What Do the Scientists Have to Say?

There is a surprising amount of research that suggests humans would be better off learning to make love differently - avoiding the neurochemical roller coaster ride of conventional sex and emphasizing caring affection. Of course, researchers are not looking at this question directly. Nor are they investigating holistic solutions based on creating inner balance naturally. Funding sources ensure that most are engaged in the study of how artificial pharmaceuticals might be developed to manipulate conventional sex and other behavior.

If you are interested in what might be done to improve your balance naturally (not to mention the harmony in your intimate relationship), set aside the prejudice that "conventional sex must be right for us." Consider the evidence for yourself. You may see a pattern suggesting that changing our habits may be beneficial. In addition to helping us balance our brain chemistry naturally, such a change may increase our capacity to bond, and help counter addiction, stress and depression.

Although the research collected here is loosely divided into five categories, many of the items could easily be categorized in more than one category. They have not been.

Outline of Research

• Evolution, mating and bonding
  • Oxytocin
  • Nerve Growth Factor
  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • Vasopressin
  • Amygdala
  • Pheromones
  • Neurobiology of Attraction
  • Studying couple disharmony
• Limbic system and reward center
  • Reward
  • Dopamine
  • Oxytocin
  • PT-141
• Post-coital hangover
  • Prolactin
  • Testosterone
  • Dopamine, Serotonin, Brain activation
  • Oxytocin
  • Opioids
  • The Coolidge Effect
  • Perception shift/depression after orgasm in women
  • Post-menopausal
  • Sexual orientation
• Potential health benefits from controlled intercourse
  • Importance of connection with lover
  • Overview of effects of oxytocin
  • Counters infection and allergic reaction, speeds healing
  • Counters addiction and overeating
  • Counters stress, improves maternal behavior
  • Pain reduction
  • Counters depression
  • Inhibits cancer
  • Sexual receptivity and erectile health
  • Miscellaneous benefits
  • Monogamy
• Potential health risks of conventional sex
  • Truly scary
  • Promotes addiction
  • Prolactin and psychic distress
  • Prolactin and stress
  • Childhood effects
  • Orgasm suppresses immunity
  • Allergy to lover
  • Prostate cancer
  • Fetishes and sex crime

Soft Science

• US Census Bureau prediction that one of every two marriages now occurring will end in divorce

Go here for journalists' articles on the same topics. Also have a look at our articles here (see left-hand menu when you get to that page).

If you know of other items that should be included in these pages, or if you find dead links, please contact us.