Our body responds to stimuli with a whole range of physical changes, many of which we don't even pay attention to.
Here are seven of the most interesting processes that are triggered during sex.
Brain
Nerve endings transmit signals to the so-called pleasure centers, after which the brain activates the areas responsible for pleasant sensations. These reactions differ slightly between men and women. In women, during climax, the activity of areas associated with fear and control often decreases, which helps to relax. In men, the areas responsible for visual perception become more active.
Nose
Yes, making love also affects it. Many notice that their sense of smell intensifies during or immediately after sex. Sometimes one person experiences nasal congestion while another feels the urge to sneeze. This phenomenon is called "honeymoon rhinitis." It is related to the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for internal processes, and sometimes signals get mixed up, causing this unusual reaction.
Eyes
Pupils react to arousal just like they do to other strong emotions—fear, joy, stress. They dilate (sometimes up to twice their size) and let in more light than usual. Essentially, this is just a reflection of the nervous system being engaged in the process ("I’m on alert," it seems to declare). Another interesting fact regarding the eyes: increased pressure from breath-holding can slightly blur vision.
Legs
During arousal, the corresponding signals are received not only by the pelvic muscles but also by the legs. This is because the nervous system activates muscles throughout the body. For some people, for example, during sex, their toes curl or stretch on their own. This is not a conscious movement but a reaction of the nervous system to a strong stimulus. The same nerves that work with the pelvic muscles can also affect the legs.
Breasts
Blood flows not only to the genital organs but also to other parts of the body. During lovemaking, women’s breasts may become fuller and firmer—all due to increased blood flow. Additionally, due to the dilation of blood vessels, the skin may slightly change its usual shade. Nipples, in turn, become harder and more sensitive.
Heart
The heart begins to beat faster during sex than in a resting state. As arousal increases, breathing quickens, and the heart rate rises to levels typically seen during moderate activity (such as brisk walking, swimming at a steady pace, or climbing stairs). Again, this happens because the nervous system signals the heart to work more actively.
Testicles
During lovemaking, the testicles rise closer to the body and temporarily become warmer and softer. This is explained as follows: the thin cremaster muscle, which surrounds the spermatic cord, involuntarily contracts during arousal and temporarily pulls the testicles upward, and after the process ends, it relaxes and returns them to their normal position.
