How do men and women bond during sex?

Differences in bonding during sex between men and women can be traced to the distinct hormonal responses activated. Women experience a surge of oxytocin during orgasm, which significantly enhances their feeling of closeness and bonding with their partner. This release of oxytocin is not as strongly mirrored in men, who instead experience bonding through vasopressin, a hormone associated with stress and problem-solving 1.

Female sexual pleasure is also critical for effective bonding. Women who orgasm during sexual encounters experience a significant increase in oxytocin, bolstering their capacity to bond with their partner. Without orgasm, this oxytocin surge is diminished, potentially weakening the emotional connection 2.

Additionally, from an evolutionary perspective, the male and female orgasms play different roles in sexual bonding. The female orgasm, considered a recent evolutionary development, improves the quality of the sexual experience and promotes bonding, which is crucial for raising offspring together 3.

Understanding these hormonal and physiological differences helps explain why men and women may perceive and experience emotional intimacy during sex differently.