Casual Sex – What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Tina Turner sang about it. And it’s a catchy tune. “It’s physical. Only logical. You must try to ignore that it means more than that. What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love but a second-hand emotion?”

Casual sex – it’s pretty common on TV and in the movies. And in real life, some people who want sex but who aren’t ready for a relationship think it’s the solution to their problems – no big deal. And with hookup or dating apps so popular and ready at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to have casual sex, no-strings-attached.

But is it no big deal? Is casual sex good for you? Is casual sex even possible?

First, sex – by its very definition – is anything but casual. Being naked and vulnerable is one of the most intimate things two people can do. There’s nothing casual about that kind of intimacy. So maybe casual sex isn’t the best name for it.

No-strings-attached sex isn’t as simple as we may think. From the moment we become sexually aroused – when we first begin to feel sexually excited – our bodies experience biological changes. And the biological changes in men and women are different. For women, one of the first biological responses is that the emotional center of the brain is activated. So even though we want to have sex with no emotional ties, our brains don’t cooperate with that.

When we’re having sex, both men’s and women’s bodies release dopamine. What’s dopamine? Well, that could be a long, complicated answer, but to put it in the most simple way – dopamine is like pleasure or a “high” flooding your brain. Adrenalin is also released during sex. Our immune systems get a boost during sex, too. So a lot of feel-good things happen to our bodies when we’re having sex.

During orgasm, our bodies release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel peaceful, happy, and hopeful. We also experience a flood of oxytocin. Oxytocin is sometimes called the love hormone. This hormone is linked to empathy, trust, relationship-building, and connection. Trust. Relationship building. Connection. Exactly the things we’re trying to avoid if we are looking for casual, no-strings-attached sex.

Our bodies are wired in a way that automatically triggers certain emotional responses when we have sex. The way our bodies are wired – the hormones, the chemicals – makes casual sex very unlikely, if not impossible.

So what are the risks of casual sex?

Obviously, the physical risk is becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or getting pregnant. The only way to 100% prevent pregnancy is to not have sex. And the only 100% way to prevent an STD is to only have any kind of sexual activity – oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, or even skin-to-skin contact in the genital area – in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who doesn’t have an STD. That means you both are absolutely sure you don’t have STDs and you only ever have sex with each other.

The other risks of casual sex are the emotional risks. If your body is designed to release chemicals and hormones that make you feel connected to the person you’re having sex with, but you’ve decided you don’t want to be in a relationship with each other, then you’re going to have some conflict. Your mind has decided one thing, but your emotions are triggered by chemicals to want or to feel something else.

So back to Tina Turner’s song – she sang, “You must understand, though the touch of your hand makes my pulse react, that it’s only the thrill of boy meeting girl . . . I’ve been taking on a new direction, but I have to say I’ve been thinking about my own protection. It scares me to feel this way. What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love got to do, got to do with it?” Even Tina Turner seemed to understand that, though we try to protect our hearts, sex evokes emotions and connection. No matter how much we try not to feel, how much we try to ignore that sex means something more, emotions go hand-in-hand with sex. It’s the way our bodies are made.

If you have other questions or if you want to talk through your feelings or thoughts with someone, call us. Someone on our staff would love to support you as you figure out how you can be physically and emotionally healthy in your relationships or sexual activity.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.