What Happens in the Brain When Having Sex? This is the Explanation of Experts

Illustration of having sex. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - During sex, all organs of the body respond to the stimuli that occur, especially the brain. This response has begun since the husband and wife have foreplay to orgasm.

During foreplay or the warm-up session, the brain and body become 'alive'. The genital sensory cortex, the part of the brain responsible for communicating back and forth with the genitals, starts to be active.

In women, the clitoris, vagina, and cervix each activate slightly different parts of the brain. The perineal area will also be stimulated during stimulation of the clitoris, vagina, or cervix.

If you are close to orgasm, then not only the genitals are active. The cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls body movements, sends signals to the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen to start tightening.

The muscle tension contributes to orgasm by increasing blood flow to the area and increasing nerve activity. In turn, this sends signals back to the brain to stimulate.

Then when orgasm occurs, the part of the orbitofrontal cortex that is responsible for making decisions in the brain is turned off, which can cause feelings of being out of control.

This results in seemingly involuntary sensations such as shouting louder than expected at climax or just feeling more daring in bed. During orgasm, several neurotransmitters also join the brain, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin.

"When you reach climax, your body undergoes changes," said gynecologist, Sachchidananda Maiti, quoted from Ladbible, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

"Your brain is flooded with dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, the same chemicals associated with deep relaxation and happiness," he added.

After the climax session ends, orgasm signals the parasympathetic nervous system to die and calm the body. The brain also pumps serotonin, which is responsible for a good mood, relaxation, and a sense of drowsiness after sex that can make us want to take a nap.