Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most people dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread disinformation about sex, News18.com publishes this weekly sex column entitled “Let’s Talk Sex.” Through this column, we hope to spark conversations about sex and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
In this article, we explain the connection between the lunar cycle and sex life and how you can harness the power of the moon for better sex.
For centuries, people have wondered about the moon’s mysterious effects on human behavior. Turns out there may be some truth to the idea that the lunar cycle affects your libido and sex life. The moon exerts a gravitational pull on the earth that causes the ocean’s tides. But the moon can also subtly influence other fluids in our bodies, such as hormones that regulate reproduction and arousal. Several studies have found links between the lunar cycle and menstruation, fertility and birth rates. Around the full moon, some people report feeling more amorous and passionate. The lunar effect appears to be most pronounced in females, who may have evolved to synchronize their reproductive cycles with the moon.
The science behind the lunar effects on sexuality
Full moons have long been associated with restless nights, strange behavior and fluctuating hormones. As the moon goes through its lunar cycle, your libido may rise and fall in sync. The gravitational pull of the moon, known as the lunar effect, affects your sex drive and arousal level in a number of surprising ways.
Scientists have found evidence that the moon affects both menstruation and fertility in women. In fact, the word “menstruation” is derived from the Latin words for “month” and “moon.” For centuries, women menstruated around the same time as the new or full moon.
It is thought that the moon’s gravity influences a woman’s menstrual cycle, especially ovulation. Research shows that maximum fertility and the chance of conception are greater during a full moon. The lunar effect can also synchronize a woman’s cycle with other women she lives with or works closely with. Men also experience spikes in testosterone and fertility around the full moon. In some species, mating activity increases around the full moon, and scientists believe this may have evolutionary roots in humans as well.
Higher sex drive around the full moon
For many people, libido peaks around the time of the full moon. This can be due to several factors:
Elevated Testosterone: Studies show that testosterone levels rise in both men and women during the full moon, boosting arousal and sexual motivation.
Heightened Senses: The glow of the moon enhances night vision and amplifies sounds, smells and touch sensations that can fan the flames of passion.
Primal instincts: Our distant ancestors mated during full moons, and those instincts can still influence our behavior today. The brightness allowed sustained activity well into the night.
Circadian rhythm changes: The moon alters sleep-wake cycles and causes fluctuations in hormones such as cortisol and melatonin that can temporarily increase libido.
Lower desire around the new moon
The new moon phase, on the other hand, is associated with decreased arousal and less frequent sexual activity. Some possible explanations include:
- Melatonin peak: The new moon causes a rise in melatonin, the sleep hormone, which can suppress libido and arousal.
- Hormonal changes: Shifts in estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones around the new moon can lead to a drop in sex drive for some.
- Mood swings: The new moon has been associated with increased anxiety, stress, and irritability in certain individuals, which can negatively affect sexual desire and functioning.
Harnessing the power of the moon for better sex
According to several studies, the full moon can increase fertility and libido in both men and women. Around the time of the full moon, testosterone levels peak in men, increasing arousal and the likelihood of spontaneous erections during sleep. In women, the full moon is linked to higher fertility, which increases the chances of conception.
Take advantage of these natural cycles by planning a romantic evening around the full moon. Cook a delicious meal, open a bottle of wine and give each other massages with essential oils such as sandalwood or jasmine to improve the mood. The bright moonlight can also inspire you to take a walk outside together or gaze at the night sky from a blanket in the backyard.
For the best sex, intercourse should coincide with ovulation during the full moon. Women are most fertile around day 14 of their menstrual cycle, with ovulation aided by the moon’s pull. Even if you’re not trying to conceive, sex during this time can be extra pleasurable for women because of the heightened sensitivity and arousal.
During the new moon, libido tends to decrease in both men and women as melatonin levels rise, causing drowsiness. However, this can also be an opportunity to reconnect intimately without the expectation of intercourse. Give each other back massages, take a candlelit bath together, engage in sensual foreplay or try tantric sex techniques such as eye gazing.
While the effect of the moon isn’t hugely dramatic, paying attention to natural cycles and putting in extra effort around the full moon might just give your sex life a little boost. Take it easy, be present with your partner and let the moonlight illuminate new avenues to pleasure.
Conclusion
While the power of the moon over human sexuality and passion is still debated, many people report feeling more playful and flirtatious during the full moon. If you experience peaks and troughs in your own libido that seem to correspond to the lunar cycle, you may have been moon-struck!
The cycles of the moon remind us to renew our emotional and intimate connections. As subtle as it is, paying attention to how the stages affect your relationships can help you better understand yourself and your partner. Try timing romantic encounters and date nights around the full moon for an extra boost in chemistry and connection.
