Coolidge effect: why we always want more sexual partners

A curious effect that could unravel the Biological keys to infidelity.

The Coolidge Effect is a term used in psychology and biology to describe the phenomenon characteristic of the vast majority of mammals in which both females and males experience a high and continuous sexual performance when a new sexual partner appears. That is, the discovery of a potential new mate to mate with creates a tendency to perceive her as more attractive simply because she is a novelty.

In the case of humans, the Coolidge Effect is expressed by a fairly simple pattern: a person may be tired of having sex with his or her partner, but can easily become aroused by another sexual partner. The reason is that a large amount of dopamine decreases with the partner due to habituation, but increases with the new sexual partner.

Knowing the Coolidge Effect, can we save our relationship without being unfaithful? To keep the relationship alive, we can create sexual situations that break the monotony and sexual habituation.

Studies with rats to demonstrate the Coolidge Effect

The Coolidge Effect was initially demonstrated with ratsby placing a male rat in a box with several females with whom he mates until he is satiated and loses interest. When a new female is introduced into the box, she reactivates the male's sexual interest. This occurs because the dopaminergic neuronal circuit in the reinforcement area is activated by the presence of a new sexual partner..

When we have sex with our partner for a long time, habituation causes our circuits to become accustomed to the doses of dopamine, just as it happens with drug consumption. This means that after a while, it is necessary to increase the quantity to have the same effect, it is necessary to increase the quantity to have the same effect.This is because the phenomenon of habituation appears. The new sexual partner provokes a dopamine rush that brings us back to ecstasy.

But the Coolidge Effect has not only been demonstrated in males, which are usually expected to be more sexually impulsive. It has also been demonstrated in females.

The origin of the Coolidge Effect

The origin of the term is curious. The story goes that President Calvin Coolidge (United States, 1923-1929) and Mrs. Coolidge visited a government farm in Kentucky. Once there, they toured the facility separately. When Mrs. Coolidge walked past some hens, she asked her guide how often the roosters performed their task (referring to the sexual act). He replied to Mrs. Coolidge: "Dozens of times a day. She was impressed by his answer, and said, "Please tell the President".

When the president heard about it, he was also stunned by the rooster's performance. He then asked the guide, "But is it always with the same hen?". The guide replied, "Oh, no, Mr. President, a different one each time." The president nodded slowly, gave a smile and said, "Tell that to Mrs. Coolidge, please!".

The Coolidge Effect on the couple

Many experts have been interested in the importance of the Coolidge Effect on infidelity. According to the research data, the Coolidge Effect explains the habituation experienced by couples who have been together for a long time.. Over time, they may seek a sexual high with another person.

In addition, new sexual partners would have a positive effect on sexual behavior, as, for example, men would be more vigorous and aroused with new partners than with their partners. In fact, other research has found that having sex with someone new increases semen production..

Coolidge effect and infidelity

So, do we prefer quality or quantity in sexual relations? It seems that most mammals prefer quantityWe would be biologically programmed to procreate as much as possible and, in this way, contribute positively to the expansion of the species.

The debate as to whether humans are polygamous or monogamous is typical, and those who practice infidelity frequently may cling to the Coolidge Effect to justify repeated betrayals of their partner. For them, perhaps human beings are evolutionarily designed to be closer to polygamy than to monogamy.

Beware: living as a couple is also about respect

Unfortunately, these comments do not take into account the phenomenon from a holistic point of view.Unlike other species, humans do not always resort to sex as a reproductive method. Humans are rational beings, and values such as loyalty, fidelity or respect are important for many individuals.

• If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to read our article: "Monogamy and infidelity: are we made to live as a couple?

In this article we are not going to discuss whether or not human beings are monogamous or polygamous, but it is important to highlight that education has a lot to do with the acquisition of values and the emotions they provoke in people.. For example, if we think that infidelity is wrong, we will feel bad when it happens and it will be difficult to tolerate it. On the other hand, with an open mind it is easier to overcome infidelity.

Rekindle the passion in your relationship

It turns out that many individuals who go to couples therapy complain about the decrease in the frequency and variety of sexual intercourse in the couple, and it is necessary not to overlook the importance of sex in maintaining a healthy relationship.

In couples who have been together for many years and who have been practicing sex for a long time, a process of habituation-satiation may occur and it is very likely that the sense of sexual gratification will diminish over time as the novelty factor ceases to have an effect on both partners.The novelty factor ceases to have an effect on both partners. In addition, very rigid sexual routines or patterns, for example, always having sex in the same way and in the same place, do not help to overcome this problem, but rather increase it.

Some keys to increase sexual desire in couples

To solve it, it is necessary to be aware that humans are creative beings and we can overcome the monotony of the couple's relationship. When carrying out the sexual act with our partner we can make use of our imagination and we can leave behind the taboos that are the result of a repressive education, an education that, in many cases, does a lot of damage to the couple's relationship.

• We recommend you: "How can we improve our sexual desire".

Now then, knowing the Coolidge Effect, it is possible to rekindle the flame of passion in a couple's relationship. relationship, But to do so, it is necessary to move away from monotonous sexual patterns and practice crazy sexual fantasies and games that make us feel as excited as the first time.