A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that women women who have more sex have a more developed brain, particularly of brain region associated with genital touch. This research highlights a surprising correlation between sexual activity and brain development, suggesting that sex may have benefits far beyond the commonly recognized emotional and relational ones.
Women who have more sex have more developed brains
The researchers analyzed 20 adult women, aged 18 to 45, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe brain activation during clitoral stimulation. The stimulation was performed using a vibrating object positioned over the underwear, vibrated several times in 10 second sequences interspersed with pauses. During the trial, activity was measured in the somatosensory cortex, the area of the brain that processes touch sensations.
There is an association between the frequency of genital intercourse and the thickness of the mapped individual genital field
The results showed that women who had more frequent sexual intercourse presented greater thickness in this specific brain region. Dr. Christine Heim, co-author of the study and professor of medical psychology at the Charité University of Berlinexplains that there is a “association between the frequency of genital intercourse and the thickness of the mapped individual genital field“, thus suggesting that more sex could result in greater expansion of this brain region.
Implications and future prospects
Despite the significant findings, the study falls short determine whether a more developed somatosensory cortex in turn encourages more sexual activity, or whether sexual activity expands this brain region, similar to training a muscle. However, research supports the hypothesis that more frequent use of a certain brain region can lead to its enlargement, a phenomenon known as “brain plasticity.”
The importance of further studies is underlined by Dr. Heim, who highlights how it is”completely underrated” the way female genitalia are represented in the human somatosensory cortex and whether this representation may change with experience or use. This research could open new avenues for the development of future therapies.
Wider context and benefits of sex
This study adds to previous research that has explored the cognitive benefits of sexual activity. For example, in 2016, a study from McGill University in Canada found that young women who have regular sex tend to remember things better than those who are less sexually active. Similarly, other research from the same year highlighted how older men who maintain an active sex life show better “brain health” and are less likely to experience memory loss.
In summary, while the direct link between sex and brain development requires further investigation, the current findings emphasize an often overlooked aspect of sexual health, opening interesting perspectives on understanding our brain and its ability to adapt and grow in response to life experiences.
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