Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The O Behind the Big O

All of us here read erotic romance, so we've been exposed to many varieties of sex, kink, etc, in the books we read. Some scenarios will trip your switch, others not so much, yet there's always that undeniable attraction between the characters. It intensifies as the story progresses, the lovers become closer, more attached throughout the book. You've experienced it in your personal life, I'm sure. There's an explanation for those intense feelings, as it turns out. Chemistry is real, people.

Do you know the scientific reason of what this "chemistry" between partners actually is? Oh yeah, it's chemical, all right. One of the most powerful and important of those chemicals is a hormone and neurotransmitter called oxytocin. You've probably heard of it in terms of mothers bonding with their newborns, but maybe you weren't aware that it's necessary between lovers too. For both men and women, as a matter of fact.

How important is it for the process of bonding? According to this article,

"Once believed to confine its effects to inducing labor and milk ejection, oxytocin actually has far-reaching effects on both sexes. You could not fall in love without it. These days it goes by nicknames such as "the bonding hormone," "the cuddle hormone," and even "the love hormone." The primary conscious behavior or thought process that increases oxytocin is caring for another. Appreciation, generous touch, gratitude, and emotional connections with others also raise oxytocin levels."

The more bonded we feel to our partner, the more oxytocin we will produce. Touching, cuddling, that sort of intimate closeness increases the level of oxytocin, making us feel bonded, secure. Loved. Now I know why I crave cuddling so much! I knew there had to be a reason. 

So there you have it, the O behind the Big O. Food for thought, no? Now go cuddle your partner!

7 comments:

Wynter said...

That's great to know. And it makes sense. I think I've always known there was something, but I couldn't tell you what it was - until now. Great post!

Casey Crow said...

Interesting post, Callie. Now if only the scientists could tell us why we have more chemistry with some and not others!

Dalton Diaz said...

ok, my first comment seems to have vanished...
I was wondering about the chemistry thing, too. Yes, sex is better when DH and I have had time to be together first, be it holding hands or more if we sneak away for a weekend. Hot, hot, hot, but TMI so that's all you get!
The other part, tho, is the times I've caught a connection with a man across a room. Most of the time, I never so much as meet the man, let alone touch or cuddle, but the chemistry is undeniably there. Kinda freaky, but makes for a good writing day!

Naima Simone said...

If they only taught this kind of science in school I would have passed those doggone classes!! Forget stems and pistons and pollen! LOL! Awesome blog! Now I'm going to follow your order and go raise my oxytocin levels!! *snicker*

Helen Hardt said...

I love learning scientific reasons behind sexual chemistry -- great post!

Helen
helenhardt.blogspot.com

Michelle Polaris said...

The science of our brains and biochemistry is fascinating and I love this explanation. Great stuff! I'm going to read more from the website you sourced.

Jina Bacarr said...

Excellent post that goes right along with Michelle's post and video about "touching" (Monday).

Very thorough and fun to read with good take-away info!

Thanks, Callie.