The health benefits of orgasms

Orgasms are fun – there’s no doubting that. What you might not know is that they’re also good for you.Yes, the benefits of orgasm are plentiful, they don’t just feel amazing, they improve your life, what luck!

The hormones released during orgasm bring a wealth of benefits to your health that go beyond just feeling amazing. They boost your immune system, make you happier, relieve pain AND have anti-ageing properties.

If you could bottle these benefits, we’d all stock up, right? So, what are you waiting for?

What is an Orgasm?

An orgasm is defined as the height of sexual arousal. The pleasure from intimate stimulation reaches a crescendo and orgasm is that peak. But why do orgasms feel so good? Well, when you orgasm, endorphins are released, these are the feel-good hormones; and it’s fair to say, there aren’t many things that feel as good as an orgasm.

What happens when a woman orgasms?

During female orgasm, the anal and vaginal muscles contract as the sexual tension is released. Afterwards, the clitoris feels highly sensitive making any stimulation to the area too intense…so go easy on her after she’s climaxed! Male orgasm is the same in that the penile and anal muscles contract and the head on the penis feels highly sensitive after he has orgasmed. It is believed that both male and female orgasms feel the same, who knew!

Are Orgasms Good for You?

Yes, they certainly are! And here we are going to outline the many orgasm benefits and the reasons you should be getting your kicks as often as you can! And we’re not just talking the benefits of orgasm for women, these apply to men as well, so fellas – keep reading!

Orgasms boost your immune system

According to research from Wilkes University, people who have sex twice a week release 30% more of an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA, which helps protect the body from infections and illnesses.

“IgA is the first line of defence against colds and flu,” says Carl Charnetski of Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre.

Sex also boosts self-esteem and strengthens relationships – improving general wellbeing, which is a factor in predicting life expectancy. So it can even make you live longer!

It also helps ward off competition as men and women are more likely to stay faithful to their partner if they have regular orgasms. The power of oxytocin – a chemical (the 'love hormone') which releases the feelings of togetherness, bonding and attachment – leaves those who experience a surge in this hormone regularly feeling more committed to their partner.

An extra benefit for men is that frequent ejaculations reduce the risk of prostate cancer later in life. According to the British Journal of Urology International, men who ejaculate five or more times a week, had a lower risk of prostate cancer.

But don’t worry, it’s not only through sex that you can reap orgasm benefits, if you’re single, why not invest in a vibrator for your health, of course, and get orgasm healthy all by yourself!

Orgasms Improve your mental health

Any amateur sex toy historian (yes we exist!) will tell you that vibrators were first designed for health reasons, one being for doctors to treat ‘hysteria’

While we take these things into our own hands these days, it has in fact been proven that people who have regular orgasms are generally more relaxed, happier and mentally, physically and emotionally satisfied. But you probably didn’t need us to tell you that!

Regular orgasms help relieve tension in the body, which encourages the brain to produce serotonin - the chemical that gives the body a 'mood lift’. The amygdala, the part of the brain associated with fear and anxiety, is blocked when the body climaxes, helping general mental awareness.

It can also help you sleep better (which ultimately makes us happier) as it releases neurochemicals, like endorphins, which have sedative effects on the body. Now those post-sex naps all make sense...

Rabbit vibrators are some of the most effective when it comes to having orgasms – the mixture of internal and clitoral stimulation makes the rabbit an icon for a reason

Orgasms relieve pain

Orgasms release a surge of the hormone oxytocin, which increases the level of endorphins that acts like natural pain relief. Oxytocin is also released from the nerve cells into the hypothalamus (a region of the brain) into the bloodstream which stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation giving that post-orgasm ‘glow’ we all know so well.

Some notice their aches and pains, swelling, inflammation and headaches disappear after sex and gradually improve with regular action. It’s the most fun way to deal with period cramps, that’s for sure.

Wand vibrators were originally designed as muscle massagers that could help ease pain and relieve muscle tension (though surely they knew what we’d really use them for), so why not kill two birds with one stone and treat yourself to a massage AND an orgasm? It’s just good economics surely?

Orgasms keep you young

Regular sex releases a plethora of chemicals into the body, also known as the ’happy hormones’, including testosterone. As we age, testosterone levels decrease, so the more sex you have, the more your testosterone increases.

This surge of hormones helps keep bones and muscles healthy - plus it keeps skin looking plump and youthful. During sex, blood flows through your body more quickly, including your face – the oxygen in this blood stimulates collagen production, which reduces wrinkles and dryness. The best (and cheapest) kind of facial we can think of!

Do Orgasms Strengthen the Pelvic Floor?

Vibrating love eggs and jiggle balls combine sexual pleasure with strengthening your kegel muscles, keeping your pelvic floor nice and strong, as it can lose tone as you get older. Having a toned pelvic floor makes for stronger orgasms too, so it can be your new favourite exercise…

So, as well as being the most fun you can have for free, you’re actually doing yourself all kinds of good by enjoying your body either on your own or with a partner. Self-love just got a whole new meaning!

Love Team AS x