Metroholica

Wet dreams are generally defined as erotic dreams that culminate with an orgasm. They are very commonly associated with nocturnal emissions--an involuntary ejaculation that occurs while one is asleep (hence the "wet" in the phrase "wet dreams").

Who experiences them? Wet dreams typically occur in males during their prepubescent and teenage years. Though they usually taper off as guys mature, some men may experience wet dreams well into adulthood. Girls experience wet dreams also; however they aren't as common (or aren't as easily recognized by women, as by men).When a female experiences a wet dream, the vagina becomes lubricated as she becomes sexually aroused in her dream. However, less liquid is produced by females, leaving little evidence of a wet dream when she wakes up.

Why do they occur? Doctors aren't one-hundred percent sure why wet dreams happen; however, they do have some theories. Some believe that nocturnal emissions occur because of an actual sexual dream and the process of becoming aroused by the dream. For instance, while a guy is asleep his body responds as if he was actually experiencing what he was dreaming of.

Another theory is that wet dreams are a way the body gets rid of "built-up" semen, and that "built-up" semen are due to a lack of masturbation. Yet, many doctors dispute this theory.

Testosterone-based drugs may be another factor in the occurrence of wet dreams. Studies have indicated that men who take testosterone-based drugs experience more wet dreams than the average male.

One last thing to note is that while asleep, "the body goes through a resting test of your sexual body parts," . This means that males get erections about four to six times during an eight-hour period and females lubricate approximately the same amount of times.

When does it happen? While asleep, our bodies enter a period known as REM, or rapid eye movement. This period can last from a few minutes to a half an hour and is the point in which sleepers have the most vivid dreams. Wet dreams, or nocturnal emissions, usually occur during the REM period of sleep.

How often does it happen? There's no average number--some can have wet dreams once every two months, or more rarely, once every two days. There are some people who have never had a nocturnal emission at all. One interesting thing to note is that a person who sleeps in is more likely to have a wet dream than someone who wakes up early because the extra hours lead to more REM sleep. So, based on this, wet dreams are more likely to happen on the weekend than during the typical school week.

Are wet dreams bad? Wet dreams are a normal part of life and many people experience them. According to some studies, 90% of males and 37% of females have wet dreams from time to time. And don't worry...no physical harm is caused by wet dreams.

However, history hasn't always been so kind--in the 18th and 19th centuries, circumcision (the surgical removal of the entire or part of the foreskin) and castration (the removal of the testicles of a male or the ovaries of the female) were often advised to treat this "disease."

Can you prevent wet dreams? While there is no known treatment for stopping the occurrence of wet dreams, there are some things that reduce the chance of experiencing one. Some experts believe that masturbation or sex during waking hours will lower the frequency of wet dreams--however there is no guarantee.