What happens in our mind during sexual intercourse? The scientists tried to answer the question. – healthmag.gr

What happens in our mind during sexual intercourse? The scientists tried to answer the question.

To achieve this, they resorted to imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, in order to record everything that is happening at that time in the neurons of the brain.

So they came to some interesting conclusions such as:

The logical part of the brain shuts down

There is a logical explanation why people feel bolder and less inhibited during sexual intercourse. This is explained by the fact that during the love act the part of the brain that controls logic is temporarily “off”. “The orbital cortex (region of the prefrontal cortex) is underactive during sex. This part of the brain is responsible for judgment, assessing situations and making decisions. Deactivating it is also linked to a reduction in fear and anxiety,” says clinical psychologist Daniel Sher.

Dopamine burst

During orgasm, the brain goes into overdrive to produce a multitude of different hormones and neurochemicals. One of them is dopamine, a hormone that is responsible for feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Dopamine release is the reason we feel satisfaction not only during sex, but also with other experiences such as when our favorite team wins or when we eat a perfect dessert.

Multiple activity

Many separate parts of the brain are involved in the sexual response. “Researchers have found that the sensory cortex, hypothalamus, thalamus and other parts go into overdrive during orgasm,” says cognitive psychologist Kayt Sukel. The thalamus helps integrate information about touch, movement, and any memories or fantasies a person may recall to help them reach orgasm.

Oxytocin and prolactin are released

Another hormone produced by the brain during orgasm is oxytocin. Secreted by the pituitary gland and released in the hypothalamus, this hormone makes us feel closer to others by promoting affection. Oxytocin is known as the bonding hormone as it is also secreted during breastfeeding and strengthens the mother-infant bond. Prolactin which is also secreted during orgasm is responsible for the feeling of satisfaction.

The brain secretes natural painkillers

The body is indeed less sensitive to pain during sex. When the pituitary gland is activated, the release of endorphins and oxytocin reduce pain, experts point out. This seems to be the reason why situations like hair pulling that would normally bother us are not only painless, but even pleasurable.