7 Sex Studies That Will Blow Your Mind

Sex without condoms feels better. Guys cheat more than girls. Women are more likely to “fake it” for their man. We all have our preconceived accepted “truths” about sex.

With so many shades of gray hidden behind closed doors, there’s all sorts of room for scandalous sexual delusions.

How much of what you think you know about sex is actually backed by science? Well, we’ve done the research on all things orgasmic, risque and desirable, and what we’ve uncovered will shock you.

Check out these seven sex study findings you never saw coming!

We’ve all heard the horror stories, or at least imagined them thanks to a few comedic coital catastrophes featured on episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” of sex gone wrong.

You may think penile fractures to be improbable, but one study proves certain common positions may be riskier than you think. “Woman on top,” is known for male submission to female control, but you may also be submitting yourself to increased risk of fracture for your little friend.

Contrary to popular belief, women may be faking orgasms not to stroke their partner’s ego, but to enhance their own sexual pleasure.

In one study, four factors were used in the Faking Orgasm Scale for Women (FOS):

• faking orgasm out of concern for one’s partner’s feelings
• faking for fear of a negative sexual experience
• faking to increase one’s own arousal
• faking it to end sexual activity

Though faking it to spare a partner’s feelings was a key factor, study co-author Erin Cooper told a Huffington Post writer that pretending to reach climax is merely another “tool in the toolbox” of sexual satisfaction techniques for women.

It’s no secret that there are mixed reviews on various contraceptive measures for both men and women, but what exactly are women preventing in an attempt to control conception?

In a sample of 1,101 women, this study examined the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and sexual function and sexual behavior.

Results showed women using a hormonal birth control substance experienced less frequent sexual activity, arousal and satisfaction, as well as increased difficulty with vaginal lubrication, despite socio-demographic variables.

Emotional cheating versus physical infidelity is a divide that has threatened to destroy even the oldest of partnerships.

In a survey of 63,894 gay, lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual individuals, researchers asked participants which would cause them more emotional distress: a partner engaging in an emotional affair (but never engaging physically) or a partner having sexual relations with another (but not falling in love).

Researchers, David Frederick and Melissa Fales,  that while the heterosexual male survey population was by far more upset by sexual infidelity, a staggering 70 percent of all other participants preferred physical cheating over emotional unfaithfulness.

That’s right. Despite what your favorite porn provider may lead you to believe, focusing too much on orgasm achievement may actually inhibit one’s ability to climax.

In a study of sexual satisfaction, four factors of focus were considered:

• emotional and masculine
• relational and feminine
• partner-emphasized
• orgasm-emphasized

Dr. Sarah McClelland

 that though orgasm was important to some participants, it was not a viable determinant for whether or not an individual was sexually satisfied.

Many studies have explored the correlation between intent for coercion and sexual assault, but this study considers the phrasing of the study’s survey questions.

In a study of 86 male college students over the age of 18, three target groups were revealed:

• those who deny intentions to use coercion for sex
• those who endorse forceful behavior but not when it’s labelled as “rape”
• those who openly endorse the intent to rape women

The latter two groups only varied in levels of hostility toward women, indicating that while he may disapprove of the term “rape,” the endorsement of coercive behavior shows benevolent sexism against women.

Cuddling has been a standard of proper post-intercourse procedure for as long as such bedroom behaviors have existed.

Though its popularity may waver, particularly among young, reportedly-noncommittal males, new research shows side effects of spooning may be stronger than you think.

According to findings of Amy Muise, Elaine Giang and Emily Impett, the duration of post-sex affection has positive association with higher sexual satisfaction, resulting in higher relationship satisfaction for those in committed relationships.

So before you go jumping to conclusions about jumping into bed, check your facts. Studies will reveal sex isn’t always as it seems. Cuddle more, ride with caution and don’t be afraid to go for that imaginative “O,” if that’s what gets you off.