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If you love making out, science is here to explain the whys and wherefores. Chalk it all up to chemistry.

Researchers at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., found that playing tonsil hockey apparently creates an increase of sexy-time hormones in the brains of men.

Women, unfortunately, need more "atmosphere" to raise the same hormone levels. Mood lighting and romantic music are some things that can help the process along.

Locking lips also reduces the presence of the stress hormone cortisol, which has a very relaxing effect. So if you have a stressful day at work, maybe finding someone to smooch is a good way to decompress. The hormone oxytocin, which is released during labor and after orgasm, and gives you that mushy-lovey feeling, rose in men, but not in women.

Scientists aren't exactly sure what makes these chemical reactions happen when people kiss, but they think it has something to do with swapping pheromones via spit. File under: Gross, yet effective.