Sexuality is a deeply personal and multidimensional part of being human — shaped not just by biology, but by energy, emotion, and individual experience. While science offers important insights into the physiological processes behind sex, it often falls short of capturing the full picture, especially when it comes to how sex connects to our inner and spiritual lives.
Biological Foundations
Physiologically, orgasm involves a release of neurochemicals such as oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, and endorphins, which contribute to pleasure, relaxation, and a sense of bonding (Carmichael et al., 1994; Krüger et al., 2003). The post-orgasmic fatigue commonly reported by both men and women is often attributed to hormonal shifts and physical exertion.
The Role of Emotion and Hormones
Women’s experiences may also be shaped by hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, emotional intimacy during the act, and the ability to experience multiple orgasms. Some report feeling energized; others, depleted. Postcoital dysphoria — where negative emotions occur after sex — affects both men and women but has been documented more often in women (Bird et al., 2019).
Energetic Perspectives
Yet many people describe an experience that transcends biology — an energetic shift or sense of depletion that hints at subtler forces at play.
In Taoist thought, for instance, seminal fluid is considered to carry jing, a life essence. Its loss through ejaculation is believed to weaken one’s vitality, prompting practices like semen retention for the purpose of conserving spiritual energy (Reid, 1989).
While women don’t produce semen, they do release various fluids during arousal and orgasm — including vaginal transudate and fluid from the Skene’s glands (Zaviacic & Ablin, 2000). Though less studied, some traditions and anecdotal reports suggest women may also experience shifts in energy post-orgasm, though responses vary widely.
In the context of Tantra, sexual energy is seen as an essential force, part of the prana, or life energy, that flows through the body. Tantric practices often focus on harnessing this energy to transcend ordinary states of consciousness and achieve spiritual union. The sexual act itself becomes a means of awakening and circulating prana, aligning the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of being.
Advanced Spiritual Dimensions: Karma and Intercession
For those on a dedicated spiritual path, sex isn’t just physical — it can have implications for spiritual work and even altruism.
In Hindu thought, advanced practitioners may encounter karma transfer, whereby their spiritual practices (including chastity or mindful sexuality) help offset karmic burdens in others (Tejasananda, 1990; Vivekananda, 1947). Similarly, in Christianity, the concept of intercession holds that spiritual effort — such as prayer, fasting, or bodily discipline — can support others spiritually (Kowalska, 1990; Romans 8:26–27; Colossians 1:24).
In both frameworks, the idea is that our inner lives are not isolated: spiritual energy can move between people, sometimes influenced by sexual conduct.
What Science Misses
Mainstream science focuses largely on measurable outcomes, often sidestepping energy or spirituality. This can lead a feeling of being unheard when talking to a doctor, alienating some sensitives from the medical outlook. But for many, these subtle experiences are just as real as physical sex, more enduring and definitely worth exploring.
References
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Bird, B. M., Matebese, T., & Prause, N. (2019). “Postcoital Dysphoria in Men: Prevalence and Correlates.” Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 45(1), 54–65. Examines the prevalence and correlates of postcoital dysphoria in men.
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Carmichael, M. S., et al. (1994). “Plasma oxytocin increases in the human sexual response.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 64(1), 27–31. Investigates the role of oxytocin in human sexual response.
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Doniger O'Flaherty, W. (1976). The Origins of Evil in Hindu Mythology. University of California Press. Explores the concept of karma transfer and its implications in Hindu mythology.
Doniger O’Flaherty, W. (1973). Siva: The Erotic Ascetic, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Illustrates the complexities of karma transfer and Hindu cosmology.
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Eliade, M. (1982). Yoga: Immortality and Freedom. Princeton University Press. Delves into the spiritual aspects of yoga.
Kowalska, Saint Maria Faustina Helena (1990). Divine Mercy in My Soul, 2nd edition, Stockbridge Mass.: Marian Press. A classic spiritual autobiography from one of Catholicism's greatest saints that mentions intercession, bad vibes and the "gift" of celibacy.
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Krüger, T. H., et al. (2003). “Effects of sexual activity on circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol, and luteinizing hormone in men.” Neuroendocrinology Letters, 24(1-2), 173–176. Explores how sexual activity influences hormone levels in men.
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Reid, D. (1989). The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity. Simon & Schuster. Provides insights into Taoist practices related to health, sex, and longevity.
Tejasananda. Swami (1990), A Short Life of Sri Ramakrishna, Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama [Publication Department]. Tells about karma transferring from disciples to their guru.
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Vivekananda, S. (1947). Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Vol. 2. Swami Vivekananda's writings on various spiritual topics.
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Zaviacic, M., & Ablin, R. J. (2000). “The female prostate and prostate-specific antigen.” Immuno-Analytical and Clinical Investigations, 3(1), 31–38. Offers a clinical foundation for rethinking female sexual anatomy.
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