The Benefits of Orgasms: More Than a Feeling

Discover the Benefits of Orgasms

Realistically, the key motivation for getting close with someone is never going to be improving your health. Nonetheless, it’s certainly a bonus to know that as well as feeling great in the moment, regular orgasms can have long-term advantages for your health – and this isn’t limited to partnered sex. However you reach that high, there is a host of benefits of orgasms that can impact your well-being.

Get Happy and Get Closer

Oxytocin is the hormone credited with increasing levels of contentment and encouraging a sense of bonding and closeness with a partner. There is significant evidence that the female body produces more oxytocin during peak states of arousal and orgasm; for example, in a study published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation in 1999, researchers measuring the oxytocin levels of 12 women before and after orgasm found significantly higher levels afterwards. Bearing this in mind, it could be that the sense of intimacy you often feel when you are with a partner may not just be down to physical closeness. (To learn more about how oxytocin affects your relationship, read other orgasm facts.)

Beat Stress

Even if you’re experiencing that oxytocin rush solo and not with a partner, there’s evidence it can help you de-stress. For instance, C. Sue Carter has conducted several ground-breaking studies into the relationship between oxytocin and relaxation. In a 2009 study (published in Psychoneuroendocrinology), she found that administering oxytocin may prevent cardiac stress, depression and anxiety. “The effects of oxytocin are most apparent under stressful conditions,” Carter says. For more info about the effect orgasms have on the brain, click here.

A More Stimulating Workout

As far as cardiovascular exercises go, this is one option that’s more appealing than hitting the treadmill, with sex burning anything up to 85 calories every half hour. Of course, like any physical activity, it also tires you out and helps you sleep better at night. In addition though, the oxytocin released during climax may be extra helpful in contributing to a better night’s rest. As well as feeling fresh during the day, getting enough sleep is crucial to your overall well-being and will help keep skin radiant and under-eyes bright so you look your best.

Boost Your Immune System

Sex – provided it’s protected of course –may actually be able to help ward off sickness. There is evidence that orgasm may result in heightened levels of immunoglobulin A (or IgA), an antibody which increases resistance to common ailments. In 2004, Researchers at Wilkes University examining a sample of 112 students found that those who experienced frequent intimacy had significantly higher levels of IgA.

In her book Sex: A Natural History, Joann Ellison Rodgers suggests that female orgasm can lessen the chance of cervical infections by helping to promote good bacteria and flush out bad bacteria from the cervix. Remember that it must be protected sex – no amount of orgasms will safe-guard you against sexually transmitted diseases. This means having regular sex can contribute to your overall health at the same time as helping you to maintain a close physical bond with your partner.

Please note that advice offered by Intimina may not be relevant to your individual case. For specific concerns regarding your health, always consult your physician or other licensed medical practitioners.