THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Love-making is wonderful! It is one of the most amazing experiences in life. People make love (or as we love to say bluntly, have s*x) for many reasons: to consummate their relationship, to make babies, or just for the fun of it.

Love-making is seen as a sacred act in our society. It is believed to have spiritual implications hence it is not to be taken for granted. In the typical Ghanaian society, a youth is not expected to have any form of sexual relations until they are married. Those who are caught flaunting this are often shunned and labeled as social misfits. The major reason for the preaching of abstinence from s*x until marriage is to prevent wrong mixing of souls: it is widely believed that soul/spiritual ties are formed when a couple have s*x, and these ties go a long way to affect our lives and destinies. But, what if there is a chemical reason for that soul-tie feeling?

One important organ involved in sexual intercourse is the brain. The brain sends and receives signals from all parts of the body through chemicals and nerves. The brain sends information to all the important body parts to get ready for intercourse. What chemicals are present to cause the euphoria of, during, and after making love? This article will focus on five: testosterone, phenyl ethylamine, norepinephrine, oxytocin, and serotonin.

Let us begin with testosterone. Testosterone is present in both men and women and triggers sexual desire. When a couple decide to have s*x, the brain releases testosterone that makes them desire to rush for each other (possibly tear each other’s clothes apart) and begin the entire foreplay. In men, testosterone gives a feeling of positive energy and well-being (that’s where they get the confidence to ‘fire’ from).

There is also phenyl ethylamine which releases dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical which enables partners to focus on each other during sexual intercourse. It also makes the couple feel dependent on each other (sounds like a soul tie, right?). Dopamine is also responsible for the feeling of bliss and excitement during and after intercourse.

Again, there is norepinephrine. This chemical causes the feeling of exhilaration as it increases adrenaline. It also raises memory capacity by ingraining stimuli on the minds of partners so that they always remember even the minutest details (like a faint scar on the cheek). Because of norepinephrine, lovers can never truly forget how it felt like if it was really pleasurable and satisfying.

Then there is oxytocin, the love hormone. Oxytocin released during love-making makes partners feel accepted, cherished, and loved. It also causes the feeling of attraction between partners. Oxytocin is also known to be a natural painkiller (that s*x cures headaches and even relieves menstrual cramps is no myth at all). Oxytocin is also responsible for making you feel sleepy after the intercourse. Oxytocin is also released for bonding between couples. The same chemical is released during delivery to ease pain and during breastfeeding to create that bond between mother and child.

When the couple climax and ultimately achieve orgasm/ejaculation, serotonin is released. This brings about stress relief and a sense of calmness and satisfaction after the intercourse.

All these chemicals combine to give sexual partners a great experience before, during, and after sex. They are released only when the act is one of willingness and the goal is pleasure and satisfaction of both partners. These chemicals are also present in masochist relationships. Rape victims do not experience the above.

In conclusion, testosterone, phenyl ethylamine, norepinephrine, oxytocin, and serotonin are responsible for all the strong feelings we have during and after love-making. They tie us to our sexual partners and make separation very difficult. From the chemical perspective, these five are responsible for the soul-tie feelings that exists between couples. Next time you are locking eyes and legs with another person, remember the chemicals that are making you feel that good.
Here's to a great s*xual experience!