Sex and the Brain- Part 1

Sex and the brain is an area of active scientific investigation. Studying the brain helps us understand the big why questions in sex science.

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Sex is so much more complicated than just the act itself; it encompasses all of the attitudes, thoughts, and behaviours that revolve around it. Our sexual experiences aren’t only about having an intense orgasm but everything that comes before that. So you can imagine that there is an infinite number of why questions that have been asked and are still being asking today. The answers to these questions can help us not only better understand typical human sexuality but also it’s variations. There really isn’t a right or wrong when it comes to sexual experiences grounded in consent. One thing is certain though, having a healthy sex life starts with your psychological wellbeing. Poorly managed stress has consistently been linked to lower levels of sexual desire, contributes to a negative body image and often has an impact on our relationships.

One of the things that neuroscience has taught us is that our brain is equipped with a social bonding hormone known as oxytocin. Historically we’ve often talked about oxytocin as being the cuddle, trust and bonding hormone. More recently experimental psychologists have found that oxytocin is actually incredibly important for stress reduction. So what does all of this translate to? When you’re stressed your brain releases oxytocin as a way to get you to interact with your partner and use social bonding as a stress reduction tool. What that means is partners who openly communicate with one another can actually use stress as an opportunity to bond and further develop their relationship. A recent study found that couples given a dose of intranasal oxytocin prior to sex actually had more intense orgasms. So the next time your partner is in need of some tender loving care remember how important it is for your relationship, and that it may even come with some unexpected rewards.

Part 2 continued here...

Daniel Michaels holds a bachelors of science in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate in neuropsychiatry. His expertise as a scientist includes not only his work on sexual trauma, but also all things to do with sex and the brain. He has collaborated and trained with some of the leading scientists in the field of sex neuroscience. Daniel is also a regular contributor to PornHub’s Sexual Health and Wellness website, which you can find here. He is passionate about psychoeducation and has spoken at various academic and public events. If you have any questions about your brain on sex you can reach him at [email protected].