Coolidge effect: why we always want more sexual partners

The Coolidge effect is a term used in psychology and biology to describe the characteristic phenomenon of the great majority of mammals in which, Both females and males experience a high and continuous sexual performance when a new partner appears or a new partner. sexual. That is, the fact of discovering a potential new partner to mate with creates a tendency to perceive her as more attractive for the mere fact of being a novelty.

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

Knowing the Coolidge Effect, can we save our relationship without having to be unfaithful? In order to keep the couple relationship alive, we can create sexual situations that end the monotony and sexual habituation.

Rat studies to demonstrate the Coolidge Effect

The Coolidge Effect was initially demonstrated with rats, putting a male in a box with several females with whom he mates until he is satiated and loses interest. By introducing a new female into the box, she reactivates the male's sexual interest. This happens because the dopaminergic neural circuit of 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 get used to the doses of dopamine, just as it happens with the consumption of the drug. I mean, after a while, you need to increase the amount to have the same effect, because the phenomenon of habituation appears. The new sexual partner triggers a dopamine rush that drives us back to ecstasy.

But the Coolidge Effect has not only been demonstrated in males, of whom greater sexual impulsivity is usually expected. It has also been shown in females.

The origin of the Coolidge Effect

The origin of the term is curious. History says that the 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 passed some chickens, she asked her guide how often the roosters carried out their chores (referring to the sexual act). He replied to Mrs. Coolidge: "Dozens of times a day." She was impressed by her response, and said, "Please tell the President."

When the president found out, he too was dumbfounded by the rooster's performance. She then she 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 in the infidelity. According to research data, the Coolidge Effect would explain the habituation suffered 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, since, by For example, men would be more vigorous and aroused more by new partners than by their couples In fact, other research has shown that having sex with someone new increases semen production.

Coolidge effect and infidelity

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

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

Beware: living as a couple is also respect

Unfortunately, these comments do not take into account the phenomenon from a holistic perspective, because unlike other species, the human being does not always resort to sex as a reproductive method. Humans are rational beings, and values ​​such as loyalty, fidelity, or respect are important to 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 note 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. Instead, with an open mind it is easier to overcome an infidelity.

Rekindle the passion in your relationship with your partner

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

In the members of couples who have been together for many years and who have been practicing sexual intercourse for a long time, a process of habituation-satiation and the feeling of sexual gratification is very likely to diminish over time, since the novelty factor ceases to have an effect between the two. In addition, with very rigid sexual routines or patterns, for example always having sex in the same way and in the same place, they do not help to overcome this problem, but rather increase it.

Some keys to increase sexual desire in the couple

To solve it, it is necessary to be aware that humans are creative beings and can overcome the monotony of the couple relationship. When carrying out the sexual act with our partner we can make use of the 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 relationship of partner.

• 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 the relationship ofpartner, But for this it is necessary to get away from monotonous sexual patterns and practice sexual madness, fantasies and games that make us feel as excited as the first time.