The Chemicals Between Us

Ah, we just dated ourselves citing a Bush song from 1999 in the title like that, didn’t we? What the hell, it’s a good song. And we’ve pretty much all had sex to The Science of Things (our editrix probably still does) and there’s no better intro for the sex chemistry 101 lesson we’re about to impart.

We know what an orgasm is — at least we hope so. We know it feels good, it changes our breathing, heart rate, etc. But do you what’s going on in your brain? Chemicals. Try to name the four key ones off the top of your head.

Ready to compare answers?

Oxytocin. Also known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin acts mainly to induce bonding both between lovers and between children and parents.

Endorphins. Known as the “happy hormone,” endorphins make you feel good and can even act to counter stress and pain in the body.

Vasopressin. Vasopressin is also linked to pair-bonding and love.

Dopamine. A common neurotransmitter associated with excitement, motivation, and sleep patterns.

Image and information from Blisstree.