You've probably heard that romance tends to increase around Valentine's Day. But is there something deeper, perhaps even on a biochemical level? (Image for representation: Shutterstock)
From hormonal changes related to seasonal variations in light levels to psychological and cultural factors that reduce inhibitions, research has uncovered why the two weeks surrounding February 14 have earned an exciting reputation.
Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian homes. As a result, most people facing sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often turn to unverified online sources or follow unscientific advice from their friends. To address widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com publishes this weekly sex column, titled 'Let's Talk About Sex.' We hope to start conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific knowledge and nuance.
In this article, we will discover the chemistry behind why Valentine's Day seems tailor-made for increasing libido and sex life.
You've probably heard that romance tends to increase around Valentine's Day. But is there something deeper going on behind the scenes, perhaps even on a biochemical level? It turns out there are some fascinating scientific reasons why Cupid's Arrow tends to hit its target more accurately in mid-February. From hormonal changes related to seasonal variations in light levels to psychological and cultural factors that reduce inhibitions, research has uncovered why the two weeks surrounding February 14 have earned an exciting reputation.
The science of love: how your brain chemistry changes when you fall in love
Falling in love causes important changes in brain chemistry. The potent cocktail of chemicals swirling in the brain creates a heady rush of emotions. While the intensity will decrease over time, these hormones help build long-term relationships through intimacy, trust, and commitment.
- Dopamine and euphoria: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates the reward center in the brain. When you are with someone you care about, dopamine levels increase, giving you that rush of excitement and pleasure. Studies show that dopamine levels are up to 25 percent higher in couples who have recently fallen in love.
- Low serotonin and pink glasses: As dopamine increases, serotonin levels decrease. Serotonin is the “calming” hormone and lower levels are linked to greater obsession and impulsivity. This can make you see your new love through rose-colored glasses, overlooking flaws and focusing on their good qualities. You may find yourself constantly thinking about them and wanting to be together.
- Endorphins and excitement: Your brain also pumps endorphins, natural pain relievers that act as sedatives. Endorphins give you that warm, fuzzy feeling and heightened sensations when you are intimate with your partner. They are also released during exciting and exciting activities, like a steamy Valentine's Day date!
Oxytocin: The 'love hormone' and its role in sexual desire
Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” because it plays an important role in sexual arousal and pair bonding. Around Valentine's Day, oxytocin levels naturally increase, which increases libido and makes you feel more connected to your partner. Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus of the brain and released by the pituitary gland. It is released during intimate physical contact such as hugging, kissing, and sexual intercourse. During foreplay and sexual intercourse, oxytocin levels constantly rise, intensifying arousal and pleasure.
Oxytocin stimulates the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels in the genitals, causing an erection in men and lubrication and swelling in women. After orgasm, oxytocin peaks, inducing feelings of deep relaxation, satiety, and attachment. Hugging, kissing, and pillow talk after sex further increases oxytocin, forging an emotional connection and post-coital happiness.
Norepinephrine: the neurochemical behind attraction and arousal
Norepinephrine, a hormone similar to adrenaline, is also released, which causes excitement and attraction. It quickens your pulse, makes you feel alert and focused, and intensifies those romantic feelings. Together, dopamine and norepinephrine are a potent combination on Valentine's Day, fueling passion and stimulating sexual desire.
Estrogen and Testosterone: How Sex Hormones Increase Around Valentine's Day
Around Valentine's Day, you may notice an extra spark in your relationship. This isn't just because of romantic cards or gifts, but it's actually partly due to chemistry. Estrogen levels in women increase around ovulation, which often occurs around Valentine's Day. This increase in estrogen increases libido and arousal in women. At the same time, testosterone levels also increase in both men and women at this time of year. Testosterone is responsible for sexual desire and arousal in both sexes. The combination of increased estrogen and testosterone means that people of all genders tend to feel more frisky in February.
Pheromones: the subtle chemical signals that trigger romance
Pheromones are odorless chemical signals that our body secretes through sweat and other body fluids. Although we can't smell them, their scent is detected by the vomeronasal organ in our nose, which sends signals to the parts of our brain related to attraction, emotion, and reproduction. For men, the key pheromone is androstenone, which gives off a musky aroma that women tend to find attractive, especially during ovulation. For women, copulins are an important pheromone that increases testosterone levels and arousal in men. On a date or romantic evening together, you are very close and pick up each other's pheromones, whether consciously or not.
Touching, hugging, kissing: all forms of affection on Valentine's Day also stimulate the production and exchange of pheromones. Kissing exposes us to androstenol, a pheromone in men's saliva that increases arousal in women. The more time we spend in these intimate acts with our partner, the more our bodies respond and crave each other.
Setting the mood
To create a romantic mood on Valentine's Day and keep those neurochemicals flowing, engage in activities with your partner that you both find enjoyable and rewarding:
- Cook a delicious meal together: Food preparation releases dopamine.
- Watch a funny movie: Laughter also increases dopamine and norepinephrine.
- Make a small gift: Exchanging gifts causes a dopamine rush in both the giver and the receiver.
- Massage each other: Physical touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which enhances feelings of closeness and intimacy.
- Flirt and make eye contact: This indicates attraction and arousal, which triggers the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in both of you.
- Kiss passionately: Kissing floods your brain with dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin, fueling desire and bringing you closer.
- Have sex: This supreme act of physical intimacy and pleasure produces surges of dopamine and oxytocin, strengthening your emotional and romantic bond.
So this Valentine's Day don't underestimate the power of chemistry. Attracting that special someone and increasing your libido may seem like magic, but it's actually science. Pheromones and hormones work behind the scenes, creating sparks that become flames of passion and desire. Enjoy this natural aphrodisiac effect: your body and your lover will thank you!
