What do you think?
Rate this book
Sex in the Brain: How Seizures, Strokes, Dementia, Tumors, and Trauma Can Change Your Sex Life
What controls our sex lives? Our brains. Yet there is surprisingly little research into how our brains influence one of the most fundamental of all human behaviors. And there is even less understanding of what can happen to the sexuality of a person who suffers a brain injury or illness such as a stroke, Parkinson's disease, or dementia.
In Sex in the Brain, clinical neuropsychologist Amee Baird explores fascinating case studies of dramatic changes in sexual behavior and explains what these exceptional stories have to say about human sexuality. She illuminates the extraordinary insights into how the brain works that injury or disease can divulge. Each chapter includes striking personal accounts, many from individuals Baird has met in her clinical practice, of unexpected shifts in sexuality. Until now these fascinating, frightening, and funny stories have been hidden in medical journals or untold outside of the clinical setting. This revealing and sometimes heartbreaking book unfolds a better understanding of the links between brain function and our sexual selves.
In Sex in the Brain, clinical neuropsychologist Amee Baird explores fascinating case studies of dramatic changes in sexual behavior and explains what these exceptional stories have to say about human sexuality. She illuminates the extraordinary insights into how the brain works that injury or disease can divulge. Each chapter includes striking personal accounts, many from individuals Baird has met in her clinical practice, of unexpected shifts in sexuality. Until now these fascinating, frightening, and funny stories have been hidden in medical journals or untold outside of the clinical setting. This revealing and sometimes heartbreaking book unfolds a better understanding of the links between brain function and our sexual selves.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2019
16 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 19, 2020
A 5-star read. Very heavy on the science, very fun though, as sex should be. The end chapter was about the differences in brain between major porn consumers, male, and those who only viewed it an average way (twice a week!) It is a bit of a chicken and egg situation, it isn't clear cut like the brain changes in drug or alcohol addictions. How the author decided to investigate it was quite funny. There was a businessman sitting on the train and she was sitting opposite. Where others looked at their papers or phones, he held his straight in front of his eyes but she could see the reflection in the mirror - early morning hard core porn. It amused her, but not the woman sitting next to her who went ballistic. (The man kept his composure at the tirade but got out at the next station).
The book is absolutely unique and talks about the sex changes brought about by dementia - one woman with whom it was difficult to have a coherent conversation went in for sexting. She had lined up a man to come to her house and rape her daughter! One type of epilepsy has an aura first that affects women, they have an orgasm and then a fit. But it is so pleasurable that even though they co-operate with doctors about trying to control the epilepsy, they hide the orgasmic aura and generally resist surgery if it is considered necessary. Parkinsons, Asperger's and strokes can all affect sexual desire and preference.
The most important idea I got from the book was if there is any neurological or psychological, that is brain, issue you are seeing a medical professional for, you must ask what the sexual implications of the disorder and treatment are. And if treatment whether medical or surgical, if the sexual function is negatively affected, can it be treated. The doctors, psychologists, nurses and surgeons aren't going to tell you if you don't ask.
____________________
Notes on reading Size matters, the bigger the better! In this very scientific book on sexuality and the structures, systems and pathologies in the brain that affect size, it is definitely proven that the bigger it is the better. The amigdala that is. Normally the size of a 5c piece, even one a little bigger, say 6c, increases the libido. The bigger it is the more you want sex, remove it and uh, there you go, a lifetime of 'not tonight darling' ensues. Luckily we have two so even if one is damaged or surgically removed, the sex drive would still be there.
This is a fascinating book. A lot of it is case studies in what went wrong and what the consequences were sexually speaking, (not always bad, but mostly). One huge, possibly impactful issue emerges, neurologists and neurosurgeons do not, often will not, discuss the possible effects of treatment or surgery on a patient's sex life. Should you find yourself in a position where you need any kind of treatment to your brain, then you, as the patient, or the patient's partner must raise the issue and make them discuss it.
One of the more fascinating cases is paedophilia caused by a brain tumour. It could have been a latent sexual preference, but since the thought police don't (yet) exist, doesn't matter what someone thinks, only what they express and do. But it might not have been. A man went to prison for interfering with his teenage daughter - the mother went to the police. During his sentence, he complained of a screaming headache and got diagnosed with a brain tumour that was swiftly removed. He returned to a normal sexuality and eventually went home to live with the family.
Some years later he again began to have fantasies of sex with young girls and children and collected, as the first time, a hoard of related pornography. The brain tumour was regrowing. Another operation, and again, he was cured.
It seems that the amigdalae are the seat of impulse control, sexuality and appetite and of (some) personality traits. Any damage to them will have results. One man who was a real curmudgeon became a loving husband afterwards!
____________________
Wading through Finding Freedom: Saint Meghan and her Royal Puppy Harry and the failed coup of taking over the Royal Family This sex and science book was light relief from that. Even reading "Triganometry as a profitable hobby" would be more enjoyable than that syrupy confection of hypocrisy, lies, conjectures and stratospheric praise. But I shall do it. I will not fail and dnf it. I WILL NOT. I might have to employ the kitchen method. (Keep book next to microwave and kettle, read only when waiting for them to ping.
As an aside Welsh jokey slang for a microwave is popty-ping, isn't that lovely and onomatopoeic? Popty is Welsh for oven and ping is what it does. Of course).
The book is absolutely unique and talks about the sex changes brought about by dementia - one woman with whom it was difficult to have a coherent conversation went in for sexting. She had lined up a man to come to her house and rape her daughter! One type of epilepsy has an aura first that affects women, they have an orgasm and then a fit. But it is so pleasurable that even though they co-operate with doctors about trying to control the epilepsy, they hide the orgasmic aura and generally resist surgery if it is considered necessary. Parkinsons, Asperger's and strokes can all affect sexual desire and preference.
The most important idea I got from the book was if there is any neurological or psychological, that is brain, issue you are seeing a medical professional for, you must ask what the sexual implications of the disorder and treatment are. And if treatment whether medical or surgical, if the sexual function is negatively affected, can it be treated. The doctors, psychologists, nurses and surgeons aren't going to tell you if you don't ask.
____________________
Notes on reading Size matters, the bigger the better! In this very scientific book on sexuality and the structures, systems and pathologies in the brain that affect size, it is definitely proven that the bigger it is the better. The amigdala that is. Normally the size of a 5c piece, even one a little bigger, say 6c, increases the libido. The bigger it is the more you want sex, remove it and uh, there you go, a lifetime of 'not tonight darling' ensues. Luckily we have two so even if one is damaged or surgically removed, the sex drive would still be there.
This is a fascinating book. A lot of it is case studies in what went wrong and what the consequences were sexually speaking, (not always bad, but mostly). One huge, possibly impactful issue emerges, neurologists and neurosurgeons do not, often will not, discuss the possible effects of treatment or surgery on a patient's sex life. Should you find yourself in a position where you need any kind of treatment to your brain, then you, as the patient, or the patient's partner must raise the issue and make them discuss it.
One of the more fascinating cases is paedophilia caused by a brain tumour. It could have been a latent sexual preference, but since the thought police don't (yet) exist, doesn't matter what someone thinks, only what they express and do. But it might not have been. A man went to prison for interfering with his teenage daughter - the mother went to the police. During his sentence, he complained of a screaming headache and got diagnosed with a brain tumour that was swiftly removed. He returned to a normal sexuality and eventually went home to live with the family.
Some years later he again began to have fantasies of sex with young girls and children and collected, as the first time, a hoard of related pornography. The brain tumour was regrowing. Another operation, and again, he was cured.
It seems that the amigdalae are the seat of impulse control, sexuality and appetite and of (some) personality traits. Any damage to them will have results. One man who was a real curmudgeon became a loving husband afterwards!
____________________
Wading through Finding Freedom: Saint Meghan and her Royal Puppy Harry and the failed coup of taking over the Royal Family This sex and science book was light relief from that. Even reading "Triganometry as a profitable hobby" would be more enjoyable than that syrupy confection of hypocrisy, lies, conjectures and stratospheric praise. But I shall do it. I will not fail and dnf it. I WILL NOT. I might have to employ the kitchen method. (Keep book next to microwave and kettle, read only when waiting for them to ping.
As an aside Welsh jokey slang for a microwave is popty-ping, isn't that lovely and onomatopoeic? Popty is Welsh for oven and ping is what it does. Of course).
July 23, 2025
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. For over two years, I relied on Levodopa and several other medications, but unfortunately, the symptoms kept getting worse. The tremors became more noticeable, and my balance and mobility started to decline quickly. Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Honestly, I was skeptical at first but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My movements became smoother, I was steadier on my feet, and, incredibly, the tremors stopped completely. It’s been a life-changing experience. I feel more like myself again better than I’ve felt in years. If you or a loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s, I truly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can visit their website at www.naturepathherbalclinic.com
February 1, 2021
Interesting facts of sexual behaviour changes caused by brain injury and disorders under sexy title.
Dr Amee Baird completed her PhD and Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) at the University of Melbourne and wrote the book in 2019 after several years of completion of her PhD study.
The book helped me understand how sexual orientation or desire can be affected by trauma or disorders also how sex can be dangerous to seduce brain issues to get worse. Interestingly written facts about different neurological disorders and brain injury in relation to sex drive. Not recommendable to people who want to read about human general sexuality.
Dr Amee Baird completed her PhD and Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) at the University of Melbourne and wrote the book in 2019 after several years of completion of her PhD study.
The book helped me understand how sexual orientation or desire can be affected by trauma or disorders also how sex can be dangerous to seduce brain issues to get worse. Interestingly written facts about different neurological disorders and brain injury in relation to sex drive. Not recommendable to people who want to read about human general sexuality.
January 18, 2022
I had to learn how to walk, everything, like I was starting over again, I was determined to get back to as normal as I could. I drew on my faith and the people around me, who were inspired by my determination. support from husband and family for helping me get through recovery. I was cured naturally with the use of World Rehabilitate Clinic Herbal Formula. Stroke recovery will naturally follow from working with the one organ damaged by the stroke and from which all true recovery comes from the brain. In order to recover, stroke survivors have to rewire their brains. The technical term is neuroplasticity. You can purchase the herbs from ( worldrehabilitateclinic.com)
December 10, 2021
3.5
Lots of neuroscience talk, so if you aren't into learning, get overwhelmed by jargon, or were hoping for a dramatic insight into yourself, you probably aren't getting it here.
I however, loved certain chapters. There is so much information here, and so many questions left unanswered that just make me excited to know the next batch of research that will be associated.
Finally, our brains are terrifying.
Lots of neuroscience talk, so if you aren't into learning, get overwhelmed by jargon, or were hoping for a dramatic insight into yourself, you probably aren't getting it here.
I however, loved certain chapters. There is so much information here, and so many questions left unanswered that just make me excited to know the next batch of research that will be associated.
Finally, our brains are terrifying.
March 14, 2023
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found this book fascinating. It’s heavy in the science and case studies but it works well. I enjoyed that it is by an Australian and highly qualified woman. The focus is, in line with the author’s research area, major changes in the brain (TBI, cancer, etc) changing sexual function and desire. I wish there were more general brain sex connection information but this was interesting and easy to read.
I found this book fascinating. It’s heavy in the science and case studies but it works well. I enjoyed that it is by an Australian and highly qualified woman. The focus is, in line with the author’s research area, major changes in the brain (TBI, cancer, etc) changing sexual function and desire. I wish there were more general brain sex connection information but this was interesting and easy to read.
August 10, 2020
Generally, the book dealt with an interesting topic in neuroscience. It is more like an attempt and I couldn't put it in a certain category "is it a narrative of cases? or delving into the neuroscience of sex?". It is like scratching the surface. I was hoping for more in-depth discussion of the accounts of patients.
September 27, 2024
i really enjoyed reading this book because it is academic, yet it explains difficult concepts in a relatively easy way to comprehend. it discusses moral issues on how to treat those that have committed sexual crimes due to tumors and other brain damages. i highly recommend reading it if you’re interested in how sex affects the brain and how brain injuries can affect sex lives
September 12, 2024
phenomenal - so interesting and wonderfully written- re-affirmed my status as a psych nerd
July 2, 2021
In the style of the great Oliver Sacks, Dr Amee Baird presents her most interesting casses of patients experiencing sexual changes after a brain injury. Some of these cases bring complex legal and moral questions that will leave you puzzled. For those interested in the neurology/psychology this book is a fascinating look at how fragile the essence of "you" is in the face of a brain injury. This is Baird's first book and I certainly hope its not the last.
October 2, 2022
A fun, quick, informative read.
I started reading this on a whim sometime last year (2020, I think) and re-borrowed it to continue from where I'd left off. Raises some interesting questions about cognitive decline and the legal consequences thereof if a crime is committed as a result of neurological changes.
I started reading this on a whim sometime last year (2020, I think) and re-borrowed it to continue from where I'd left off. Raises some interesting questions about cognitive decline and the legal consequences thereof if a crime is committed as a result of neurological changes.
February 18, 2020
Absolutely fascinating. Delves into the interesting intersection of sexual behaviour and neuroscience. Asks a lot of questions. Gives some answers. And leaves the door ajar for further research and discussion. Written with compassion and clarity. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews