Sexual activity can trigger the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that causes the smooth muscle cells lining the walls of your blood vessels to relax, leading to increased blood flow and dilation of those vessels. This process is known as the "corpus cavernosum" response, whereby a man's penis becomes erect during intercourse. However, this process does not just affect men - women also experience vaginal lubrication and swelling of their clitoral tissues due to the release of nitric oxide. Additionally, nitric oxide plays an important role in female fertility by dilating the fallopian tubes and uterus, allowing sperm to travel more easily towards the egg and increasing the chances of conception. Therefore, nitric oxide is essential for healthy sexual functioning in both males and females.
As mentioned earlier, sexually active people produce high levels of nitric oxide when they engage in various physical activities such as kissing, touching, and foreplay before or during intercourse. The body produces nitric oxide from L-arginine amino acids, which are found naturally in foods like meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, beans, and fish. Additionally, some supplements contain arginine that helps boost the production of nitric oxide. When released into the bloodstream, nitric oxide binds to specific receptors on blood vessel walls, causing them to widen and become less stiff. This allows more blood to flow through, resulting in increased heart rate and blood pressure.
During arousal, the brain releases hormones like adrenaline and dopamine that stimulate the nervous system to increase blood flow to the genitals. As blood vessels dilate, the penis or clitoris becomes erect or enlarged and engorged with blood. Nitric oxide also promotes relaxation of the smooth muscle cells lining the walls of the internal organs and regulates the activity of other chemical messengers involved in sexual arousal. For instance, it can inhibit the release of a hormone called prolactin, which typically prevents men from becoming aroused. It can also suppress the release of another hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which increases stress and anxiety levels.