The science of arousal: Why do we get hot when we’re turned on?
Think about the last time you were sexually aroused – what was your body's reaction? Your mind was probably hyper-excited and you might had trouble thinking straight. And you suddenly felt very hot, right?
Well, there’s a reason that "hot and bothered" is used to describe when you’re turned on — our bodies do tend to heat up when we are sexually excited — and if you're curious about why, keep reading.
The science of arousal and body temperature
What happens to our bodies when we are aroused?
First things first: Arousal, our body’s natural reaction to sex, is what prepares us for the heat of the moment.
What happens when we're aroused, though? To find out, let’s look at the four stages of the human sexual response cycle. First published by sex researchers Masters and Johnson back in the 1960s, the stages consist of:
Excitement: in this stage, the heart rate and the breathing increase, the blood flows into erogenous zones which causes them to harden and swell, and vaginal lubrication starts.
Plateau: in this stage, all the previous response continues to increase and stabilize. For people with vulvas, the clitoris might become more sensitive, and people with penises might release precum.
Orgasm: this stage is the peak of the sexual stimuli when all the pent-up sexual tension is released during a climax. People might experience involuntary muscle contractions, and people with penises might experience ejaculation.
Resolution: during this stage, the body returns to the baseline functioning. The heart rate slows down, the body temperature drops and the muscles relax.
However, this isn’t the only model of arousal. Another, known as the Basson model — founded by Dr. Rosemary Basson — suggests that women often make a conscious decision to become aroused, which can then lead to sexual desire. It also suggests that women are often sexually neutral, but can become aroused in the right context, with the right cues, and if they are willing.
With either model, though, comes big physiological changes to our bodies as we become aroused — making our temperature increase — which can lead to hot flashes, red patches on your skin and a flushed look.
One small study found that half to three-quarters of women and a quarter of men reported experiencing the sex flush and having red patches develop around the abdomen, chest, breasts (for women), and neck, spreading up to their face.
The role of increased blood flow
We know that the temperature of our bodies rises when we’re getting it on, but still, researchers are not 100 percent sure why it happens. But it could have something to do with blood flow, to the genital region, as well as everywhere in our bodies.
While everyone experiences pleasure slightly differently, it is normal for people with vulvas to report feeling their genitals warm up and for folks with penises to become even more erect. When the blood flow increases in our genitals, they become more sensitive to stimulation.
How hormones affect the temperature
Another thing at play? Our hormones. Oestrogen, one of the main female sex hormones, controls the part of the brain that is responsible for regulating body temperature. Testosterone, a primary sex hormone in males, and one of the sex hormones in females also plays a part in body temperature regulation.
When we orgasm, our brain also releases a cocktail of feel-good hormones, and one of them, oxytocin, otherwise known as the "love hormone" can have an impact on our emotional and physical warmth. Research shows that oxytocin helps regulate our emotional and physical warmth, and of course, even increases body temperature.
Everyone is different
It's important to note that all of our bodies are different, and that includes our body temperature. Some people might find it easier to heat up, while others take longer. Some might sweat faster and more, while others are the opposite.
If you’re a person going through menopause or a hormonal imbalance, you might have a different experience when it comes to body temperature changes then you did in other parts of your life. Either way, everyone is different, and that’s okay!
How to improve physical arousal
Struggling with getting very aroused? We’ve got you. Here are our top tried-and-true tips and tricks to get you hot and bothered (and much more sensitive.)
Try out more foreplay
More foreplay never hurt anyone. In fact, during intimacy, foreplay alone or with your partner(s) can be what takes your experience to the next level. This can look like:
If you’re playing solo, dedicate some time to seduce yourself. That might involve taking a relaxing shower or bath beforehand, putting on some sexy background music, admiring your body and intimate areas in the mirror, and teasing yourself like you would allow your partner to tease you.
Taking things slow. Make it into a slow and sensual process of exploration, instead of a quick race to an orgasm, which doesn’t have to be the goal of sex if it doesn’t feel right.
Focus on creating a sensual experience, with your partner(s), where you focus on the sensations of their hands, lips, and body against yours. Don't rush and try to fully relax and enjoy the moment.
2. Try an arousal enhancer
Another way to enhance your arousal? Try out an arousal serum or oil.
Arousal enhancers are designed to increase the amount of bodily fluids that your body produces. This can be especially beneficial for women who have experienced menopause, hysterectomies, hormone imbalances and more.
Of course, we recommend adding Bloomi's Luxe Arousal serum to your cart. It is the perfect choice if you want a way to get the blood pumping during a solo self-pleasure experience, or during partnered sex. It is compatible with latex and silicone materials, like toys, or condoms.
When you are ready to use it, just apply a few pumps of the serum onto your intimate skin, rub it in, and wait a few minutes for it to start working its magic.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an oil, we can’t recommend our Desire Sensual Pleasure Oil enough. Crafted with botanical aphrodisiacs such as Damiana and nutmeg, this luxurious feeling oil can heighten sensations, enhance blood circulation, and of course, make your temperatures rise.
Ready to give it a try for yourself?
