New Scientist recently reported on a study conducted to test the time it takes for men and women to become sexually aroused. The study was interesting because "women may have a reputation for demanding lengthy foreplay;" however, Canadian researchers, using thermal imaging to measure increased blood flow, concluded men and women reach arousal at approximately the same time, 665 seconds and 743 seconds, respectively. While the researchers believe the difference is "statistically insignificant," I’m sure most women would beg to differ. Just tell that to those unfortunate women paired with men who prematurely, well…you get the point.
Nevertheless, it was the thermal imagining that set this study apart from the rest. Previous attempts to measure sexual arousal typically required women to use “an uncomfortable probe similar to a tampon, inserted into the vagina.” In this study, Canadian researchers used thermal imaging to measure temperature changes of 0.001°C. Participants were first asked to watch a video of the Canadian countryside [hot] to establish a baseline measurement, and then watch some pornographic material [probably not Girls Gone Wild].
Subjects were naked from the waist down and positioned themselves such that their genital area was exposed and readable by the thermal imaging device. The participants next watched another video with the same subject matter, or one featuring pornography, horror or comedic clips from the Best Bits of Mr Bean.
While the data doesn’t bode well for women who demand hours of foreplay; it does mark a new chapter in a man’s justification for the proverbial quickie.
[source: New Scientist]
[additional links: Girls Gone Wild]
