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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How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?

May 29, 2026

If you’ve recently learned you are pregnant unexpectedly, we understand how overwhelming this might feel right now. If you're considering abortion as an option, taking time to understand how the process works is important so you can make an informed decision. Collage is here to help provide you with confidential support and abortion information at no cost. We offer a safe space, free of judgment, where you can think calmly about your options, receive lab-quality pregnancy testing, and get a complimentary ultrasound so you can get the facts around your pregnancy and learn what options are available to you. Schedule your free appointment today. Medical Abortion Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, ends a pregnancy by using two drugs taken at different times. The first pill, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone and causes the embryo’s death. The second drug, called misoprostol, is usually taken a day or two after and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy tissue through cramping and bleeding. Common side effects can include bleeding and cramping, bleeding with blood clots, and a low-grade fever. Medical abortion is only approved through ten weeks of gestation by the FDA . Follow-up care is typically recommended after a medical abortion to make sure the process is complete. Surgical Abortion Surgical abortion terminates a pregnancy in a clinic or medical setting and involves removing pregnancy tissue from the uterus through a suction device or a tool called a curette. This can also be called dilation and evacuation or dilation and curettage . Common side effects of surgical abortions are bleeding and cramps. You may also have a late or early period as your uterus has to build a new lining after the procedure. What Are The Risks Of Abortion? Medical and surgical abortion both have possible risks that you should be aware of. Some women may also experience emotional responses afterward. Complications that can arise from abortion are: Infection. Scar tissue on the uterine wall, known as Asherman's syndrome . Heavy bleeding that may not stop. Diarrhea and digestive pain. An incomplete abortion. Confirm Your Pregnancy With An Ultrasound Before making a pregnancy decision, it is important to verify your pregnancy with an ultrasound. An ultrasound provides important medical details such as how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and whether a heartbeat is detected. These details are important since the abortion pill is not FDA-approved for over ten weeks, and it also rules out ectopic pregnancy, which requires urgent medical attention. As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and you can still get a positive pregnancy test result for days or weeks after a miscarriage because it takes time for hCG to leave the body. An ultrasound will confirm whether or not you have miscarried. We provide no-cost pregnancy services at our center, including limited OB ultrasounds, so you can get informed about your pregnancy and options. Get Pregnancy Support at College If you're considering your next step after learning you are unexpectedly pregnant, we are here to give you a safe place to ask questions and learn more about your options. Collage provides confidential appointments and no-cost pregnancy services, including medical-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD testing . You don’t have to figure this out alone. We are here to listen. Schedule your free confidential appointment to learn more about your options. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

April 21, 2026

Facing an unexpected pregnancy brings up a lot of questions, and it makes complete sense that you want to understand every option before deciding anything. If you're considering the abortion pill, knowing what it actually involves, including its side effects, is an important part of making a decision based on the facts. You don't have to sort through this alone. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered. How the Abortion Pill Works The abortion pill uses two drugs taken in sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the growth and development of the pregnancy. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining. The second drug, misoprostol, is typically taken at home and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. Heavy bleeding and cramping will be part of this process, and some women have described the pain as more severe than they anticipated. Side Effects to Know Beyond bleeding and cramping, the abortion pill can also cause these side effects : Upset stomach Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Fever Chills These side effects vary from woman to woman, which is one reason having a healthcare provider involved matters. Without medical oversight, it can be difficult to know what's within the range of normal and what requires immediate attention. Your personal health history also plays a role in how your body responds. Speaking with a medical professional before proceeding is an important step in protecting your well-being. Why an Ultrasound Matters First Before considering any pregnancy option, an ultrasound provides information that a pregnancy test simply cannot. It can confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing, rule out an ectopic pregnancy , and tell you how far along you are. The FDA approves the abortion pill only through 10 weeks gestation, making that last detail a critical piece of information for your safety. We're Here for You Whatever you're feeling right now, there’s no pressure here. At Collage, we genuinely care about you and want to make sure you have everything you need to make a sound decision. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds, and our team is ready to talk through all your options, parenting, adoption, and abortion, in a warm, supportive environment. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We're so glad you reached out. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

3 Things to Know if You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion

March 26, 2026

Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions, and often, a sense of urgency to make a decision quickly. You may have seen options online to order abortion pills by mail and wondered if it’s a simple solution. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how this option could affect your health and what steps you can take to make a fully informed decision. 1. Your Health Should Always Come First Mail-order abortion often skips important medical safeguards. In many cases, there is no in-person evaluation before receiving the drugs. That means key health factors, such as your medical history and potential risks, will not be fully considered. There can also be uncertainty about the source of the drugs, including how they were handled, stored, or dosed. In fact, the FDA does not recommend this option because the drugs’ quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Taking time to understand your health first is a smart and proactive way to protect yourself. 2. You Need Clear Answers About Your Pregnancy A pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Before considering abortion, it’s important to confirm details about your pregnancy through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can tell you: How far along are you? Whether the pregnancy is developing (or if you’ve miscarried ) Where the pregnancy is located These details matter more than you might think. Abortion pills are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation, and without accurate dating, it’s possible to miscalculate how far along you are. An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy , which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. Abortion pills will not treat this condition. What’s more, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may require medical follow-up to prevent complications. Getting these details first helps ensure your safety. We offer limited OB ultrasounds following positive lab-quality pregnancy testing with us. 3. It’s Important to Understand the Process and Risks Mail-order abortion may sound straightforward, but it’s important to know what it may actually involve. The process includes significant cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy, with some women describing the pain as being unexpectedly severe . Other side effects can include: Nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Diarrhea Headaches There are also potential risks , such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care. Without in-person support, it can be difficult to know what’s expected and when something may need medical attention. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to take a moment to evaluate your next steps and get the information you need. At Collage, we provide no-cost, confidential services so you can ask questions, gather accurate information, and explore your options at your own pace in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment today. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.