Researchers at Concordia University in Canada have found that orgasm can influence how the brain connects itself, strengthening the links between regions. The new results were reported in the journal eLife.
The conclusions stem from an experiment involving 200 laboratory mice. Neuroscientists monitored brain activity during mating using a range of imaging techniques. Voles were chosen because they form enduring monogamous bonds, making them useful for studying social bonding and how neural circuits adapt over time.
Observations show that sexual activity prompts activity across 68 distinct brain areas, which organize into seven major networks. This pattern points to a coordinated, whole-brain system engaged during sexual behavior.
It was noted that men who regularly reach orgasm show stronger connections in brain regions linked to pleasure and reward. While this pattern hints at possible cognitive benefits, including memory, researchers emphasize caution when extending animal findings to humans.
Researchers also caution that results from voles may not directly translate to people. Still, the study helps illuminate the neural pathways tied to orgasm and could guide future work on neural mechanisms relevant to mental health and disorders. Insights from this research may inform new approaches for treatment by clarifying how reward circuits interact with memory and executive functions.
what is known about vaginal orgasm among women? The study addresses a broad question about sexual experiences and their brain correlates as part of ongoing inquiries into female sexual well-being and neural health. [CITATION: eLife, Concordia University; inferred context from animal models and translational research]