Sex Quiz: Love & Relationships Facts

Oxytocin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland that has been well studied for its role during childbirth. Oxytocin makes the cervix and uterus ready for delivery. It also promotes bonding between couples during sex. Oxytocin is released during orgasm and is believed to strengthen social relationships and maternal instinct.

Sleep after sex is common and likely due to the release of some of the same hormones that are associated with orgasm. In addition to oxytocin, the brain releases norepinephrine, vasopressin, serotonin, and prolactin. It may be that prolactin is the culprit chemical that induces sleep after intercourse. It is also true that sex is a very physical activity, often happening at night and in bed, all of which make falling asleep a little more likely.

The brain is wired to look for love. Specific areas of the brain light up on MRI when a patient is shown photos of their loved ones, even after being together for more than 20 years. The first circuit of love begins with mating and sex drive. Romance is the next circuit and is very addictive because the brain secretes dopamine. Attachment describes the long-term circuit where the brain seeks contentment but the intense highs of addiction may be muted.

Not all ginseng is created equal and it may be beneficial for erectile dysfunction, but it will not be as effective as prescription medications. Red ginseng has been studied and found to be marginally effective as Viagra®.

MHC genes play an important role in attracting mates by helping the body recognize body odors and smells that are different from its own. The genes are part of the body's immune system and we are programmed to be attracted to partners whose scents (and immune systems) are different from ours. In the case of romance, it seems that opposites attract.

There is no reason to change or alter a sex life during pregnancy unless a doctor advises otherwise. Intercourse or orgasm during pregnancy will not harm the baby, unless there is a medical problem. An unborn baby is well protected in the uterus by the amniotic fluid that surrounds him or her.

The progression of the human sexual response is mediated by hormones in the brain. Their control and release depend upon the situation and the relationship between partners at that moment. There is no guarantee that both partners will reach orgasm at the same time or with the same intensity, nor should that necessarily be the goal. Understanding each other's experience and response will help guide mutual satisfaction, with or without orgasm.

Having sex seems to be about more than just making babies. Romance, being in love, sexual attraction, and expressing gratitude are the emotional drivers, but people also have sex for physical pleasure. Less positive are those who have sex because of low self-worth and insecurity issues, including the sense of duty and pressure (perceived or real) exerted by a partner.

The term "limerence" was developed by psychologist Dorothy Tennov to describe the emotion of "being in love." The term continues to evolve in its definition.

Psychology professor Albert Wakin and Duyen B. Vo developed the meaning to include a type of obsessive-compulsive behavior where "Limerence is... defined as an involuntary interpersonal state that involves an acute longing for emotional reciprocation, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and emotional dependence on another person."

Changes in brain chemistry seem to occur when people fall in love and increased levels of dopamine produce significant brain stimulation and pleasure. These sensations are no different than the feelings induced by other stimulant drugs like amphetamine and cocaine.

Being in love is a complex emotion and needs to be nurtured to prolong the "in love" phase of a relationship. Those partners who share intense feelings long after the "average" have some common characteristics that may alter neurotransmitter patterns in the brain. These include increased sexual frequency, closeness and union, attachment, and the feeling of safety and security.

Sexual arousal and orgasm release many hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain. Increased oxytocin levels decrease pain sensation in the body. The immune system is stimulated with sexual intercourse, increasing the body's ability to ward off infection.

Loss of libido (sex drive) can be a complication of many medications. Common culprits include antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotic pain medications, alcohol, birth control pills, chemotherapy medicines, and over-the-counter cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine.

The muscles that support the vagina are like many other muscles in the body. If they are stretched, like in childbirth, they can become weakened and loose. Kegel exercises and the use of weighted vaginal cones may be helpful in returning muscle strength and tone. Gynecologists routinely perform surgery to support the vagina walls to treat urinary incontinence and prolapse. Similar surgeries are possible to tighten and strengthen the vaginal opening.

Bartholin glands are located in the tissues surrounding the vagina that secrete mucous to help lubricate the opening of the vagina when a woman is sexually aroused. While the droplets aren't enough to lubricate the whole vagina, their purpose is to make the opening, which is very sensitive, more comfortable during initial penetration during intercourse.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It is not considered an STD and it is thought to occur because of an imbalance of bacteria normally found in the vagina. The diagnosis is made by examining vaginal secretions that are obtained during a pelvic exam in women who complain of vaginal discharge. The presence of "clue" cells confirms the diagnosis. Treatment usually consists of metronidazole or clindamycin.

Sexual arousal requires not only physical but emotional stimulation. The lack of "closeness" that may occur because of disagreements with one's partner can spill over into the bedroom and may decrease sexual desire.

Premature ejaculation occurs when a male experiences orgasm early in the sexual encounter, even if there is little stimulation directly to the penis. About 20% to 30% of males may have premature ejaculation and it may cause significant emotional distress to the point of men trying to avoid sexual intimacy. While most men surveyed would like to prolong their time to ejaculation, the average length of time to maintain an erection before ejaculation is approximately 5 to 8 minutes.

The ability of a woman to achieve orgasm requires more than stimulating one area of the vagina. Dr. Ernst Gräfenberg suggested that an area on the front wall of the vagina beneath the pelvic bone, the G-spot, might also be responsible for achieving orgasm. This remains a theoretical concept. The G-spot is anatomically apart from the clitoris.