Sex Quiz: Love & Relationships Facts

Which chemical is known simply as the "hormone of love?"

Oxytocin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland that has been well studied for its role during childbirth. It makes the cervix and uterus ready for delivery and promotes bonding between couples during sex. Oxytocin is released during orgasm and is believed to strengthen social relationships and maternal instinct.

Pitocin Testosterone Oxytocin Estrogen

Which promotes better sleep?

Sleep after sex is common and likely due to the release of hormones associated with orgasm. Besides oxytocin, the brain releases norepinephrine, vasopressin, serotonin, and prolactin. Prolactin may induce sleep after intercourse. Also, sex often happens at night and in bed, making falling asleep more likely.

Being in love Having sex

Love involves three basic brain circuits, EXCEPT:

The brain is wired to look for love. Specific areas light up on MRI when shown photos of loved ones, even after being together for more than 20 years. The circuits of love begin with mating and sex drive, followed by romance, and attachment. The intense highs of addiction may be muted during the attachment phase.

Sex drive, which motivates us to seek out partners Romantic love, the in-the-clouds feeling Attachment phase, the comfortable-but-fewer-fireworks stage Compulsion, the "you belong to me" phase

True or false: In terms of erectile dysfunction, ginseng is thought to work like Viagra®.

Not all ginseng is created equal and it may be beneficial for erectile dysfunction, but it will not be as effective as prescription medications. Red ginseng has been studied and found to be marginally effective as Viagra®.

True False

In terms of love and mating, the role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is to:

MHC genes play an important role in attracting mates by helping the body recognize body odors and smells that are different from its own. They are part of the immune system and we are programmed to be attracted to partners whose scents (and immune systems) are different from ours. In the case of romance, opposites attract.

Stimulate the feeling of "butterflies" from being in love Attract people of opposite body odors Make the brain’s emotion-controlling dopamine None of the above

Sex during pregnancy can harm a growing baby.

There is no reason to change or alter a sex life during pregnancy unless a doctor advises otherwise. Intercourse or orgasm during pregnancy will not harm the baby, unless there is a medical problem. An unborn baby is well protected in the uterus by the amniotic fluid that surrounds him or her.

True False

What is the proper order of the human sexual response cycle?

The progression of the human sexual response is mediated by hormones in the brain. Their control and release depend upon the situation and the relationship between partners at that moment. There is no guarantee that both partners will reach orgasm at the same time or with the same intensity, nor should that necessarily be the goal. Understanding each other’s experience and response will help guide mutual satisfaction, with or without orgasm.

Plateau, resolution, excitement, orgasm Excitement, resolution, plateau, orgasm Plateau, excitement, resolution, orgasm Excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution

Which of the following statements is true about sex:

Having sex seems to be about more than just making babies. Romance, being in love, sexual attraction, and expressing gratitude are the emotional drivers, but people also have sex for physical pleasure. Less positive are those who have sex because of low self-worth and insecurity issues, including the sense of duty and pressure exerted by a partner.

Improvement of social status is a sexual motivation People are motivated by sex to seek revenge People have sex as an expression of gratitude All of the above

What is "limerence?"

"Limerence" describes the emotion of "being in love." It involves an acute longing for emotional reciprocation, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and emotional dependence on another person.

The scientific term for being "in love" The phase between being in love and falling out of love A function of the brain from one’s first love The way the brain processes a break-up

True or false: To the brain, being in love is similar to the high produced by cocaine.

Changes in brain chemistry occur when people fall in love, and increased levels of dopamine produce significant brain stimulation and pleasure. These sensations are no different than the feelings induced by other stimulant drugs like amphetamine and cocaine.

True False

Approximately how long do people stay in love?

Being in love is a complex emotion and needs to be nurtured to prolong the "in love" phase of a relationship. Partners who share intense feelings long after the "average" have some common characteristics that may alter neurotransmitter patterns in the brain. These include increased sexual frequency, closeness and union, attachment, and the feeling of safety and security.

3 to 5 months About 12 months 6 to 18 months About 3 to 6 years

Sex reduces pain and boosts immunity from infections and colds.

Sexual arousal and orgasm release hormones that decrease pain sensation and stimulate the immune system, increasing the body’s ability to ward off infection.

True False

Which can cause low libido?

Loss of libido can be a complication of many medications. Common culprits include antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotic pain medications, alcohol, birth control pills, chemotherapy medicines, and over-the-counter cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine.

Antidepressants Low fiber diets Acid reflux All of the above

What can women do to enhance their genitals?

The muscles that support the vagina are like other muscles in the body. If they are stretched, like in childbirth, they can become weakened and loose. Kegel exercises and the use of weighted vaginal cones may be helpful in returning muscle strength and tone. Gynecologists can perform surgery to support the vagina walls for urinary incontinence and prolapse. Similar surgeries can tighten and strengthen the vaginal opening.

Kegel exercises Vaginal weight training and resculpting surgery Physical therapy A & B

What are Bartholin glands?

Bartholin glands are located in the tissues surrounding the vagina. They secrete mucous to help lubricate the opening of the vagina when a woman is sexually aroused. While the droplets aren’t enough to lubricate the whole vagina, they make the opening more comfortable during initial penetration.

One of the reproductive glands in men One of the reproductive glands in women Lubricating glands in male sex organs Lubricating glands in female sex organs

Which of the following is NOT a sexually-transmitted disease?

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women. It is not considered an STD and is thought to occur because of an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. The diagnosis is made by examining vaginal secretions obtained during a pelvic exam. The presence of "clue" cells confirms the diagnosis. Treatment usually consists of metronidazole or clindamycin.

Ectoparasitic infections Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) Bacterial vaginosis Chancroid

For women, one of the most common causes of arousal dysfunction is day-to-day discord with their partners.

Sexual arousal requires not only physical but emotional stimulation. The lack of "closeness" that may occur because of disagreements with a partner can decrease sexual desire.

True False

The most common form of sexual dysfunction in younger men is:

Premature ejaculation occurs when a male experiences orgasm early in the sexual encounter, even with little stimulation to the penis. About 20% to 30% of males may have premature ejaculation, causing significant emotional distress. While most men surveyed would like to prolong their time to ejaculation, the average length of time to maintain an erection before ejaculation is approximately 5 to 8 minutes.

Erectile dysfunction Anorgasmia (failure to achieve orgasm) Premature ejaculation Sexual addiction

From the famous term "G-spot," "G" is short for:

The ability of a woman to achieve orgasm requires more than stimulating one area of the vagina. The "G-spot," suggested by Dr. Ernst Gräfenberg, is an area on the front wall of the vagina beneath the pelvic bone, responsible for achieving orgasm. It is anatomically separate from the clitoris.

Gräfenberg Girly Good Gasthäuser

Images provided by:

1. BigStock

2.1 BigStock

2.2 BigStock

3 iStockPhoto

4. iStockPhoto

5. iStockPhoto

6. iStockPhoto

7. iStockPhoto

8. iStockPhoto

9. BigStock

10. iStockPhoto

11. iStockPhoto

12. iStockPhoto

13. iStockPhoto

14. iStockPhoto

15. BigStock

16. iStockPhoto

17. iStockPhoto

18. iStockPhoto

19. iStockPhoto

Dr. Brunilda Nazario, ed. Slideshow: Sex-Drive Killers

Viagra® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

&copy 1996-2024 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved.