Physiology & Energetics
A granular synthesis of neuroendocrinology, sexological research, and comparative somatic traditions.
Sexual experience triggers a precise cascade of neurochemicals. While Dopamine drives the "seeking" phase, the "satiety" phase is governed by Prolactin and Oxytocin.
The Opponent Process: High levels of Prolactin (post-ejaculation) biologically suppress Dopamine, creating the natural "drop" in motivation.
| Agent | Primary Function | Behavioral Effect | Post-Coital Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dopamine | Reward / Motivation | Driving desire, focus, "seeking" behavior. | Drops Sharply (esp. Men) |
| Oxytocin | Bonding / Trust | Reduces amygdala activity (fear), promotes attachment. | Elevated (Bonding Window) |
| Prolactin | Satiety / Refractory | Sexual satisfaction, sedation, immune regulation. | Spikes (Causes Refractory) |
| Endorphins | Analgesia / Euphoria | Pain relief, mild sedation, stress reduction. | Elevated (The "Glow") |
| Cortisol | Stress Response | Inhibits arousal. High levels block Oxytocin. | Decreases (Ideally) |
Study: Health Professionals Follow-up Study (29,342 men)
Risk Reduction
Men ejaculating 21+ times per month had a 20% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those ejaculating 4–7 times per month.
Mechanism: "Prostate Stagnation Hypothesis" — frequent clearance may prevent accumulation of carcinogens in prostatic fluid.
Findings on Semen Retention
Transient Peak
Research shows a 145% spike in testosterone on the 7th day of abstinence, which typically returns to baseline by day 8.
Conclusion: Chronic retention does not lead to infinitely compounding testosterone levels. Benefits are likely dopaminergic (motivation/focus) rather than androgenic.
Parasympathetic nervous system triggers nitric oxide release. Blood flow to corpus cavernosum increases 7-8x normal, creating rigidity.
Sympathetic system activates. Seminal fluid moves from vas deferens to prostatic urethra. The "point of no return" threshold.
Rhythmic contractions of pelvic floor muscles at 0.8-second intervals (3-10 contractions). Dopamine peaks, then crashes.
Prolactin spikes 400% above baseline. Inhibits dopamine receptors. Duration: 15 minutes (young) to 24+ hours (older males).
Unlike females (who can experience multiple orgasms without refractory period), males require recovery time due to prolactin's dopamine suppression.
Taoist/Tantric practices teach separating orgasm from ejaculation. By avoiding emission, prolactin spike is minimized, allowing multiple peaks similar to female response.
Blood flow increases to the pelvis. The clitoral crura (legs) and bulbs engorge, doubling in size internally. The vaginal walls produce lubrication via "transudation" (sweating plasma).
Crucial biological shift. The upper 2/3 of the vagina expands and the cervix elevates (pulls up) to create a seminal pool. This alignment is critical for fertility and prevents collision pain during deep penetration.
Not just a feeling, but a muscular event. The pelvic floor muscles (pubococcygeus) contract rhythmically at 0.8-second intervals (approx 5–15 contractions). High oxytocin dump occurs here.
Unlike males, females typically do not experience a prolactin-induced refractory period. Multiple orgasms are physiologically possible with continued stimulation.
Desire is modulated by the menstrual phase. The "standard" 28-day model:
| Phase | Days | Dominant Hormone | Sexual Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follicular | 6–13 | Estrogen ↑ | Rising energy, increased lubrication, seeking novelty. |
| Ovulation | 14–16 | Testosterone (Peak) | Max Libido. Biological drive to mate. Pheromone sensitivity peaks. |
| Luteal | 17–28 | Progesterone ↑ | Sedation, focus on safety/comfort. Libido may drop or shift to "nurturing" touch. |
The Inhibition Factor: Research (Bancroft & Janssen) shows female arousal is more sensitive to inhibition (stress/cortisol) than male arousal. A woman in the "Ovulation" phase may still experience low libido if cortisol levels are high ("The Brakes").
Figure: Libido potential (Estrogen/Testosterone) vs. Inhibition threshold (Progesterone) across the 28-day menstrual cycle.
Proposed by the Bancroft & Janssen Institute. Female sexual response depends on the balance between the Sexual Excitation System (SES) and the Sexual Inhibition System (SIS).
Visual cues, fantasy, emotional connection, skin hunger, cycle phase (Ovulation).
Stress (Cortisol), body image anxiety, relationship conflict, trust issues, environmental noise.
External stimulation. Sharp, localized, high intensity. Sympathetic dominant.
Internal anterior wall. Deeper, "bearing down" sensation. Vagus nerve involvement.
Deep stimulation. Often emotional, whole-body ripples. Linked to altered states.
"Transmutation" is the process of conserving the high-voltage energy of arousal (Jing) and circulating it through the nervous system to fuel creativity and cognitive function (Shen), rather than expelling it.
The Fuel. Physical matter (hormones, fluids).
Requirement: Building charge without immediate release. Avoiding "leakage" through compulsive ejaculation or excessive mental fantasy.
The Heat. Transforming matter into energy.
Requirement: Arousal creates heat. Using breath (Pranayama) and muscular locks (Bandhas) to pump this heat up the spinal channel (Sushumna).
The Light. Pure cognitive potential.
Requirement: Once the energy reaches the brain (Upper Dantian), it must be used. Immediate engagement in creative work, deep meditation, or problem solving.
To reduce "sexual heat" and urge to ejaculate.
Aligning intimacy with hormonal shifts.
Post-intimacy nervous system care.