Having some nookie. Bumpin' fuzzies. Bangin' away. Shagging. Visiting the Netherlands. Whatever your term of choice for sex, we've rustled up some crazy facts that you probably didn't know…
1. Can guys give themselves oral sex?
Yes, some can. Around 1% of guys can reach their erection with their mouths but only two out of 1000 men are able to actually autofellate as a form of masturbation. The trick is to be flexible enough and/or to have a penis that is long enough to reach with the mouth when erect. You could say gymnasts, contortionists and yoga practitioners have a bit of a head start. (Source: Wikipedia)
2. Can women get pregnant from anal sex?
This is possible. Plenty of heterosexual couples practise anal sex in an attempt to avoid pregnancy. Statistics show that about 8% of couples who use anal sex as a birth control method actually conceive from it. What happens is that the semen seeps from the anus into the vagina in what is known as known as 'splash conception'. (Source: The Big Bang: nerve's guide to the new sexual universe by the writers at nerve)
3. Does masturbation change his penis skin colour?
Apparently so. It is natural for the colour of the penis to be darker than the rest of the body, as part of a guy's physical maturation process. However, masturbation also alters the colour - and the more he masturbates, the darker his penis skin becomes. (Source: The Sex Inspectors Masterclass by Tracey Cox and Michael Alvear)
4. Does sex help with menstrual cramps?
Yes it does. Orgasms help ease the cramps, which are caused by contractions of the uterine muscles. The uterus produces chemicals known as prostaglandins, which cause the uterine muscles to contract during menstruation. Vigorous muscle action during sex relieves the pain because it moves blood and other fluids away from congested organs. (Source: MotherNature.com)
5. Why are the odds stacked against sperm?
Although sperm whip their tails to swim, only about half actually swim in a straight line - the rest swim in circles or just bob along in the semen. It makes you wonder how they manage to get the job done. However, many of them make it to the egg, even though the tubes between the ovaries and uterus are lined with tiny hair cells that beat against the sperm as they swim onwards. The average ejaculate contains about 200 million sperm, which would stretch for 9.65 kilometres if lined up end to end - so there are more than enough to fertilise one egg. (Source: Dr Craig Niederberger, CBS News - www.cbsnews.com)
6. Are bald men more highly sexed?
Finally, bald guys get some good press. Male baldness indicates a higher sex drive, which means they're likely to seek sex more often than their hairier counterparts. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the male sex drive. Their bodies produce more testosterone - one of the main causes of hair loss in men - and the higher a guy's testosterone level, the more likely he is to lose his hair.
(Source: supersex by Tracey Cox)
7. Are hands-free orgasms possible?
Yes, there are people who can orgasm without even being touched. Some women can climax using fantasies, breathing techniques or by contracting their PC muscle. Men and women report that they are able to have orgasms in their sleep - and this includes people with spinal cord injuries who have no sensation in their genitals. Some people suffering nerve damage have reported orgasmic sensations in other parts of their bodies. (Source: The Big Bang: nerve's guide to the new sexual universe by the writers at nerve)
8. Is it possible to be allergic to sperm?
Yes, and it's called human seminal plasma protein hypersensitivity (SPH). The allergy is to the proteins in the semen. It's possible to be allergic to a specific guy's semen or to the common proteins found in most guys' semen. The symptoms may include itching, pain, swelling or redness, as well as other responses such as difficulty breathing or hives. The reaction usually starts within 20-30 minutes of contact and can last for days. Happily, it's possible to be desensitised. (Source: Go Ask Alice! by Columbia University)
9. Love (and sex) may be a chemical reaction after all…
Our sex lives appear to be determined in part by the chemicals produced in our bodies. Three biochemical processes influencing the three stages of reproduction have been identified by anthropology professor Helen Fisher: Our sex drive (lust) is driven by testosterone and oestrogen. Falling in love and becoming attached is fuelled by dopamine, norepinephrine and phenylethylamine, which produce euphoria when combined. Feelings of intimacy, trust and affection are the result of oxytocin, vasopressin and serotonin. (Source: The Miscellany of Sex by Francesca Twinn)
10. The proof of sex may be her little toe
It's possible to tell if a woman has just had sex by checking for post-coitus physical evidence. Within 20 minutes of sex, many women have glowing cheeks, a red rash on their chests or necks, and slightly swollen lips from increased blood pressure. Women also blink rapidly and breath quickly straight afterwards, but a day later they are likely to breath and blink more slowly than normal. Also check her left foot - apparently the little toe turns red after sex. (Source: supersex by Tracey Cox)