Panic Passion: Fear Feeds the Urge to Merge

Some demographers and mental health experts are expecting a hike in the birth rate in nine or 10 months after the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Doctors say "terror sex" or "end-of-the-world sex" is a completely natural response to the trauma. "There are increased testosterone levels [in men] when people are aroused to anger," said Dr. Mary McLaughlin, president of Emotional Education Services, which teaches coping skills. "In both men and women, there is increased hormonal activity." While sex in a time of crisis offers people a way to feel safe, loved and connected, she said, partners should be careful not to do anything they will regret in the morning. "There will be people simply taking comfort in sex with acquaintances or maybe even strangers. But with more random sex, there's increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and/or undesired pregnancies," McLaughlin said.

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