They call it Chemistry for a reason. See what happens to bodies during sex
Some people go to great lengths to ingest drugs, but why bother when there are active chemicals waiting to be released into your body?
Yes, having an orgasm is a lot like getting high. When you do, your brain releases a myriad of substances into your bloodstream, literally altering the functions of your mind and body — at least temporarily.
Orgasms are complex and wonderful experiences that involve a complex interaction between three body systems: the vascular system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system.
Honestly, they’re so complicated it’s a wonder they happen at all — so make sure to enjoy them properly the next time you have one.
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The upshot of all this orgasmic complexity is that sex can make you feel many different ways—and very intensely, too. Have you ever wondered why it’s easy to fall asleep quickly right after climaxing? Or what about getting a boost of confidence?
Yes, ejaculation isn’t the only thing that happens when you climax—those feelings happen largely because of the endorphins, oxytocin, and other substances that are released into your bloodstream as it happens.
To better understand the sex chemicals that affect your mind and body during and after sex, here’s a breakdown of what they are and how they work:
7 Brain Chemicals That Affect Your Sex Life
1. Prolactin
What is he doing: Prolactin reduces sexual arousal after orgasm and takes your mind off sex. It rises sharply immediately after orgasm in almost everyone.
How it makes you feel: Prolactin disengages you from sex after an orgasm, allowing you to think about things other than the hot person you’re next to. If you’ve ever noticed that your mind is flooded with tasks to complete after sex, that’s prolactin at work.
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While the effects of prolactin are helpful in ensuring that we do more than just have sex or masturbate throughout the day, it can sometimes feel scary to feel its effects take us away from our arousal.
2. Oxytocin
What is he doing: Oxytocin, secreted by the pituitary gland, stimulates the prostate, causes muscle contractions, and sensitizes nerves. Research has shown that increased oxytocin produces more intense orgasms.
How it makes you feel: Oxytocin is known as the “cuddle hormone” because it makes you feel a connection and bond with your lover. It is also found in women’s breast milk, helping to create a bond between baby and mother.
If you enjoy your post-sex cuddle sessions, chances are you’re well aware of the effects of oxytocin.
3. Endorphins
What they do: Endorphins are a group of neurotransmitters that are formed within the body and bind to opiate receptor sites in your brain to naturally relieve pain. The biochemicals acetylcholine and dopamine are known as endorphins and have a similar chemical structure to the drug morphine.
They are also known to reduce stress and boost confidence, and along with sex, they are also released from your brain during sports activities, skydiving, combat, serious injuries, and almost any other exciting activity you engage in.
How they make you feel: Endorphins cause feelings of euphoria and pleasure and have a calming effect. They fill you with a sense of well-being and relaxation.
They may also make you feel dizzy and drowsy, and you may even drift off to sleep. Doctors have suggested that overstimulation of opiate receptors, as with heroin use, causes a depressed sex drive.
So if your partner is ever put off by you passing out after sex, you know it’s the endorphins at work.
4. Adrenaline (aka Epinephrine)
What is he doing: Adrenaline activates the sympathetic nervous system, which increases your heart rate and dilates arteries to increase blood flow to your muscles during sex.
It also begins the “resistant period,” in which another orgasm is impossible for a period of time after sex that can range from a few minutes to many hours depending on several factors, including age.
During sexual intercourse, increased amounts of adrenaline are released from the adrenal glands. This chemical strengthens the circulatory system with each contraction of the heart.
How it makes you feel: Adrenaline makes you feel excited and makes your heart feel like it’s going to jump out of your chest.
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5. Phenylethylamine
What is he doing: Phenylethylamine triggers the release of dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain. This chemical is released during sex and culminates in orgasm. Interestingly, it is also one of the chemicals found in chocolate.
How it makes you feel: You are overwhelmed with feelings of bliss, attraction and excitement.
6. Testosterone
What is he doing: Testosterone fuels sex drive and aggression. It is essential for your libido and sexual arousal. While testosterone is often thought of as a “male” hormone, it is present in every person, regardless of gender, although men usually have more.
RELATED: The most common misconceptions about testosterone
That said, testosterone-deficient men (and women) often have trouble getting aroused and have less interest in sex, so testosterone treatments are often prescribed for people with low libido.
How it makes you feel: In short, you feel ignored and sexually masculine. And if you’ve noticed a boost of confidence after sex, that could be increased testosterone at work.
7. Serotonin
What is he doing: Serotonin regulates your mood. Whether it’s from sex or masturbation, having an orgasm releases an extra dose of serotonin in your brain, which acts as an anti-depressant.
How it makes you feel: When serotonin affects your emotions, you feel happy, optimistic, emotionally balanced and satisfied.
In fact, serotonin plays such a big role in how we feel that most clinical antidepressants work by pumping up serotonin levels in your brain and are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
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