Dear Dr. Yvonne,
Does a woman run the risk of falling in love with me when we’re just having casual sex?
-Marty

Dear Marty,
While not a general rule, research shows that sex does promote bonding. Although people don’t plan on or want to fall in love from casual sex, they may since such intimacy triggers hormones that have a romantic effect. Dopamine spikes with orgasm, changing the threshold of your ability to falling in love. Orgasm also floods your brain with oxytocin and vasopressin, chemicals associated with attachment. Furthermore, if a man is depositing his seminal fluid in a female partner, he’s giving her a dose of the chemicals needed for sex drive, attachment and romantic love. This increases her chance of falling head over heels.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

For some people, the one-night stand — the “it just happened” moment – is the most enviable of sexual romps.But it’s also one of the most mine-ridden of carnal pursuits. Whether hot and exciting or empty and meaningless, casual sex isn’t for everyone.

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