Orgasm: Discovering the Science and Secrets Behind Pleasure!

Hi!

I'm Dr. Anne Truong, MD

Dr. Anne Truong is a highly respected physician, best-selling author and internationally sought-after speaker on the topics of regenerative cell medicine, pain management, and applications for aesthetics and sexuality.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your body and your brain during an orgasm? Join me as I dive deep into the science behind the most pleasurable experience known to mankind.

So, get ready to discover the surprising physical and psychological effects of climax and how this knowledge can lead to a more fulfilling sex life.

Episode Video

Let’s talk about what goes on in your body and your brain during an orgasm.

Well, scientists have looked at the brain when people climax. They did it by using an fMRI or functional MRI, as well as using PET Scan or Positron Emission Tomography Scan. These devices measure the blood flow in the neuron or the nerve activity in the brain during climax.

doctor studying the brain and orgasm

So, by studying the brain activity of people having orgasm with these machines, scientists have learned some amazing stuff about the brain and the body when you have an orgasm.

The Logical Part of Your Brain Shuts Down During Sex

The logical part of your brain basically shut down during sex. That's the reason why you become bolder and less inhibited during sex.

The part of your brain that's in charge of logical reasoning, the frontal lobe, temporarily goes on vacation. Your frontal lobe becomes less active making your decision making, reasoning, and judgment become less active. This is also why you have decreases in fear, less anxiety, you become less inhibited, that leads to less performance anxiety.

Multiple Parts of Your Brain Are Involved in Having an Orgasm

Multiple parts of your brain are involve in having an orgasm.

Essentially your brain goes on explosion. It's not just one area but multiple areas at the same time. The thalamus becomes more sensitive. That's how you can have more sexual fantasies, and more sensitivity to touch and movement.

Also, your hypothalamus, which is the gland in your brain, starts producing oxytocin and prolactin.

Your Brain Releases a Surge of Dopamine

When you orgasm your brain releases a surge of dopamine.

Your brain essentially starts working overtime to produce a slew of hormones and chemicals. One of those is dopamine, which is responsible for the feeling of pleasure, desire, and motivation.

Research has shown that it offers so much more than just a good time. It's also a learning chemical. It helps you take notice of rewards, like if you eat like food that you love, you get that dopamine rush; and particularly with sex.

Oxytocin is Released During Orgasm

Oxytocin is released during orgasm, particularly with women that breastfeed.

Is a hormone that makes you feel close to others and promotes affection. It is secreted by the pituitary gland and is released in the hypothalamus. Oxytocin is known as the bonding hormone because it's released during breastfeeding to facilitate a sense of attachment and love.

Another hormone, prolactin, is also released during orgasm. It's responsible for that feeling of satisfaction that accompany with orgasm. It's really your brain's way of strengthening social connection during an orgasm.

Orgasm Stimulates Your Brain in the Same Way as Doing Drugs?

Having an orgasm stimulates your brain in the same way as doing drugs or listening to your favorite music.

man listening to music

Surprisingly, the brain doesn't differentiate between sex or other pleasurable experiences. So that means that your brain makes you feel good in the same way as indulging in your favorite dessert and having sex.

Such an experience is pleasurable because it uses the reward pathway in our brain. Like what your brain feels when you take drugs, drink alcohol, gambling, or eating your favorite dessert that you know that's not good for you. That's why sometimes losing weight is difficult because you tend to eat certain food that can give you that surge.

Your Brain Makes You Less Sensitive to Pain During Sex

Your brain gives off chemicals that make you less sensitive to pain during sex.

Black couple with their feet under the blanket

It's not in your imagination. Your body really is less sensitive to pain during sex. Mainly because the pituitary gland, which is the gland in your brain, is activated. It produces endorphin, which is the “feel me good” hormone. It also produces vasopressin, a hormone that promote less pain, and more intimacy and bonding.

This is the reason why your body gives you pain on non sexual situation. But during sex, it's not as painful, even more, it’s pleasurable.

Orgasm and Pain Activate the Same Area of the Brain

This is related to the previous fact, orgasm and pain actually activate the same area of the brain. This is reason why that some people derive sexual pleasure from experiencing pain.

Why You Become Sleepy After an Orgasm

After an orgasm, the brain releases the hormone that make you feel happy and sleepy.

Your brain actually tends to slow down a little bit, but it doesn't go off duty entirely. Both men and women orgasm signal the parasympathetic nervous system to kind of slow down and calm the body.

Your brain releases oxytocin, which then facilitate bonding and idling. It also produces serotonin hormone, which is known to promote good mood and relaxation. That's why you feel somewhat drowsiness and desire to sleep.

So, if you feel sleepy after orgasm, it's because your brain is releasing the chemicals that really facilitate bonding and relaxation. It actually activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the nervous system that you want to be in. Because that's the system that promotes an erection and relaxation.

Women Releases Oxytocin Longer Than Men

The brain of women tend to release oxytocin longer after orgasm than men. That's why women tend to behave a little bit differently after orgasm. They want to cuddle longer and to enjoy more cuddling and kissing than men.

The Brain Remaps Itself to Reach Orgasm

In people who are unable to feel genital stimulation, the brain actually remap itself and allow itself to reach orgasm.

For instance, people that are paralyzed from the neck down can actually have an orgasm. The brain reorganizes the pathway for stimulation that does not involve sexual organs at all. Sensation and other body parts make up for that.

The brain will rewire itself to achieve orgasm through stimulation of the body parts such as the skin, the arm, or the nipples.

Orgasm – Nature’s Way of Tricking Us to Reproduce

Orgasm might be nature's way of tricking us into reproducing.

It is undoubtedly giving us a good time. But it also might be mother nature's way of tricking us to reproduce. It rewards us for sex and in a way, it reinforces the behavior to make you keep coming back for more.

Orgasm Keeps Your Brain Healthy

Having an orgasm might help keep your brain healthy.

Now that's awesome because along with enticing you to reproduce, orgasm may help your brain stay healthy. When you have an orgasm, you have an increase in blood flow across the brain. Essentially, it actually keeps your brain healthy.

Also, not to forget that you will have an increase in blood flow through your penis as well. So, it's really increasing blood flow everywhere.

Final Thoughts

These are the 12 healthy reason why orgasm is beneficial for your body and your mind. Not to say it's one of the most pleasurable experiences in humankind.

It is also beneficial in increasing blood flow, relaxation, and even burning calories. Having sex is considered a moderate exercise activity.

Multiple studies have also shown that if you have sex for about three times a week, it will help with prevention of dementia, prostate cancer, and keeps you in a state of happiness.

So aside from just good experience, it's also good for longevity too!

Additional Resources

Want to regain control of your sex life? I'm going to give you this book and a 30 day trial on the Modern Man Club for FREE! The book is the 5 Common Costly Mistake Men Make When Facing ED. This is how you can have a rock hard erection, enjoy more sex, be confident in demand, and improve your intimacy without ED medication.

Uncover it all in my FREE eBook available to download now: The 5 Common Costly Mistakes Men Make When Facing Erectile Dysfunction.

Join our e-newsletter where thousands of men achieved their sexual performance mastery

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

FEATURED CONTENT

Modern Man’s Struggles with Masculinity and Sex in 2024

Do You Know That Your Penis Can Shrink?

Can Red Light Therapy Really Improve Your Erectile Dysfunction?

RELATED POSTS

Do You Know That Your Penis Can Shrink?

Modern Man’s Struggles with Masculinity and Sex in 2024

Being a man is different today than ever before. The world is changing fast, and what it means to be manly is changing too. This podcast episode explore the unique challenges that a Modern Man face today. Join us as we explore the concepts of “Nice Guy Syndrome,” the importance of embracing one’s sexuality, and the integration of primal instincts with modern sensibilities. With insights from men’s embodiment coach Jason Lange, we uncover the keys to finding deeper clarity in life’s purpose, relationships, and the journey towards becoming a Modern Man.

Read More »
Do You Know That Your Penis Can Shrink?

Do You Know That Your Penis Can Shrink?

In today’s fast-paced world, health concerns specific to men often go unspoken. This episode delves into that often-overlooked aspect of men’s health: preventing your penis to shrink. It’s a condition that’s not only common but also mistakenly accepted as an inevitable part of aging. We will dive into the groundbreaking insights presented in the 2020 study from Frontiers in Physiology. Discover and explore how simple lifestyle changes could offer triple benefits for your sexual health and overall well-being.

Read More »
Can Red Light Therapy Really Improve Your Erectile Dysfunction?

Can Red Light Therapy Really Improve Your Erectile Dysfunction?

Are you aware that red light therapy can significantly enhance men’s sexual health, particularly in improving erections? This might sound surprising, but the science and practical applications behind it are both fascinating and promising. Discover how this treatment, traditionally used for skin rejuvenation and hair growth, is now shining a new light on ED solutions. Join me as I explore a holistic approach to combating ED, where prevention and maintenance are key!

Read More »
Do You Know That Your Penis Can Shrink?

Modern Man’s Struggles with Masculinity and Sex in 2024

Being a man is different today than ever before. The world is changing fast, and what it means to be manly is changing too. This podcast episode explore the unique challenges that a Modern Man face today. Join us as we explore the concepts of “Nice Guy Syndrome,” the importance of embracing one’s sexuality, and the integration of primal instincts with modern sensibilities. With insights from men’s embodiment coach Jason Lange, we uncover the keys to finding deeper clarity in life’s purpose, relationships, and the journey towards becoming a Modern Man.

Read More »
Do You Know That Your Penis Can Shrink?

Do You Know That Your Penis Can Shrink?

In today’s fast-paced world, health concerns specific to men often go unspoken. This episode delves into that often-overlooked aspect of men’s health: preventing your penis to shrink. It’s a condition that’s not only common but also mistakenly accepted as an inevitable part of aging. We will dive into the groundbreaking insights presented in the 2020 study from Frontiers in Physiology. Discover and explore how simple lifestyle changes could offer triple benefits for your sexual health and overall well-being.

Read More »

Join thousands of men on their journey to achieving sexual performance mastery.