Orgasms, sexual pleasure, and opioid reward mechanisms
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00023752%3A_____%2F25%3A43921574" target="_blank" >RIV/00023752:_____/25:43921574 - isvavai.cz</a>
Alternative codes found
RIV/00216208:11240/25:10512323
Result on the web
<a href="https://academic.oup.com/smr/article/13/3/381/8127191" target="_blank" >https://academic.oup.com/smr/article/13/3/381/8127191</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf023" target="_blank" >10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf023</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Orgasms, sexual pleasure, and opioid reward mechanisms
Original language description
Introduction: Sexual activity produces pleasure related to sexual arousal, desire, and genitosensory and erogenous stimulation. Orgasmsproduce a whole brain and body rush of ecstatic pleasure followed by relaxation and refractoriness. This pleasure results from the activation ofneurochemical reward pathways in the brain. This is differentiated by spinal pathways that control climax, the particular motor movements ofthe pelvic floor and the experience of tension release.Objectives: To relate the activation of key neurochemical reward and bonding systems, notably dopamine, oxytocin, and opioids, to the pleasureof sexual activity in general and orgasms in particular.Methods: A narrative review of the neurochemical and neuroanatomical mechanisms activated during sexual stimulation and orgasm in rats andhumans, and how they are related overall to the generation of sexual pleasure and reward.Results: Appetitive sexual pleasure involves the activation of dopamine and oxytocin release in hypothalamic and mesolimbic regions thatregulate sexual arousal and desire, and are reinforced by localized opioid activity. Orgasms are thought to result in part from a massive releaseof opioids into these regions that inhibits dopamine and oxytocin transmission, but that initiates molecular changes to sensitize both systemsand induce sexually conditioned place and partner preferences. Serotonin is also activated at orgasm and contributes to feelings of satietyand refractoriness. Orgasm disorders are distressing, cause resentment and conflict in a relationship, and diminish overall sexual health andwell-being.Conclusions: Orgasms are an important component of sexual pleasure for humans and perhaps all vertebrates. Endogenous opioids like βendorphin that bind to mu opioid receptors are likely responsible for sexual pleasure and reward.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
30103 - Neurosciences (including psychophysiology)
Result continuities
Project
—
Continuities
V - Vyzkumna aktivita podporovana z jinych verejnych zdroju
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Sexual Medicine Reviews
ISSN
2050-0513
e-ISSN
2050-0521
Volume of the periodical
13
Issue of the periodical within the volume
3
Country of publishing house
US - UNITED STATES
Number of pages
13
Pages from-to
381-393
UT code for WoS article
001484112700001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105010374586