It's not just for pleasure or fertility. From a biological point of view, they are designed to enhance lasting bonds between sexual partners, according to one study.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin used breakthrough technology to examine the brain activity of prairie voles (small monogamous rodents) during and after ***.
The research team, led by biology professor Steven Phelps, found that the animals "experienced a storm of brain activity during and after the climax, which was distributed across 68 different brain regions that make up seven whole-brain circuits."
Several of these brain regions have been "thought to shape intimacy", suggesting that *** is not just for pleasure or procreation.
Experts assert that the human brain may experience similar neural activity.
Brain and behavioral data suggest that both sexes may have orgasm-like responses, and that these 'orgasms' coordinate bond formation," Phelps declared in a press release. If this is true, it means that *** can be used as a means to facilitate connection, as humanity has long suggested. ”
This groundbreaking study** was published in the journal eLife.
While males and females have different brain connections, Phelps and his team found that male and female prairie voles had "nearly identical" neural activity when mating.
It was a real surprise," Phelps asserted. "Sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are all important for sexual, aggressive, and parenting behaviors, so the general assumption is that brain activity during mating and intimacy will also vary between the sexes. ”
While the researchers couldn't be sure if the female voles had reached ***, they noticed that when the male voles reached orgasm, brain activity increased.
Similar neural activity between males and females further suggests that *** or at least male*** enhances the bond between couples.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin believe that the human brain may experience similar activity when it is ***.
The researchers analyzed the brains of more than 200 prairie voles and chose this animal because they are one of the few monogamous species.
Voles quickly form a pairing relationship, usually having sex within the first 30 minutes of their encounter. They then remain monogamous and have sex frequently.
A pair of intimate voles groom each other, comfort each other in times of stress, and defend their common offspring and territory.