Your Brain On

Your Brain On... Sex

Nov 20, 2024

In this lively discussion, guests Nicole Prause, a UCLA sexual behavior expert, and Rena Malik, a urogynecologist focused on women's sexual health, dive into the fascinating neurological processes behind attraction and desire. They tackle how age and significant life changes like menopause affect sexual desire. The complex debate around pornography and its impact on intimate relationships is explored. They also emphasize the importance of nutrition, exercise, and debunk myths associated with women’s sexual health, promoting open conversations free from stigma.

01:08:36

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Episode guests

Dr Rena D Malik

Nicole Prause

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Sexual experiences are intricately connected to brain functions, affecting pleasure and emotional responses through various neurological processes.

The perceived complexities of sexual desire and arousal suggest that recognition of arousal often precedes conscious desire, challenging traditional views.

Inadequate sexual health education leads to misconceptions and discomfort, emphasizing the need for comprehensive discussions about healthy relationships and sexuality.

Deep dives

Understanding the Brain's Role in Sexuality

Sex is a complex interplay of emotional, psychological, and physiological factors, all mediated by intricate brain processes. The initial spark of attraction begins with sensory stimuli, activating areas in the brain like the visual cortex and amygdala, which can release dopamine and create feelings of excitement. When intimacy leads to sexual activity, brain regions responsible for movement and sensory feedback heighten pleasure and emotional responses, indicating that sexual experiences are profoundly interconnected with our neurological functions. The discussion highlights how these biological processes can often be stigmatized, despite their inherent beauty and evolutionary significance.

Intro

3min

The Brain and Sexual Attraction

6min

Age and Sexual Desire

3min

Unpacking Male Climax and Pornography's Impact

10min

Debunking Sexual Myths: Vibrators and Semen Retention

4min

Neuroscience, Sexuality, and Relationship Dynamics

11min

The Vital Connection: Sexual Health and Well-being

8min

Understanding Women's Sexual Health Disparities

23min

From the first spark of attraction, all the way to climax, sex sets off chemical fireworks in your brain.

And yet, this beautiful, powerful act has become mired in shame and stigma. But through open conversation and deeper scientific understanding, we can cast off those shackles, and even embrace sex as a marker for cognitive and overall health.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’ — our Season 4 debut! — we discuss:

• The neurological processes involved with sex, arousal, attraction, and desire • Why studying the cognitive effects of sexual stimuli can be so complicated • How our relationship with sex is altered as we age, and is affected by periods of change like menopause • The neuroscientific differences between masturbation and sex with a partner • The complex debate about pornography consumption, and the need for better sex education • The links between brain health, heart health, mental health, and sexual health • The benefits of good nutrition, exercise, and stress management for sexual health • Motivations and methods for freeing conversations about sex from stigmas and taboos — especially for women

Joining us for this immensely important conversation are two fantastic guests: sexual behaviour expert and data scientist Dr. Nicole Prause, and sexual medicine expert and urogynecologist Rena Malik.

This is... Your Brain On Sex.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Sex’ • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 1 (SEASON 4 DEBUT)

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LINKS

Dr. Nicole Prause at UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/medicine/gastro/research/labs-and-programs/patel-laboratory

Dr. Nicole Prause on Twitter: https://x.com/nicolerprause

Dr. Nicole Prause on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nicolerprause.bsky.social

Dr. Rena Malik’s website: https://renamalikmd.com/

Dr. Rena Malik on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD

Dr. Rena Malik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renamalikmd/

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