On Or Off, Women’s Brains Seek Pleasure

Ahhh the beloved orgasm. We’ve seen it imitated (or simulated) in movies but we all want to experience it for ourselves.

Although it’s not at the forefront of our brains 24/7 (hormonal teenagers excepted), it’s a unique experience that has been described as euphoric, out-of-body, even transcendental. For some, it may be a spiritual or religious experience. Whatever it is, it’s the best body buzz I’ve ever had.

But what’s really happening upstairs? Scientists are saying a woman’s brain paves two pathways to pleasure — one while you’re on your own and one while you’re with a partner.

While you’re alone thinking about how sexy Brad Pitt is in Legends of The Fall, activity can be heightened in 30 parts of the brain. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for imagination and decision-making, is one of these major brain centers that lights up.

As powerful as the imagination is in providing pleasure, after you’ve exhausted the fantasy and got down to business with your real life partner, findings from research analyzing MRI scans of women reaching climax show that a different part of the brain deactivates.

In other words, women climax when they reach a state of bliss that scientists are comparing to an “altered state of consciousness.”

This is great news. Women are capable of feeling good when they’re alone or in company. Whether our brain is switched on or off, our synapses are singing one tune — pleasure.

Have difficulty switching off the old noggin? Not to fear. Researchers are saying that the results may help women who’ve found sex anti-climactic. They don’t tell us how, but there’s hope in that they’re working to uncover the brain mechanisms responsible for orgasms.

Until then, at least we have another option. We can find pleasure with fantasy.

Contact the author here: tinybart@morningquickie.com