The complete neuroscience of orgasm — the brain regions, hormones, muscle contractions, and why it feels the way it does. Male and female orgasm compared.
An orgasm is the peak of sexual response — a brief but intense cascade of neurological events that the brain processes as one of the most pleasurable experiences available to the human body. It involves every major system: nervous, hormonal, muscular, and cardiovascular.
MRI studies of the brain during orgasm show activation of the nucleus accumbens (reward centre), hypothalamus (hormone release), amygdala (emotion processing), and notably — the prefrontal cortex largely shuts down. This deactivation of the prefrontal cortex is why orgasm produces a sense of ego dissolution and loss of self-consciousness. It is the only naturally occurring state (besides deep meditation and certain drugs) that produces this effect.
Peaks at orgasm — the pleasure spike. Then drops sharply. This is why the moment after can feel flat.
Released strongly — especially in women. Creates feelings of bonding, love, and trust. Peaks during orgasm and lingers.
Natural opioids. The deep physical pleasure sensation. Same chemical class as morphine, released naturally.
Rises sharply post-orgasm — especially in men. Creates satiation and inhibits further arousal. Directly causes the refractory period.
Released post-orgasm — creates calm, contentment, and drowsiness. Precursor to melatonin.
Surges during arousal and orgasm — increases heart rate, blood pressure, the sense of intensity. Drops post-orgasm.
Umm Sulaym (RA) asked the Prophet ﷺ: "Does a woman need to perform ghusl if she sees fluid (in a dream or during sleep)?" He replied: "Yes, if she sees the fluid." — Bukhari 282, Muslim 313
"In the sexual act of each of you there is sadaqah (charity/reward)." — Sahih Muslim 1006