9 frisky facts to get you in the mood for World Contraception Day

Sex. It’s happening all over the world, all the time. (Millions of people are probably getting it on as you’re reading this article.)

Birth control. It’s what makes it possible for all those people to make love without making babies. (Until they’re ready, of course.)

That’s why every September 26th we celebrate World Contraception Day. This year we’re ringing in the big event with 9 facts about sex (and birth control) around the globe.

• Quantity doesn’t mean quality. According to a survey by Durex of 26,000 people across 26 countries, 70% of people in France have sex once a week, but only 25% are satisfied with their sex lives. Compare that to the U.S., where fewer people (53%) have sex every week, but more (48%) seem to be satisfied with their sex lives.
  
• Giving out condoms like it’s a competition. This year at the Rio Olympic Games, 450,000 free condoms were available to the athletes. That’s about 42 condoms per competitor. But there may be less action between the sheets than we think—apparently, a lot of athletes just take them as souvenirs.
  
• We’re not the only ones who love birth control. According to research conducted in 2015 by the United Nations, 64% of women in marriages or “unions” worldwide are using some form of contraception. Research also shows that the most popular methods vary country to country.
  
• But who’s counting? Over the course of their lifetime, Turks have an average of 14.5 sexual partners, which is the highest out of the 26 countries surveyed by Durex. By comparison, Americans have 10.7 sexual partners on average, and Germans have 5.8.
  
• Cosmo didn’t invent sex advice. The Kama Sutra—an ancient Indian guide to sensual living—was compiled around the 3rd century. All these years later, parts of it are still totally relevant. (If you don’t believe us, try one of these Kama Sutra sex positions.)
  
• “O” no, we’ve got an orgasm gender gap. A study by the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior found that 91% of adult American men climaxed in their last sexual encounter, compared to 64% of women. (If you want to make closing that gap your personal mission, these tips might help.)
  
• It’s not a race. Sometimes you want take your time. In this respect, Mexicans do it best—Durex found that intercourse lasts 22.1 minutes on average in Mexico.
  
• The other mile-high club. It may be a select few who have full-on sex mid-flight, but flirting at elevation is much more common. A U.K. company, Skyscanner, found that out of the 1,000 people they polled, 45% have flirted on an airplane. (And 8% formed lasting relationships!)
  
• What’s your position on the best position? A survey by U.K. sex shop Ann Summers found that doggy style is the position of choice for Brits. According to a poll by Time Out Tokyo, the Japanese agree. Americans, not so much. Lifestyle condoms found that missionary is the chart topper in the U.S.

If all this has gotten you thinking about spending time abroad in the near future, do we have the international crash pads for you. Depending on your budget, we can recommend posh places to turn up the heat, or the best spots to break the bed (figuratively!) without breaking your wallet.

And if you don’t already have a method you love, celebrate World Contraception Day by finding one.

XOXO,
Bedsider

P.S. It may not always be easy to get your birth control while overseas, so if you’re globetrotting in the near future, make sure you plan ahead.