Specificity of the neuroendocrine response to orgasm during sexual arousal in men

Abstract

We have demonstrated that sexual activity produces transient sympathoadrenal activation and a pronounced, longlasting increase in prolactin in men and women. However, by analyzing endocrine alterations at 10-min intervals, a precise assignment of these changes to the pre-, peri-and postorgasmic periods was not possible. Thus, the current study aimed to accurately differentiate the endocrine response to sexual arousal and orgasm in men using an automatic blood collection technique with 2-min sampling intervals. Blood was drawn continuously before, during and after orgasm over a total period of 40 min in 10 healthy subjects and were compared with samples obtained under a control condition. Sexual activity induced transient increases of plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels during orgasm with a rapid decline thereafter. In contrast, prolactin levels increased immediately after orgasm and remained elevated throughout the experiment. Although oxytocin was acutely increased after orgasm, these changes were not consistent and did not reach statistical significance. Vasopressin, LH, FSH and testosterone plasma concentrations remained unaltered during sexual arousal and orgasm. These data confirm that prolactin is secreted after orgasm and, compared with oxytocin, seems to represent a more reliable and sustained marker for orgasm in man. The results further reinforce a role for prolactin either as a neuroendocrine reproductive reflex or as a feedback mechanism modulating dopaminergic systems in the central nervous system that are responsible for appetitive behavior.

Oxytocin Modulates Social Distance between Males and Females

“…Mechanistically, this may be related to additional OXT either compensating a relative deficit (optimization hypothesis) or by collapsing already optimal levels (decompensation hypothesis). While the most obvious physiological stimulus for promoting endogenous OXT release in men would be having sex with their mate (Krüger et al, 2003), the simple close presence and touch of their partner at any given moment in time might also suffice (Holt-Lunstad et al, 2008). Thus, OXT effects in promoting monogamy in males may normally depend upon the presence of a close positive relationship in the bond with their female partners and close physical proximity between the couple.…”

An Epidemiological Survey of Post-Coital Psychological Symptoms in a UK Population Sample of Female Twins

“…It is important to note that our study assessed symptoms occurring post-coitally (with or without experienced orgasm) and not specifically after orgasm, hence do not cover a post-orgasmic condition. Given the hormonal changes that happen at the time of orgasm, which tend to be different from sexual excitement, this could be important (Exton et al, 1999;Krueger et al, 2003). To address this issue we conducted post-hoc analysis using a questionnaire sent to the twins in 2008 and asking about frequency of orgasm during intercourse.…”

“…Several studies have shown hormonal changes to happen during sexual arousal and orgasm in women and men (Exton et al, 1999;Krueger et al, 2003). In an experimental study conducted on women by Exton et al (1999), film-induced sexual arousal significantly increased plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations, whereas orgasm induced a large increase in plasma concentrations of prolactin, which remained elevated 60 minutes after completion of arousal.…”

Effects of acute prolactin manipulation on sexual drive and function in males

“…increased for over 1 h following orgasm in men and women, but unchanged following sexual arousal without orgasm (Krüger et al 1998(Krüger et al , 2003M S Exton et al 1999, 2001a, N G Exton et al 2000. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to examine the physiological impact of acute alterations of prolactin on sexual parameters by pharmacological manipulation of prolactin levels in healthy men.…”