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Sex is a highly personalized experience, as what pushes your buttons might not do the same for someone else. But a new study from Missouri State University researchers did interviews with 78 sexually active participants of different ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations to determine what contributes to “great sex.”
Based on the interviews, the study finds that most people agree there are three things that combine for “great sex” - orgasm, emotional connection and chemistry. But what else can help?
So what helps for a great night in the bedroom?
- While the majority of participants feel orgasms are an essential part of sex, 20 say they’re not necessary for the experience to be “great.”
- Emotional connection is harder to define, but it was rated the second-most important factor for exceptional sex. Many study participants point out that you can have an emotional connection without romantic love, but eight of them believe that emotional component is linked with love. And 16 participants don’t feel there needs to be an emotional connection for stellar sex.
- Chemistry is the other important factor, which those involved with the study agree is an emotional and physical response that’s either there or not. Participants explain that chemistry lets them trust their partner enough to “let go and be present,” so they could focus on their own pleasure.
- After doing the study, researchers conclude that sexual experiences are deeply personal and may be interpreted differently by each partner. Walker sums it up by saying, “Your idea of hat makes sex great may be different than your partner’s.”