What substances are released in the brain when you have sex?

You know how it feels in your body when you have sex – but what’s really going on in your brain as you touch someone else, use your favourite vibrator or cuddle up after sex? Your brain is firing up a chemical party, sending different substances through your system, affecting everything from desire and infatuation to relaxation and trust. In this journal, we’ll dive into the most important substances and hormones that are released during sex – and why they matter to your pleasure.

What is adrenaline & noradrenaline?

Before you have sex with yourself or someone else, there are also some “energy” chemicals involved. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are what get your body going: heart palpitations, sweaty palms, and extra sensitivity. These are the same chemicals that are activated when we get excited.

What is dopamine?

Dopamine is what gets your brain going. It's released when you experience something pleasurable—and it's especially active when we feel desire, flirt, touch someone else's body, and reach orgasm. Dopamine is therefore the reason sex can feel so satisfying—and why you might want a round or two afterward.

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is the so-called “cuddle hormone,” and it’s released in the brain during sex—especially when we touch, kiss, hug, and cum. This chemical makes us feel closer to the person (or people) we’re with. That’s why you might feel extra connected or sensitive right after.

Did you know that it's oxytocin that makes some of us fall a little in love after good sex?

What are endorphins?

Endorphins are the body's own natural painkillers – and sex (and especially orgasm) triggers them. They give you that “mmm” feeling afterwards, where everything feels nice, floating and soft. They can actually also reduce pain and stress. At the same time, it is endorphins, among other things, that make sex sometimes feel like a little mini-vacation from your thoughts.

What is serotonin?

Serotonin helps you feel happy and calm – and it also gives you a buzz after sex. Not so much a bang, but more of a soft, quiet “ahhh” feeling in your body. That’s one of the reasons you may feel extra satisfied (or drowsy) afterwards.

What is prolactin?

Prolactin is a somewhat overlooked player, but it is very important. It is released right after orgasm and is associated with that “now I don’t want anything more” feeling. It is also prolactin that makes many people tired and want to sleep.

Why is it great to know the chemistry of your brain?

When you know what happens in the brain during sex, you might better understand why you can become attached to someone after a hook-up, and then become happy in the hood or more easily touched when you have sex with yourself. Sex is not just something we do with our bodies. It's also something we feel with our brains. And it works hard to give you a good experience.

Read also: Become better at communicating during sex or what is sexual aftercare?

Sources :

• Fisher, H. (2004). Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love

• Melis & Argiolas (2011). Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

• Cleveland Clinic (2022). "How Sex Affects Your Brain"

• Harvard Health Publishing (2021). "The Neurochemistry of Love"