The Surprising Health Benefits of Orgasms: Why Pleasure Is Good for You
Did you know orgasms are good for your health? Discover the surprising science-backed benefits of the big "O," from less stress and better sleep to glowing skin and stronger relationships.
Orgasms feel amazing, but did you know they also offer a host of physical and mental health benefits? From boosting your mood and relieving stress to improving sleep and even making you look younger, the big "O" packs a powerful wellness punch. Let's explore the science-backed ways orgasms can enhance your overall health and wellbeing.
Orgasms Make You Happier
One of the most immediate effects of orgasm is the rush of feel-good hormones it triggers in the brain. "The brain manufactures and releases substances called neurotransmitters and neuropeptides during sexual stimulation and orgasm," explains sex therapist and neuroscientist Nan Wise. "These substances are wonderful for your overall physical and emotional wellbeing. They can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance immunity, and boost mood."3
Key mood-boosting chemicals released during orgasm include:
- Dopamine: The "feel-good" neurotransmitter that activates the brain's reward centers and triggers feelings of pleasure, desire, and satisfaction.18
- Oxytocin: The "love hormone" that promotes bonding, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases relaxation and contentment.138
- Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and is linked to feelings of wellbeing and happiness.1
This potent neurochemical cocktail explains why you tend to feel happy, relaxed, and even sleepy after a satisfying orgasm. And the positive effects can last well beyond the afterglow - one study found that the mood-lifting benefits of sex can persist for up to 48 hours.4
Orgasms Relieve Stress and Anxiety
In our fast-paced, high-pressure world, we could all use some extra stress relief. Luckily, orgasms offer a fun and natural way to unwind and de-stress. The oxytocin released during climax lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body.14 Orgasms also trigger the release of endorphins, which further reduce stress and anxiety.13
What's more, orgasms can actually change your brain in ways that make you more resilient to stress over time. Research has found that sexual activity increases the size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a key role in regulating stress responses.4
Orgasms Help You Sleep Better
If you tend to get sleepy after sex, you're not alone. "Many people use orgasm to regulate their mood and stress because of the calming chemicals it releases," notes Kate Moyle, psychosexual therapist and author of The Science of Sex.7
The post-orgasm release of oxytocin and endorphins relaxes the body and mind, making it easier to drift off to sleep.13 Additionally, the hormone prolactin, which also surges after orgasm, is known for its sleep-inducing effects.3
Getting sufficient sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. Orgasm-induced zzz's may help explain why people who have regular sex tend to have lower blood pressure, less heart disease, and stronger immune systems compared to those who don't get it on as often.7
Orgasms Boost Immunity
Speaking of stronger immune systems, orgasms can give your body's natural defenses a lift too. Sexual arousal and orgasm increase levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that helps fight off infections.37
Orgasms also trigger the release of DHEA, a hormone that helps balance the immune system, promotes bone health, and assists in repairing tissues.3 Plus, the improved sleep that often follows orgasm further supports healthy immune function.
Orgasms May Slow Aging and Improve Skin
Want to look younger and have clearer, more radiant skin? Have more orgasms! The increased blood flow during sexual arousal delivers a fresh dose of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.25 This boost in circulation, combined with the collagen-preserving effects of estrogen released during orgasm, helps keep skin looking smooth, supple, and glowing.35
Orgasms may slow down the aging process in other ways too. Studies have found that people who have frequent sex tend to have longer telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of DNA that shorten with age.4 Longer telomeres are associated with greater longevity and slower aging.
The stress-reducing effects of orgasm also pay off in the aging department, since chronic stress accelerates aging processes in the body. By helping you chill out, orgasms can keep you looking and feeling younger longer.
Orgasms Deepen Intimacy and Improve Relationships
While solo play certainly has its benefits, orgasms during partnered sex offer some unique perks. The oxytocin released during climax promotes bonding and feelings of closeness, helping couples feel more connected.349
"Orgasms can help promote our ability to bond with our partners," says Wise. "Having a regular and rewarding sex life is one of the most wonderful ways to lubricate our relationships—and having good relationships is associated with improved well-being across the board."3
Better communication is another relationship benefit of all those O's. Research shows that the sexual afterglow makes couples more likely to share positive feelings with each other, a habit linked to greater relationship stability and satisfaction.4
Orgasms Provide Natural Pain Relief
Next time a headache strikes, try hopping into bed instead of reaching for the painkillers. "Sexual stimulation and orgasm release your bodies' own natural painkillers," explains Wise.3 The endorphins and corticosteroids released during orgasm can help alleviate arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, and other types of pain.137
The pain-relieving power of orgasm is so potent that some women report using masturbation to ease menstrual cramps and even the pain of childbirth.7 While more research is needed, these anecdotal reports suggest that orgasms could be a drug-free alternative for managing certain types of pain.
How to Have More Orgasms
Clearly, orgasms offer a smorgasbord of health benefits. So how can you start incorporating more of them into your life? Here are some tips:
- Prioritize self-pleasure. Solo sex is a great way to explore your body, discover what feels good, and learn how to orgasm more easily. Invest in a good vibrator or experiment with different masturbation techniques.
- Communicate with your partner. Let your partner know what turns you on and show them how you like to be touched. Be open about any sexual difficulties you're having so you can work together to find solutions.
- Make time for sex and intimacy. In the busyness of daily life, sex can fall by the wayside. Schedule regular date nights or set aside dedicated time for intimacy, even if it's just a quickie before work.
- Manage stress. High stress levels can tank libido and make it harder to orgasm. Engage in relaxation practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep stress in check.
- Get enough sleep. Fatigue is another common orgasm killer. Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your sex drive revving.
- Eat a healthy diet. Certain foods like dark chocolate, oysters, and leafy greens contain nutrients that support sexual function. Staying hydrated is important too, since dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity improves circulation, boosts mood, and increases stamina, all of which can make for better sex and easier orgasms. Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can be especially helpful.
- See a doctor or sex therapist. If you consistently have trouble reaching orgasm or experience pain during sex, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Many sexual issues are treatable.
The Bottom Line
From lifting your mood and reducing stress to boosting immunity and improving sleep, orgasms offer an impressive array of health benefits. Prioritizing pleasure through solo or partnered sex can enhance your physical, mental, and relationship wellbeing. And the best part? Orgasms are fun, free, and accessible to almost everyone. As if you needed another reason to have more of them!
Sources:
Stay updated with the latest discoveries and recommendations in the health domain! Subscribe to our Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels, and join us on Facebook to get the latest updates on health trends and breakthroughs.
