Why is sex so pleasurable?
sexual behavior(especially)culminationThe core reason why people feel happy, satisfied, and even "blissful" is that the brain releases a bunch of natural "happiness chemicals," among which...Endogenous opioids(endogenous opioids, such as beta-endorphin) It plays a very important role, but it's not the only one. Instead, it works in conjunction with other neurotransmitters to form a complete "brain party." These substances are like the body's "natural happiness factory," directly affecting the reward system, emotion centers, and stress relief mechanisms.
Table of contents
Why does sex feel so good?
Sexual stimulation and orgasm simultaneously trigger multiple systems, fully activating the brain's reward system. Here are the key players:
Dopamine – The engine of "wanting" and "enjoying".
- This is the most frequently mentioned "happy hormone." During sexual arousal, dopamine is released in large quantities from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the brain to the nucleus accumbens, producing a strong...Desire, motivation, and pleasure.
- During orgasm, dopamine surges more intensely, similar to the "reward orgasm" experienced when eating chocolate, winning money, or taking drugs. Many people describe orgasm as feeling "like getting an electric shock to the head," and dopamine is the main reason for this.
- 它讓你「想要更多」，也強化下次對類似刺激的記憶（所以性會上癮感強）。
Endogenous opioids (such as β-endorphin) – "Natural morphine" and ultimate pleasure
- Yes, you guessed it! The brain releases a large amount of hormones during orgasm.Endogenous opium(Especially those that bind to μ-opioid receptors), which is very similar to the mechanism of action of exogenous opioids (such as heroin and morphine).
- They directly generateIntense euphoria, pain relief, relaxationIt also inhibits the release of dopamine and oxytocin (causing a "satisfaction" after orgasm and a temporary reluctance to have another orgasm).
- Studies show that the opioid system in the brain is particularly activated after orgasm, especially in areas such as the middle temporal lobe. This explains why orgasm feels like "melting," pain disappears, and extreme happiness.
- Opium also provides that deep satisfaction and calming effect of "post-orgasm bliss," making people feel that "the world is better."
Oxytocin – "Embrace Hormones" and a Sense of Connection
- Orgasm (or even just intimate touch) releases a large amount of oxytocin, making you feel...Being loved, being connected, being trusted.
- It strengthens the emotional bond between partners, making sex not only a physical pleasure but also an emotional experience (especially in love-related sexual encounters).
Other helpers:
- Serotonin → Stabilize mood and feel satisfied.
- Endorphins → Natural pain relief + pleasure (similar to opioids, often mentioned together).
- GABA → Calm your mind down and avoid over-excitement.
- Release after climaxProlactinIt brings relaxation and a sense of "enough" satisfaction (which also explains why men "don't want to move" after orgasm).
Why is sex so pleasurable?
- Excitement periodDopamine + oxytocin dominate → craving, excitement, connection.
- ClimaxDopamine surge + massive release of endogenous opioids → extreme euphoria, pain relief, and an explosion of happiness (brain scans show overlap with the area of drug-induced climax).
- After climaxOxytocin + Endorphins + Opium: Prolonged effects → Deep relaxation, satisfaction, emotional connection, and even reduction of anxiety/depression.
This system is evolutionarily designed to make reproductive behavior incredibly appealing (otherwise, humans might be too lazy to do it), while providing a powerful reward that encourages repetition. Sex is not just about pleasure; it's also a natural tool for the brain to combat depression and stress (many people feel "life is better" after an orgasm).
Opium is indeed a key component (especially in bringing that "melting" ecstasy), but dopamine is responsible for "wanting to continue," and oxytocin is responsible for "wanting to be with you." Without either, it's incomplete.
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