Sex Science: Why is Sex Pleasurable?

Although the genitals are a key part of sex, its pleasurable sensations involve many parts of the body. Pleasurable sex heavily depends on the brain, which releases hormones that support sexual pleasure and interpret stimulation as pleasurable.

One 2016 study suggests that the brain could be the most important sexual organ. The author found that orgasm is a heightened state of sensory awareness that can trigger a trance-like state in the brain

Effects of sex on the body
In the 1960s, sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson identified four distinct phases of sexual arousal, each with unique effects on the body.

Their research has led to the common use of these four categories to explain sexual response:

1. Desire or excitement
The pleasurable sensations a person feels during sex come from many different parts of the body.

During the desire phase, the tissue in the penis, vagina, pelvis, vulva, and clitoris fill with blood. This increases the sensitivity of nerves in these areas of the body.

This blood flow also creates a fluid called transudate, which lubricates the vagina.

Muscles throughout the body begin contracting. Some people breathe more rapidly or develop flushed skin due to the increased blood flow.

2. Plateau
During the plateau stage, a person's arousal continues to intensify. The vagina, penis, and clitoris become more sensitive.

A person may experience variations in sensitivity and arousal during this period. Arousal and interest may decrease, intensify, then decrease again.

3. Orgasm
With the right stimulation and the right mental state, a person may have an orgasm.

For most females, clitoral stimulation is the fastest, most effective path to orgasm. For some, it is the only path to orgasm. Males may need prolonged stimulation of the shaft or head of the penis.

Most males ejaculate during orgasm, but it is possible to have an orgasm without ejaculating. Some females also ejaculate during orgasm, though the content of this fluid remains the subject of scientific discussion.

Both males and females experience intense muscle contractions during orgasm.

Males experience these contractions in the rectum, penis, and pelvis, while females experience them in the vagina, uterus, and rectum. Some people experience contractions throughout the entire body.

4. Resolution
After orgasm, the muscles relax, and the body slowly returns to its pre-arousal state.

This process is different for males and females. Although most males cannot have an orgasm immediately after ejaculating, many females can.

During the resolution stage, most males and many females experience a refractory period. During this time, the person will not respond to sexual stimulation.


Other models
Some researchers have proposed alternative models for resolution.

Karen Brash-McGreer and Beverly Whipple's circular model suggests that a satisfying sexual experience for a female can promptly lead to another such experience.

Rosemary Basson proposes a nonlinear model of female sexual response. Her model emphasizes that females have sex for many reasons, and that their sexual response may not proceed according to predictable stages.

The clitoris is, for most females, the point of origination for sexual pleasure. It has thousands of nerve endings, making it highly sensitive. Portions of the clitoris extend deep into the vagina, allowing some women to get indirect clitoral stimulation through vaginal stimulation.

For men, the head of the penis is similar to the clitoris in that it is often the most sensitive area.


Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST on July 30, 2019
Written by Zawn Villines

 

Interesting read! Thanks for sharing

 

Nice article. Some things I have heard but all well explained.

 

Love threads like this! I’m a sexual nerd lol.

 

Thank you for posting this!!!!!!!!