The ‘Erotic Brain’ can feel very different from your ‘Everyday Brain’
Many changes happen in the body when we get turned on and move into our erotic brain. The erotic brain is not a part of the brain, but a series of changes that happen to our mind and body when we see something as erotic. The following are a list of the changes that happen to our mind and body during sexual arousal and desire.
Non-genital physiological changes (in the Erotic Brain):
- Increased peripheral blood flow. You might recognize this when the face or chest gets flushed.
- Bleeding decreases, especially in periphery.
- Hayfever and sinus congestion decreases.
- Strength increases.
- Flexibility increases.
- Nasal and salivary glands increase production.
- Movements become more rhythmic, in the pelvis especially.
- Blood pressure increases.
- Heart rate increases.
- Breathing becomes deeper and faster (in early stages).
Genital physiological changes (when we move into our erotic brain):
- Swelling or Tumescence. Parts of our body swells with blood and some become more rigid. These include … the penis, clitoris, labia & nipple.
- The lifting and expanding of the back part of the vagina. This is an interesting change that actually allows women to feel the sensation of a “need to be filled”.
- Rising of the testes. As the arousal increases and men get closer to orgasm the testes lift up to be closer into the body.
- Genital secretions increase. The vagina lubricates, the penis can leak pre-ejaculate.
Psychological changes:
- Inhibitions are reduced.
- Sensitivity to pain is reduced.
- Reduction in sensory perception overall. As arousal increases, we tend to become deaf and blind to the outside world. All of the senses decrease.
The Subjective Experience of being turned-on:
Some of the more common ways that people know they are turned-on are below:
For Men:
The top physiological sensations reported for men sexual arousal (out of 138 men):
- Quickening heart beat (79)
- Throbbing or pulsing in genitals (74)
- Tension or tightness in my pelvis / genitals (72)
- Warmth or ‘heat’ in genitals (62)
- Sensation of sensitivity or aching in the testicles (58)
- Awareness of my erection / hardness (56)
- Feeling flushed or hot (51)
- Tingling all over (44)
- Shivering or quivering sensation (41)
- Sensitivity or tenderness of nipples (23)
Top 5 Feelings men reported with sexual arousal:
- Feeling happy or good (75)
- Feeling connected (71)
- Feeling anticipation or wanting (66)
- Feeling playful (66)
- Feeling present (63)
Top 5 ‘Yearnings’ men reported with sexual arousal:
- Yearning to grind or rub against (71)
- Yearning to be held or hold someone (71)
- Yearning to fill or be filled (67)
- Yearning to be desired (65)
- Yearning to merge or be close (with another) (63)
- Yearning to orgasm or release (60)
For Women:
The top seven physiological clues to sexual arousal reported by women (out of 351 women):
- Quickening heart beat (with 169 reporting moderately or considerably a cue to their own sexual desire)
- Moistness or wetness (161)
- Throbbing or pulsing in genitals (153)
- Swelling or fullness of genitals or breasts (151)
- Warmth or ‘heat’ in genitals (151)
- Tension or tightness in my pelvis/genitals (148)
- Aching or heavy sensation in vagina (148)
More signs:
- Faster or shallow breathing (133)
- Feeling flushed or hot (133)
- Tingling all over (119)
- Sensitivity or tenderness of breasts or nipples (128)
- Clenching or tightness in thighs (104)
- “Need to pee” sensation (103)
- Shivering or quivering sensation (101)
The Top 5 ’emotional feelings’ women report with sexual arousal:
- Feeling happy or good (176)
- Feeling playful (162)
- Feeling a tension or urgency (156)
- Feeling an openness or vulnerability (154)
- Feeling connected (151)
- Feeling present (151)
- Feeling anticipation or wanting (151)
The Top 5 ‘Yearnings” women report with sexual arousal:
- Yearning to orgasm or release (157)
- Yearning to please partner (157)
- Yearning for touch (overall skin) (141)
- Yearning to masturbate (141)
- Yearning to grind or rub against (140)