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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
14:04
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation
Published on: August 26, 2011
Brain areas activated after ejaculation in healthy young human subjects
H N Mallick1, S Tandon, N R Jagannathan
1Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. hmallick@hotmail.com
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|September 20, 2007
Summary
The brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Sexuality
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The neural mechanisms underlying the post-ejaculatory refractory period remain largely unknown.
- Active inhibition of specific brain regions is a potential explanation for this temporary state of reduced sexual arousal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map brain activity in healthy young men during the post-ejaculatory refractory period using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- To investigate the spatio-temporal activation patterns in key brain areas following ejaculation.
Main Methods:
- Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- Brain imaging was conducted for 30 minutes, commencing three minutes after ejaculation induced by masturbation.
Main Results:
- Significant spatio-temporal activation was observed in the amygdala, temporal lobes, and septal areas immediately after ejaculation.
- The septal areas showed activity for a shorter duration compared to the amygdala and temporal lobes.
Conclusions:
- The temporal sequence of neural activation in the amygdala, temporal lobes, and septal areas likely contributes to the temporary inhibition of sexual arousal and penile erection during the human post-ejaculatory refractory period.
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