7. Physiological Changes During Sexual Intercourse and Rules for Adjusting Marital Sexual Life
Physiological changes in the human body during sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse is not only an emotional activity involving excitement and tension, but also a physical activity, involving not only the reproductive organs but also other parts of the body.
1. Heart rate
During sexual intercourse, the activity of the cardiovascular system is significantly enhanced, resulting in an increased heart rate and cardiac output. The heart rate can reach approximately 110-180 beats per minute, and gradually returns to normal after intercourse.
2. Breathing
As the heart rate increases, the breathing rate also accelerates. A man's breathing rate can increase from 16-20 breaths per minute to about 40 breaths per minute. The intensity and depth of breathing are directly proportional to the sexual climax.
3. Blood pressure
During sexual intercourse, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure rise, with the increase in blood pressure paralleling the level of sexual tension. In men, systolic blood pressure rises by approximately 40-100 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure rises by approximately 20-50 mmHg. This increase in blood pressure during intercourse only lasts for a very short time, a few minutes.
4. Pelvic cavity
At the onset of sexual intercourse, the pelvic cavity becomes congested with blood, and there is a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen and perineum. Ejaculation is completed under the control of the central nervous system and the ejaculation center in the lower back.
5. Muscles
After a man becomes sexually aroused, he exhibits mental tension, rapid heartbeat, accelerated breathing, and elevated blood pressure. At the same time, there are also significant changes in muscle contraction, with increased tension in the muscles of the limbs and the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. When sexual desire reaches orgasm, the muscles may involuntarily contract and spasm.
6. Skin
Some people experience a flushed face and other areas after sexual arousal due to vasocongestion; this is known as "sexual flush."
7. Sweating
During orgasm, both men and women may experience involuntary sweating.
marital sexual adjustment
Rules to be followed in marital sex life
Sexual intimacy is an important part of marital harmony and affection, and it's essential to follow principles that benefit physical and mental health. So, what principles should men pay attention to in their sexual lives?
Ancient people believed that the reason why marital sexual life should have certain principles and moderation was to prevent the man from becoming weak, to help the woman overcome illness, and to ensure both partners were happy and physically strong. Excessive sexual activity, or failure to adhere to certain principles and methods, could lead to gradual physical weakness and aging. Therefore, the key principles of sexual activity are a peaceful mind, harmonious sexual will, and focused mental concentration, so that both partners can achieve heightened sexual arousal; the weather should be neither too cold nor too hot during intercourse; one should not eat too much or feel hungry; at the beginning of intercourse, the penis should be inserted shallowly and moved slowly, avoiding frequent thrusting and withdrawal, until both partners feel pleasure and satisfaction.
Ancient people also suggested that during sexual intercourse, the man should adhere to the principle of "weak entry, strong exit." This means that after foreplay and preparation, the penis should be inserted shallowly before it is fully erect, and withdrawn while the penis is still firm after orgasm-the so-called "weak entry, strong exit." This entry and exit should be slow and infrequent. Furthermore, it is not advisable to thrust at the partner's genitals from a high position or distance, as this could damage the genitals and lead to various diseases.
The ancient text *Yu Fang Mi Jue* (Secret Manual of the Jade Chamber) proposed the "Five Constant Virtues" from the perspective of the anatomy and physiological functions of the male sexual organs, believing that the male sexual organs possess "benevolence, wisdom, propriety, intelligence, and trustworthiness." The penis, hidden deep between the legs, allows for measured intercourse and ejaculation, representing "benevolence." The orifice within the penis reflects "wisdom." The segmented glans at the tip represents "propriety." Erection during sexual arousal and flaccidity when there is no desire represents "trustworthiness." The ability to thrust and move freely during intercourse represents "intelligence." Therefore, those who seek longevity often follow these "Five Constant Virtues" with moderation, ensuring: while intercourse results in ejaculation, it maintains a constant abundance of essence and blood; while there is sexual desire, it is appropriately restrained, achieving a balance between ejaculation and abstinence. If men can do these things during sex, they can live longer. This is a way of maintaining health through sex that men should follow, based on the anatomical and sexual characteristics of men.
A man's sexual activity should be arranged according to many factors, including his sexual physiology, age, physical condition, health status, mental and psychological state, level of fatigue, and occupation. Harmonious and moderate sexual activity can promote a happy and fulfilling family life and enhance the relationship between husband and wife; excessive sexual activity can affect the physical health of both partners.
Adjusting sexual activity according to seasonal changes
Human sexual activity, as a physiological activity and a phenomenon in nature, is inevitably closely related to the seasons and climate. Sexual activity is a special physiological phenomenon that can be controlled and regulated by conscious thought, unlike other organs which are not governed by intention. Adjusting sexual activity according to seasonal changes, physical strength, and environmental changes can make it more beneficial to health.
The ancient Chinese medical text *Yu Fang Mi Jue* (Jade Chamber Secrets) states regarding taboos in marital sexual activity: "One should avoid extreme cold or heat, strong winds or heavy rain, solar or lunar eclipses, earthquakes, and thunderstorms; these are considered inauspicious according to the seasons." Therefore, the ancients believed that the timing, environment, weather, and certain conditions related to sexual activity were important for marital harmony, and that following these seasonal patterns would bring good fortune. Adjusting sexual activity according to seasonal changes is subjective, a little-known or easily overlooked issue. So how can one adjust sexual activity according to seasonal changes?
Of the four seasons, spring is the beginning. With the arrival of spring, all things revive, the weather is renewed, and a vibrant scene unfolds. In this season, people should also, like all things, allow their thoughts and physical activities to flourish freely, maintaining a comfortable state of mind and body. Sexual activity should also increase at this time compared to winter, as this helps the metabolic activities of various organs and tissues, enhancing vitality.
Summer is the season when all plants flourish, and people's moods should also be cheerful, allowing the body's yang energy to flow freely without any hindrance. Therefore, human sexual activity should be natural, unaffected, and maintained in a vigorous state.
In autumn, the autumn wind blows and leaves fall, and the weather turns cool. People should calm their minds and conserve their energy, no longer as excited and unrestrained as in summer. At this time, sexual activity should be reduced to prevent excessive outward loss of yang energy, thus preparing for the harsh winter.
Winter is the last season of the year. At this time, insects hibernate and animals sleep, and everywhere is a scene of Yang energy being stored and sealed away. People's sexual activity in the harsh winter must be strictly controlled to prevent the Yang energy stored within the body from being invaded and leaked out through intercourse. Frequent indulgence in sex weakens the body's Qi and depletes the kidneys, making it unable to resist the harshness of winter. Not only will illness be inevitable during winter, but a good start to spring will also be missed, affecting life activities throughout the following year. Therefore, in this sense, regulating sexual activity in winter is key to regulating life throughout the four seasons.
Sexual taboos
Couples should abstain from sexual intercourse if any of the following conditions apply.
1. Avoid doing things when you are in a bad mood.
Some men, when in a bad mood, force themselves to have sex in order to seek some pleasure. This not only fails to achieve harmony in their sex life, but also makes their partners feel disgusted, leading to female frigidity or male impotence.
2. Avoid neglecting environmental and genital hygiene.
Having sex in a dirty and messy environment can affect the mental state of both men and women and interfere with the success of the sexual intercourse. Unhygienic male genitals can cause great damage to the female reproductive organs. If a man has sex with his penis without washing it, he will introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the woman's body, thereby harming her health.
3. Avoid the influence of male chauvinistic ideas.
Some men still harbor patriarchal ideas and exhibit them in their sexual relationships. The most common manifestation is the man acting arbitrarily, ignoring or disrespecting the woman's opinions, or being rough or even violent. This chauvinistic mentality and flawed practices severely damage the wife's self-esteem, not only harming the marital relationship but also causing the woman to gradually develop an aversion to sex, ultimately leading to frigidity. This is a significant reason for the breakdown of marital relationships.
4. Avoid being unprepared and rushing into things.
Some men, unaware of female sexual physiology, rush into intercourse without proper preparation, or finish hastily due to time constraints. These practices prevent women from reaching orgasm, not only failing to generate interest in sex but also causing discomfort, and are a major cause of female sexual apathy.
5. Avoid sexual intercourse when full or hungry.
Because a full stomach and intestines are congested with blood, the brain and other organs of the body receive relatively insufficient blood supply. Therefore, sexual activity should not be undertaken immediately after a meal. Conversely, when hungry, a person's physical strength and energy are low, making it difficult to achieve satisfactory results during sexual activity.
6. Avoid excessive mental tension or shyness.
This is more common in newlyweds. Extreme tension or shyness can easily cause premature ejaculation in men, affecting their pleasure. During sexual intercourse, couples should try to maintain a relaxed and pleasant mood. Furthermore, the woman should not feel shy; she should be composed, confident, and actively cooperate with her husband. This will ensure the quality of their sex life, making it harmonious, satisfying, and fulfilling.