Not since the breakthrough research by Kinsey half a century ago has science devoted much attention to studying the ins and outs of sex. But there are smaller studies that examine the neurobiology of sex, which is a good thing, because I'm all about learning scientific ways to guarantee an orgasm. The more people can comprehend that sex has everything to do with brain function and physiological manifestations of desire, the easier it will be for sex to lose its Puritanical and outdated stigma.
With the risk of sounding like a George Michael song, sex is natural. It's chemical, habitual, and logical. Still, according to Alternet, many neurobiologists are afraid of being branded as perverts for studying sex. The fearless, however, have gone forth to break down the neurobiology of what happens during sex, and its most pleasant, er, outcome, the human orgasm. Anjan Chatterjee published The Aesthetic Brain using neuroscience to investigate desire. In this book, Chatterjee investigates sex from an evolutionary psychological view, and concludes that sex floods the brain with rewards, like your orgasm.
The Aesthetic Brain, $20, Amazon
In other words, because sex feels good, people want to do it. But because the female orgasm is elusive; one third of women have trouble climaxing, according to Woman's Day, it might be useful to examine the science behind your orgasm. By learning about the following brain functions, I can guarantee you'll get off, again and again.
1
Stimulate The Amygdala
Research has found that the amygdala activates sexual arousal. And according to United States Library of Medicine, the amygdala is responsible for motivation and emotional behavior. In other words, it's the first step in getting you in the mood and revved up for a good time. What turns you on? It's different for everyone — but is usually centered around the five senses. Activate your happy sense, STAT.
2
Involve The Hypothalamus
Now that you're aroused, it's time to get your hypothalamus involved. According to Alternet, neural activity in the hypothalamus goes way up when you're turned on, so try to concentrate on feeding your desires. For women, this translates into lots of foreplay.
Check Out: 14 Days of Foreplay, $11, Amazon
3
Flood The Brain With Dopamine
OK, now that you're anticipating sex, your brain will release some dopamine. Isn't that cool? Your brain wants you to have an orgasm. But, dopamine alone won't bring you to climax. As noted in Psychology Today, dopamine helps you take action to receive rewards. Now is the time to turn on some sex-positive porn, or have your partner tickle your toes (or any other part) that gets you going.
4
Activate The Autonomic Nervous System
You might remember the function of the autonomic nervous system from Biology 101. If not, here's a refresher: it regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat responses, according to Medicine Net. These physiological signs are important because they let you know you're on your way to O-Town. And when you think you're going to climax, according to Cosmopolitan, it's more likely you will. Reading your body's cues helps.
5
Deactivate The Prefrontal Cortex
When you come close to orgasm, your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that obsesses over fears, external environment, future plans, and executive functions, according to The Oxford Medical Journal, shuts down. You can help your brain by trying really, really hard not to think about anything. Namaste.
6
Worship The Clit
You're so close. Like right there. So take advantage of the over 8,000 nerve endings in your clit, and stimulate the area with pressure, or whatever you desire.
Try: Mini Clit Vibrator, $16, Amazon
7
Find The G-Spot, And Go For Gold
If you're feeling ambitious, locate (or have your partner locate) the spongy area above the front vaginal wall that leads to the G-spot orgasm, noted Refinery29, for an over-the-edge orgasm.
Try: MagicULove G-Spot Vibrator, $35, Amazon
8
Flood The Body With Prolactin And Oxytocin
You're not done, quite yet. You want to make sure you're totally sexually sated. And to do that, allow yourself a moment to relax and enjoy the release of prolactin and oxytocin, beta-endorphins, according to Alternet, that might help you have a second or third orgasm.
9
Release Endorphins And Bask In Afterglow
Now, your hypothalamus and pituitary gland will release some endorphins, which according to CNN are involved in reward circuits in the brain. Bask in the feeling of euphoria that these neurotransmitters create. Why? If you teach your body that orgasms make you feel amazing, your body is going to chase them like there's no tomorrow, guaranteeing more orgasms in your future.
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