industries have exploited people more than the adult industry and websites that offer free porn indirectly and perhaps unintentionally contribute to this due to video piracy, and lack of control over how the performers are being treated or rewarded for their effort. Paying for porn means that everyone gets a better deal, so consider finding a site that works for you. You can feel proud of being socially responsible and be sure to get a better quality product, especially if you are stepping into the modern era of virtual reality.</p>
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