Study reveals the one surprising thing that people love the most about sex

Although a lot of people might think the overall point of sex is simply getting your rocks off, this study suggests otherwise.

Researchers found that contrary to popular belief, an orgasm isn't the thing which people enjoy the most about rolling around in the sheets - although it is an added bonus.

Boffins at the Indiana University Bloomington in the US have compiled a list of people's favourite elements of getting frisky, and some of them might surprise you.

The team surveyed more than 4,030 people - 2,016 of whom were women and 2,014 men - and asked them what they think is the best part of having sex is.

The participants, who were aged between 18 and 91, were told to describe their 'favourite things about being sexual with a partner' and their responses were divvied up into 22 groups - including a 'miscellaneous' one.

According to the experts, the research yielded some interesting results which identified a few key differences in how men and women view getting intimate.

So, what topped the list for being the most enticing thing about getting your kit off and enjoying some coitus?

The research made some interesting findings about what people enjoy most about sex (Getty Stock Image)

Well, the study of 4,030 people revealed that the number one thing which people savour about having sex is the 'closeness/intimacy' they feel with the other person.

A whopping 912 participants of varying ages all agreed on this, with the research team explaining: "These addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of intimacy."

"Intimacy-related responses were the most prevalent," the study, which was published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, explained.

"Participants wrote about feeling 'lost in the moment' (57-year-old white bisexual woman), 'overwhelming feelings of closeness' (a 50-year-old white lesbian woman) and 'the feeling of the world not existing, just the two of us is all that matters' (42-year-old Hispanic bisexual woman)."

In second place was 'specific sex acts', which is an answer a lot of male participants opted for.

"Most addressed sex acts that they like or enjoy, with the most common being kissing, oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and manual stimulation of the genitals and/or breasts," the study said.

"However, they also included cuddling, grinding, prostate stimulation, fisting, sex toy use, body touching, hugging, vaginal fingering, anal fingering, massage, breast fondling, touching stomachs, nipple touching, among others."

Interesting stuff - and this was followed by the reason that sex simply 'feels good', while in fourth place came 'pleasing [your] partner'.

Intimacy and closeness topped the list (Getty Stock Image)

Continuing this theme of attachment and affection, 'love/caring' came next...before 'orgasm' finally made an entrance as the sixth most popular category.

At the other end of the spectrum, reasons such as 'kink and pain', 'fantasy/imagination' and 'children and procreation' were reported by participants as their favourite things about sex.

Discussing the findings and differences between each gender, the researchers wrote that women seemed to lean towards reasons such as love, trust, intimacy and post-sex behaviours.

"Women also noted gaining self-esteem from sex (feeling confident and attractive), and several associated having sex with calorie burning and exercise," the study said.

On the other hand, men seemed to be more enticed by specific sex acts and acting out their fantasies during a bit of rumpy pumpy.

All in all, the researchers reckon it proves that people aren't just out for an orgasm, as there is loads of other things they love about sex too.

"Our study findings highlight diverse aspects of sex enjoyed by people across the lifespan, with intimacy, love, orgasm, and specific forms of sex commonly described as among people’s favorite aspects of being sexual with another person," it explained. "These data add to a growing literature focused on positive aspects of sexuality.

"They may aid clinicians and educators in helping to guide clients and students to consider more expansive ideas of sexual pleasure and enjoyment and to affirm a wide range of sexual experiences."

Here's the full list of what people love the most about sex:

1. Closeness/intimacy
2. Specific sex acts
3. Feels good
4. Pleasing partner
5. Love/caring
6. Orgasm
7. Arousal/excitement
8. Calming
9. Desire/Passion
10. Enlivening
11. Fun/Adventure
12. Thrill/Rush
13. Novelty
14. Feeling alive
15. Bodies and primal urges
16. Trust
17. Celibacy
18. Post-sex
19. Kink and pain
20. Fantasy/imagination
21. Children and procreation