The role of orgasm in the development and shaping of partner preferences

Abstract

BackgroundThe effect of orgasm on the development and shaping of partner preferences may involve a catalysis of the neurochemical mechanisms of bonding. Therefore, understanding such process is relevant for neuroscience and psychology.MethodsA systematic review was carried out using the terms Orgasm, Sexual Reward, Partner Preference, Pair Bonding, Brain, Learning, Sex, Copulation.ResultsIn humans, concentrations of arousing neurotransmitters and potential bonding neurotransmitters increase during orgasm in the cerebrospinal fluid and the bloodstream. Similarly, studies in animals indicate that those neurotransmitters (noradrenaline, oxytocin, prolactin) and others (e.g. dopamine, opioids, serotonin) modulate the appetitive and consummatory phases of sexual behavior and reward. This suggests a link between the experience of orgasm/sexual reward and the neurochemical mechanisms of pair bonding. Orgasm/reward functions as an unconditioned stimulus (UCS). Some areas in the nervous system function as UCS-detection centers, which become activated during orgasm. Partner-related cues function as conditioned stimuli (CS) and are processed in CS-detector centers.ConclusionsThroughout the article, we discuss how UCS- and CS-detection centers must interact to facilitate memory consolidation and produce recognition and motivation during future social encounters.

Mating and social exposure induces an opioid-dependent conditioned place preference in male but not in female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

“…Different lines of evidence indicate that opioids are involved in sexual behavior (Coria-Avila et al, 2016; Paredes, 2014; Szechtman et al, 1981; van Furth et al, 1995). Administration of the mixed mu/delta opioid receptor agonist d-Ala2-Met5-enkephalinamide during copulation facilitates ejaculation (Agmo and Paredes, 1988).…”

“…The positive state induced by mating may increase the probability that copulation will occur again with that partner. The partner-specific characteristics (olfactory visual or auditory cues) can be associated with the sexual reward, which in turn will allow the vole to recognize and choose a partner and exclude other potential mates (Coria-Avila et al, 2016; Johnson et al, 2017; Johnson and Young, 2015; Young and Wang, 2004). This process results in long-lasting preference (pair bonding) for the sexual partner.…”

Sexual intimacy in couples is associated with longer telomere length

“…The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin has been documented to modulate social behaviors between romantic partners and between parents and their children by facilitating bonding and other vital maternal behaviors like lactation (Campbell, 2008). Sexually intimate behaviors and orgasm elicit increases in oxytocin (Coria-Avila et al, 2016; Light et al, 2005; Robinson, 2015) that potentially foster a cycle of social bonding via encoding of positive interactions (e.g., Guastella et al, 2008). Mechanistically, oxytocin’s neurophysiological role in sexual intimacy is plausible.…”

Female orgasm and the emergence of prosocial empathy: An evo‐devo perspective

“…Orgasm being desired by the female, and her arousal serving to set the stage for intercourse, the clitoris indirectly promotes intercourse and reproduction. If orgasm led to endocrine responses propitious for bonding (Coria‐Avila, Herrera‐Covarrubias, Ismail, & Pfaus, ; Young and Wang, ), then the ancestral female's orgasm would have increased her affiliation to the mate, and if the activities resulted in coitus and the male's orgasm as well, the affiliation would be reciprocal and the seeds of offspring may have been planted. Note that this type of theory can get complicated if assumptions of pair‐bonding are not met, as in social animals that may take multiple partners; implications for competitiveness and genetic inheritance are varied, depending on whether one assumes polygynous or polyandrous practices, or both, to be ancestral.…”