MEN VS WOMEN: WHY AND HOW DO WE EXPERIENCE SEXUAL AROUSAL?

According to research, men and women differ in how they experience arousal. Studies show that the difference in arousal between men and women is psychological and physiological. Researchers use different methods and studies to explain this difference in sexual arousal and to determine sources of problems, including risky sexual behavior and sexual dysfunction. They also allow exploration of basic questions about arousal nature and related elements, such as subjective involvement. Several studies suggest that women’s sex drive is lower than men’s. Is it true? This article explains how the two differ in terms of arousal. 

Men and Sexual Arousal

Men Passionately Seek Sex

Multiple surveys have shown that men frequently ask for sex more than women throughout their relationship. This was not only observed in heterosexual men but also gays. Also, lesbians were observed to have less frequent sex sessions than gays at all stages of their relationship. This only proves that men seek sex more than women and are thus easily aroused. More confirmation is observed in men who say they prefer having numerous sex partners and have a common interest in casual sex.

Men’s Thoughts are More on Sex

Reports show that most men under 60 have a sexual thought at least once every day. On the other side, nearly a quarter of women think of it at such frequency. With age, both genders experience fewer sexual fantasies, but men still have more sexual thoughts than women. 

Other Additional Information

• Most men masturbate, with half of them saying they feel guilty doing it. Conversely, about 40% of women masturbate but with a lower frequency.
• Priests have a hard time fulfilling their chastity vows, unlike nuns. For instance, a survey pointed out that 62% of priests among the clergy admitted having sexual activities. On the other hand, 49% of nuns engaged in sexual practices. Men reported having more sexual partners than women. 
• Men seek commercial sex, hence largely participating in prostitution compared to women. 

Women’s Arousal

A few studies demonstrate that women’s sexual desires, attitudes, and practices were majorly influenced by their surroundings, unlike men. For example;

• Most women are impacted by their peers in making decisions related to sex.
• Church-going women possibly have a lenient attitude in sex, unlike men who don’t show any connection between the two.
• Highly educated women are likely to practice various sexual performances, including oral sex, whereas men may not be influenced by education level.

All these findings prove that women have lower sex drives with higher vulnerability compared to men. This may be because of the power men hold in the community. Some say the existing difference in sexual expectation for both genders brings about the difference in sexual arousal. Most women try to be careful when choosing a partner, with most wanting a reliable partner.

Women Have Complicated Turn-ons

According to different research, men are more specific about what they want in sex. For example, they understand what arouses them and who to have sex with. However, most women are more open-minded about what they like sexually. The findings of one study concluded that women could easily fall for other women, even if they are straight. This shows that women are more complicated about their turn-ons compared to men.

Women Orgasm Differently From Men

Women usually take longer to get to the climax. For instance, they can orgasm between 10-11 minutes from the entry point, and the orgasm is not guaranteed, whereas men only take an average of 4 minutes. Also, men and women have different orgasm frequencies. 75% of men usually orgasm every time they have sex, but only 26% of women reach orgasm during sex. 

Women’s Sex Drives are Less Reactive to Drugs

Men’s libido is more directly linked to biological composition, unlike women's. This may explain  why low libido treatment in men easily works through medication. Men with erectile dysfunction have gotten cures from drugs. Testosterone can boost sex drive in men and women, but it gives quicker effects to men than women. Nevertheless, the impact is less in women compared to men.

The bottom Line

Sexual arousal in men and women differs for various reasons. Researchers study arousal through different techniques to learn the major causes of problems, such as high-risk behavior and erectile dysfunction. Studies show that women prefer developing a social connection with a partner before sparking sexual desire. Their sex drive is also likely to be impacted heavily by cultural and social factors. The environment also plays a major role in the urge for sex in women. For instance, those with higher education may have multiple sex practices, including complex styles. The cases are different with men because their sex libido is more straightforward and stronger. They’re also specific about their requirements for sex and who they wish to engage with.