How Good Sex (vs. Bad Sex) Shapes your Brain episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 8, 2025 · 27 MIN

How Good Sex (vs. Bad Sex) Shapes your Brain

from Rena Malik, MD Podcast · host Rena Malik, MD

Dr. Rena Malik, urologist and pelvic surgeon, explores the real neuroscience behind sexual pleasure—discussing the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. This episode separates myth from fact on how these brain chemicals shape sexual desire, orgasm, bonding, and attraction. Featuring insights from renowned neuroscientists Dr. Jim Pfaus and Dr. Nicole Prause, the discussion covers how early sexual experiences imprint on the brain, why dopamine actually decreases during orgasm, the crucial effects of cuddling after sex on relationships, and how pornography and masturbation impact brain function. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 01:26 Shaping Sexual Preferences 04:38 Brain Adaptability 05:29 Motivation and Dopamine 06:09 Effects of Masturbation 07:56 Brain Chemicals in Sex 010:16 Arousal and Orgasm 14:23 Learning Orgasm 16:23 Cuddling and Bonding 20:16 Pornography and Brain 23:44 Shame and Abstinence Check out Dr. Prause on social media for daily insights and updates. Don’t miss out—follow her now and check out these links!X - https://x.com/NicoleRPrauseFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/LiberosCenterLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nprause/ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicole-Prausehttps://bsky.app/profile/nicolerprause.bsky.socialwww.liberoscenter.com Check out Dr. Jim Pfaus https://cz.linkedin.com/in/jim-pfaus-0039b735https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Pfaus Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Rena Malik, urologist and pelvic surgeon, explores the real neuroscience behind sexual pleasure—discussing the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. This episode separates myth from fact on how these brain chemicals shape sexual desire, orgasm, bonding, and attraction. Featuring insights from renowned neuroscientists Dr. Jim Pfaus and Dr. Nicole Prause, the discussion covers how early sexual experiences imprint on the brain, why dopamine actually decreases during orgasm, the crucial effects of cuddling after sex on relationships, and how pornography and masturbation impact brain function. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 01:26 Shaping Sexual Preferences 04:38 Brain Adaptability 05:29 Motivation and Dopamine 06:09 Effects of Masturbation 07:56 Brain Chemicals in Sex 010:16 Arousal and Orgasm 14:23 Learning Orgasm 16:23 Cuddling and Bonding 20:16 Pornography and Brain 23:44 Shame and Abstinence Check out Dr. Prause on social media for daily insights and updates. Don’t miss out—follow her now and check out these links!X - https://x.com/NicoleRPrauseFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/LiberosCenterLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nprause/ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicole-Prausehttps://bsky.app/profile/nicolerprause.bsky.socialwww.liberoscenter.com Check out Dr. Jim Pfaus https://cz.linkedin.com/in/jim-pfaus-0039b735https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Pfaus Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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How Good Sex (vs. Bad Sex) Shapes your Brain

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This episode is 27 minutes long.

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This episode was published on August 8, 2025.

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Dr. Rena Malik, urologist and pelvic surgeon, explores the real neuroscience behind sexual pleasure—discussing the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. This episode separates myth from fact on how these brain chemicals shape sexual desire,...

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