Nat Geo to Premiere SEX: HOW IT WORKS, 6/18

Let's talk about sex, baby. It brings us pleasure, it can cause us heartache and it is a necessary function to sustain life. But how much do we know about how sex works? National Geographic Channel leaves the snickering behind and dives into the science behind arousal, org*sms, partner preference and sexual dysfunctions. We take a fascinating look at one of the world's most popular pastimes, weaving together real-life case studies, the latest technology and cutting-edge computer graphics to explore SEX: HOW IT WORKS, a two-hour special premiering Tuesday, June 18, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. (For more information, visit www.ngcpr.com and follow us on Twitter @ngc_pr.)

Who tickles your fancy, sexually speaking, and why? Dr. Linda Papadopoulos (@DrLinda_P), a renowned behavioral psychologist in the United Kingdom, heads up an investigation into the science of arousal. "Men tend to be more visual than women when it comes to what they find enticing, which is partly to do with how men are socialized," she says. "It's interesting how sexual lures have adapted. For men, it's become much more centered around the breasts ... I guess the breasts are the new buttocks."

Apart from arousal, Sex: How It Works looks at the male and female org*sm. Why is it that three-quarters of men regularly org*sm during sex, but less than a third of women do? To learn more, scientists in New Jersey are now using magnetic resonance imaging to study the brain during an org*sm. One test subject observes, "This isn't the sexiest environment I've ever been in to have an org*sm ... but donating an org*sm for science, how bad can that be?"

After examining the biological and physiological motivators for sex, Sex: How It Works delves into the various social and psychological circumstances that help - or hinder - a person's ability to have sex. The special examines the dating habits of some self-proclaimed "players" who hit the town night after night in pursuit of their next sexual conquest. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we meet a 30-year-old virgin who is so afraid of approaching a woman that he has never been able to have a sexual relationship.

For others, the decision not to have sex is not a matter of fear. The special follows a couple who for religious reasons decide to abstain from sex until their wedding night; meets a young man who is physically incapable of sustaining an erection; and profiles a woman who identifies as asexual - someone who has no desire to have sexual intercourse.

Sex: How It Works also reveals the latest scientific research examining why some people prefer the opposite sex, the same sex or in some cases, both sexes. Around 3.5 percent of American adults - about 11 million people in total - describe themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

"Sex is vital," says Dr. Papadopoulos. "Even later on [in the relationship], the ability to maintain this sense of feeling needed and feeling connected. The physicality of sex is vital, so this idea that it is just there to ensure that we procreate, I think, isn't enough. I think it's a much, much deeper, much more integral part of our humanity."

Sex: How It Works is produced by Pioneer Productions in association with Mentorn International for BBC and National Geographic Channel. For Pioneer Productions, producer is Jeremy Turner and executive producer is Yavar Abbas. For National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Allan Butler and senior Vice president of production and development is Alan Eyres.

For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com/wickedtuna or www.ngcpr.com.

National Geographic Channels

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and FOX Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation's major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in 85 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 38 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

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