<p>Surely, orgasms do <strike>release</strike> <em>drain out</em> dopamine but you're forgetting another important factor in dopamine release, which is <strong>novelty</strong>.</p>

<p>Ever heard that couples get bored of sex after an year or two? It's because they find it routine and boring. Cheating (an e.g) gives you the thrill of novelty.</p>

<p>The same activities which we find thrilling / rewarding will not remain that way. It has something to do with the sensitivity of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopamine_receptor" rel="nofollow">dopamine receptors</a>. Take novelty seekers (e.g) they tend to find novel activities thrilling.</p>

<p>The worst scenario occurs, when a person no longer finds any activity interesting. That is nothing but <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhedonia" rel="nofollow">Anhedonia</a>.</p>

<hr>

<p><strong>EDIT:</strong> I'm sorry, but I just realized that staying in love is a bit different from enjoying orgasms after reading <a href="http://www.health-science-spirit.com/sexrelation.html" rel="nofollow">this</a>. A relationship is far more complicated than just producing enough dopamine.</p>

<p>Release of enough <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/331715-cocoa-powder-health-benefits/" rel="nofollow">endorphins</a>, helps you stay happy, if you're happy you're likely to not hate other people around you, if you do not hate them, you're likely to like them by releasing enough oxytocin (physical touch etc.). Apart from that, a sense of responsibility and well being comes into picture when you're serotonin levels are moderate.</p>

<p>Definitely low dopamine levels is a cause, but <em>not the only</em> cause of cheating etc. Any imbalance of neurochemicals causes not only relationships fall, but also other unhealthy / anti social behavior.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-17T16:51:00.103Z
2016-02-21T07:12:52.763Z
2016-02-21T07:12:52.763Z
azam
<p>I am a bit confused by the effects of orgasm in bonding; everything I seem to read seems to be a bit careless with the truth and does not mention why people fall out of love or why people who are in relationships cheat, etc. Could anyone please elaborate?</p>

<neuroscience><sexuality>
If orgasm triggers bonding and feelings of love, why don't people continue to stay in love?
Bob Pagoda
# If orgasm triggers bonding and feelings of love, why don't people continue to stay in love?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-02-17)

I am a bit confused by the effects of orgasm in bonding; everything I seem to read seems to be a bit careless with the truth and does not mention why people fall out of love or why people who are in relationships cheat, etc. Could anyone please elaborate?

**Tags:** neuroscience, sexuality


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-02-17. Score: 3

Surely, orgasms do release *drain out* dopamine but you're forgetting another important factor in dopamine release, which is **novelty**.

Ever heard that couples get bored of sex after an year or two? It's because they find it routine and boring. Cheating (an e.g) gives you the thrill of novelty.

The same activities which we find thrilling / rewarding will not remain that way. It has something to do with the sensitivity of [dopamine receptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopamine_receptor). Take novelty seekers (e.g) they tend to find novel activities thrilling.

The worst scenario occurs, when a person no longer finds any activity interesting. That is nothing but [Anhedonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhedonia).

---

**EDIT:** I'm sorry, but I just realized that staying in love is a bit different from enjoying orgasms after reading [this](http://www.health-science-spirit.com/sexrelation.html). A relationship is far more complicated than just producing enough dopamine.

Release of enough [endorphins](http://www.livestrong.com/article/331715-cocoa-powder-health-benefits/), helps you stay happy, if you're happy you're likely to not hate other people around you, if you do not hate them, you're likely to like them by releasing enough oxytocin (physical touch etc.). Apart from that, a sense of responsibility and well being comes into picture when you're serotonin levels are moderate.

Definitely low dopamine levels is a cause, but *not the only* cause of cheating etc. Any imbalance of neurochemicals causes not only relationships fall, but also other unhealthy / anti social behavior.


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