9 Of The Most Asked Questions About Sex

The most popular Google searches related to sex, answered.

1. Can sex actually relieve headaches?

A 2013 study surveyed 1,000 patients who attended a headache clinic. They found that 60% of participants reported sex drastically reducing the pain of their migraines, and in some cases, the migraine disappeared entirely. So, yes, sex may help migraine headaches, however, when it comes to non-migraine headaches, other research concluded sex may not be as effective.

2. How long should sex last? 

Sex therapists recommend foreplay to last for at least 10 minutes in order for your bodies to prepare and warm up. For heterosexual intercourse, a 2005 study found that any penetration under two minutes is "too short" and anything beyond 10 minutes is "too long", settling with 7-10 minutes being most desirable. 

3. How often should you have sex?

The average adult in a relationship has sex once per week. However, every couple is different with varying sexual needs, so it's important to listen to your body and communicate it with your partner.

The connection you have is more important than the number of times you are sexually intimate, so understanding it may fluctuate and being compassionate when it does will help to build trust and make your bond stronger.

4. What is the average number of sexual partners?

A Superdrug survey of 2,000 people found that women averaged 7 sexual partners throughout their life, while men averaged 6.4.

5. Does penis size matter?

When erect, the average adult penis measures around 13cm in length and 10cm to 12cm in circumference. 

In a survey of 25 participants, 21 said size does not matter, with one quoting "size doesn’t really matter. More important is technique, honesty and passion."

During intercourse, the vagina widens and lubricates to fit the size of the penis, and the most important thing to remember is that a female orgasm can arise from clitoral, vaginal, nipple, or other erogenous zone stimulation. So size is only truly applicable during vaginal stimulation, 1 of the 4 ways a woman can orgasm. 

6. What's the best sex toy for a newbie?

If you're not sure what to try, you could look for something affordable that you can first experiment with. Depending on your preference, we would recommend playing with some textures and shapes that you can use on both your clitoris and inside for penetration.

A small, ribbed toy may be the perfect thing to get started with. Our Baby Palm toy is 5.1 inches long and 0.7 inches thick. It's wonderful to use as clit stimulation or for subtle penetration. You can also use it for anal play, but be sure to wash it with warm water before transferring it from vaginal to anal.

Featured in image: The Baby Palm by Subana

A slightly bolder option is our double ended Curvy Classic, crafted from smooth, crystal-clear glass, embodying elegance in its minimalist design. It's compatible with all types of lubricants and easily heated or cooled for temperature play, making it a perfect toy to explore a range of new sensations.

Featured in image: The Curvy Classic by Subana

7. Can sex help anxiety?

Sex can relieve stress and anxiety by releasing "feel good" hormones including oxytocin and endorphins, that help us to relax. On top of this, sex has shown to decrease levels of adrenaline and cortisol, known as "stress hormones".

8. How long does the female orgasm last?

The duration of a female orgasm can fluctuate, but on average lasts between 3-15 seconds, with some evidence even showing that a climax could go on for up to 2 minutes.

Of course, the intensity and amount of time it lasts can be influenced by various factors, such as your arousal level, emotional state, and the stimulation being experienced. 

9. Can sex induce labour? 

There is some evidence to suggest that sex can potentially induce labor in pregnant individuals who are near or past their due dates. Here's the science behind it:

1. Prostaglandins: Semen contains prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that can help to soften the cervix, ready for labour.

2. Oxytocin: Sexual activity, particularly having an orgasm, can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a key role in labor. Oxytocin is even sometimes used medically to induce or augment labor.

3. Uterine Contractions: Sexual stimulation, including intercourse and orgasm, can cause mild contractions of the uterus. While these contractions may not always lead to full-blown labor, they can sometimes contribute to the onset of labor, particularly if the body is already primed for it.

So there we have it - 9 of the most asked (or Googled) questions about sex. Did you learn anything new, or do you have any questions we haven't answered? Let us know below in the comments.