Kinsey Institute Blog – Page 18 – Exploring sexuality, relationships, and well-being.

Frequent Sex is Linked to Better Memory

Posted on 03/30/2018 by Kinsey Institute

By Dr. Justin Lehmiller

A series of recent studies suggests that frequent sexual activity could potentially benefit the brain.

First, a 2010 study on male rats discovered a link between sexual activity and neuron growth [1]. Specifically, rats that had daily sex for two weeks demonstrated more neuron growth than rats that were only allowed to have sex once during the same amount of time. Following this, a 2013 study—which also focused on male rats—found that daily sexual activity was linked not only to generating more new neurons, but also to enhanced cognitive functioning [2].

While these findings imply that sex may be good for the brains of rats, what about humans? A recent study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior provides evidence that sex could potentially be good for our brains as well [3]. (more…)

How Your Attachment Style Impacts Your Communication About Sex

Posted on 03/16/2018 by Kinsey Institute

By Dr. Justin Lehmiller

Communication is one of the keys to establishing a healthy sexual relationship. However, the quality of sexual communication varies tremendously across couples—an observation that has prompted researchers to explore why. A new study published in the Journal of Sex Research suggests that our attachment style is one potentially important factor to consider. (more…)

How Men Perceive Women’s Attractiveness Can Affect Their Intention to Use Condoms

Posted on 02/27/2018 by Kinsey Institute

By Dr. Justin Lehmiller

Men’s condom use intentions depend on a lot of things, from their general attitudes toward condoms to their perceived ability to use condoms effectively to their degree of concern about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Their willingness to use condoms also appears to depend, at least in part, on the way their partner looks.

According to a recent study published in BMJ Open, the more attractive heterosexual men perceive a prospective female partner to be, the less likely they are to want to use condoms with her [1]. (more…)

The Power of Touch: Why Physical Intimacy Promotes Relationship Health

Posted on 02/20/2018 by Kinsey Institute

By Dr. Justin Lehmiller

Physical intimacy plays a vital role in long-term relationship success. However, such intimacy doesn’t necessarily have to be sexual in nature in order for it to have a profound effect on the partners and their relationship. A new set of studies published in the journal Physiology & Behavior suggests that non-sexual touch plays an important role in stress relief and relaxation. (more…)

The Health Risks of Pubic Hair Grooming-And How to Minimize Them

Posted on 01/20/2018 by Kinsey Institute

By Dr. Justin Lehmiller

Pubic hair grooming is an age-old practice that dates back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Though not new by any stretch of the imagination, genital grooming has increased in popularity in the last few years. In fact, studies consistently find that a majority of women and men alike report having done it at least once before; however, women tend to do it more often.

So what’s behind this growing genital grooming trend? (more…)