A gynaecologist has revealed everything that happens in your brain while you're having sex.
Having regular sex isn't just good for your relationship, it's also great for your body, as your brain can go through a lot of different emotions.
We are always hearing about how often we should be getting it on or how men can last longer in the bedroom and that's not for no reason, as there are few things that are better for the body and the brain.
You certainly don't need to get involved with all the weird and wonderful new positions or sex trends to see the benefits, because as long as you get to experience an orgasm, and hopefully help whoever you're with has one too, then you will take your brain on a delightful rollercoaster.
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Sachchidananda Maiti, a gynaecologist at Pall Mall, explained to the Metro what exactly goes on in your head while you're getting down and dirty on the bed (or wherever else you frequent).
He said: "When you reach climax, your body goes through a rollercoaster of changes, some obvious, others surprisingly weird.
"Your brain floods with dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, the same chemicals linked to deep relaxation and happiness."
The areas of your brain that are responsible for pleasure and motivation, which are often triggered when finishing a run or a pain au chocolat, also become 'highly active', which can lead to 'intense feelings of enjoyment', which may also rely on the sex actually being good.
Interestingly, parts of your brain can actually 'switch off' when you're really in the moment, which sounds like fantastic news for overthinkers, so long as you don't actually overthink what's happening between the sheets.
It's essentially a big party up in your head, with Sachchidananda explaining that the brain has a nice celebration in its 'pleasure, emotion, movement and imagination' regions, while the 'worry and control' areas take a much-needed break.
"This lets you really let go and enjoy the experience, whether you’re alone or with someone else," he added.
So, while things like finishing a good book or going out for a long walk in the sun can have benefits on the brain, sometimes you just need to literally throw everything aside and have some time with your partner (or yourself if needs must), and give your brain the break and dopamine it probably needs.
Even if you're not in the mood, some physical touch, such as cuddling, can also help replicate those feelings inside your body, so maybe just do that the next time you're feeling down but aren't in the mood.
Gigi Engle, sexologist and sex educator, added: "There are a lot of people whose lifespan decreases because they’re experiencing what’s called touch starvation, which is when humans aren’t experiencing the physical touch that you get from your partner.
"Another thing that can happen during non-sexual touch, such as hugging, is a thing called co-regulation, which is when your nervous system takes on the same cadence as the person you’re being physically intimate with."
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
James Moorhouse