Like all areas of human existence sex is a subject of science research. Why? Well, to try and make our lives more fulfilled, to perfect the sexual experience and to help solve intimate sexual problems that plague thousands of people. The desire to better understand people as sexual beings stems from a desire to better understand people in general. Sex is an integral part of adult life and one which effects us in many ways. Thus ongoing research continues to bring us fascinating studies to help us understand our selves better and fulfill our full potential in every area of life. Here are some of the most interesting recent studies into people as sexual beings.
Male and Female Sex Drive
A University of Wisconsin meta-analysis of more than 800 subjects over the course of 15 years showed that there is an inborn disparity between the male and female sex drive. The disparity is in the desire for sex. In males the desire for sex only increases as a relationship progresses where as the women’s sex drive decreases especially in a monogamous relationship. The study cannot prove without a doubt that this is a fact as cultural influences must be taken into account.
Desire or Arousal
Researchers in Amsterdam set out to examine which comes first – a physical or mental response to sexual images. The results indicated that we respond physically first by becoming sexually aroused before our minds trigger desire. The physical response is subconscious.
Can Bisexuality be a Phase
Researchers studied 70 lesbian and bisexual women for 10 years. The aim was to see if their sexual identity, behavior or attraction changed. The results proved that bisexuality is not a passing phase as a women tries to “find” her true identity. Rather that bisexuality remains a pattern of attraction throughout their lives. Although the women can tend to be more attracted to one sex or the other according to their personal situation and relationships.
Declining Levels of Testosterone and Sexual Desire
In the past scientists have thought that as the levels of testosterone decline with age a man’s sex life slows down. Scientists as the University of Sydney say it is the opposite way round. A decline in sexual activity can be a cause of lower testosterone levels not a result. Still undeniably taking testosterone supplements does boost sexual desire. Data suggests that increased sexual activity does increase serum testosterone.
Frequency of Sex after Marriage
German Panel Data examined the frequency of sex taking into account the duration of the relationship, duration of cohabitation, parenthood and relationship quality. Findings showed a drop in frequency of sex occurs early in the relationship and is not a result of cohabitation or marriage. However pregnancy and being parents of small children does reduce the frequency of sex between partners for a period. The quality of the relationship also effects the frequency of sex.