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Speculations on the links between feelings, emotions and sexual behaviour: Are vasopressin and oxytocin involved?

This paper addresses the links between subjective experiences and physiological responses during sexual activity, by exploring the neurobiology of the feelings and emotions that are associated with peripheral bodily changes. Although women and men differ in the brain structures and chemical pathways that govern sexuality, human sexual behaviour is part of interpersonal relationships and is cognitively mediated. Nevertheless comparisons can be made with other mammals whose subcortical systems are similar. Research into the neurophysiology of attachment, love and sexual bonding in rodents is reviewed, indicating that the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin, which are secreted from the pituitary gland, have a vital role in partner preference and copulation. Laboratory investigations into hormonal release during human sexual activity show that oxytocin is necessary for subjective pleasure during arousal and orgasm in both sexes, while vasopressin is released only during male arousal. Vasopressin is suggested to have the opposite effect on female sexuality, and to impair women's interest in sexual contact. As oxytocin and vasopressin are regulated by oestrogen and testosterone respectively, and are sensitive to developmental hormonal experiences, they could provide a link between biology and culture. It is also postulated that neuropeptide secretion in the human brain could account for some of the observed gender differences, such as the impact of puberty; aggressive and protective feelings; and consistency of sexual interest in committed relationships. Psychological approaches for relationships where negative emotional states inhibit responding, are considered more appropriate than pharmacological interventions at this stage, in view of the uniquely human need to regulate relationships and sex through awareness of mood states and feelings.