What are the Health Benefits of Orgasms? 7 Facts to Know

Orgasm is a pleasurable experience for both men and women. But did you know that aside from the immense pleasure it brings, it also has a lot of science-backed benefits? What are the health benefits of achieving orgasms?

Orgasms: Who Experiences More Pleasure, Males or Females?

The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Orgasms

Achieving an orgasm often boosts sexual experience and satisfaction, both physically and emotionally. Whether you achieve your orgasms through sex with your partner or masturbation, you may still get the following benefits.

1. Glowing Skin

Did you know that achieving orgasms can lead to glowing skin?

During an orgasm, the brain releases oxytocin. If you’re familiar with the different hormones in the body, you might already know that oxytocin is a hormone involved in labor and delivery as well as breastfeeding. Generally, it promotes a sense of affection, that’s why some experts call it the “love hormone.’ However, oxytocin can also reduce the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. The decrease in the levels of cortisol often reduces inflammation, which in turn wards off skin ailments.

An orgasm also increases the levels of the hormone, estrogen, which, according to reports, supports the production of collagen in the body. Collagen is an important substance that aids in preventing wrinkles. If you’ll notice many beauty products in the market contain collagen.

And of course, immediately after an orgasm, you will notice that your face takes a healthy shade of pink. This is because of the increased blood flow to the skin. This increase in blood flow helps bring important nutrients to the skin which can improve your complexion.

2. Less Stress

One of the most sought-after health benefits of orgasms is its stress-reducing effects. Some people even relate that when they want to feel relaxed, they sometimes choose to masturbate or have sexual intercourse.

To understand why orgasms result in less stress, we have to go back to the concept of oxytocin. As mentioned earlier, oxytocin works to reduce the levels of stress hormones. This not only potentially improves our mood but also reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Aside from oxytocin, we also release the hormones serotonin and prolactin when we climax. Serotonin is a common ingredient in antidepressant medications, while prolactin can help you feel sleepy.

In general, these hormones have a relaxing or calming effect on the body, further reducing stress.

3. Stronger Immune System

As it turns out, regularly having orgasms can strengthen your immune system.

One study titled, Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), explored the connection between sexual frequency and the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the saliva. IgA is an important antibody that protects us from infections such as the common cold.

In their investigation, the researchers divided 112 college students into groups that correspond to how frequently they engage in sexual activities. The groups were none, infrequent (less than 1 sexual encounter a week), frequent (1 or 2 sexual encounters in a week), and very frequent (3 or more sexual encounters in a week).

Afterward, they assessed their salivary IgA levels. The investigators found that those who were in the last group had the highest IgA levels in their saliva.

4. Migraine Relief

In another study, researchers noted that one of the health benefits of achieving orgasms is migraine relief.

Research shows that sexual activity relieved migraine and cluster headache pains in one-third of the patients. Some of the participants even reported that they used sex as a “headache therapy.”

Although the study was not able to determine the exact reason for this highly beneficial effect of sex, experts suspect that it is because of endorphins.

You see, during orgasm, our body releases endorphins. These are chemicals that have the same structure as morphine. On top of making you “feel good,” endorphins also reduce pain.

5. Active Brain

If you want to activate certain regions of your brain, you might want to achieve more orgasms in the future.

In the study, Brain Activity Unique to Orgasm in Women: An fMRI Analysis, investigators noted that there was an increase in brain activity during the moments leading to orgasm. Moreover, brain activity peaked during the orgasm itself.

They also revealed that the increased activity happened in the regions of the brain associated with the motor, sensory, and reward functions.

6. Longer Life

If the abovementioned health benefits of orgasms still do not convince you that orgasms are good, how about this: Research shows that sex and mortality rate are related to each other.

In a cohort study with a 10-year follow up, the researchers discovered that there was a 50% lower death rate in the group with high orgasmic frequency than in the group with low orgasmic frequency.

Furthermore, many studies have already noted that regular sexual activity can potentially decrease the risk of developing heart diseases, which can help prolong your life.

7. Better Self-Esteem

According to experts, achieving orgasm is good in “lifting your spirits.’ With all the feel-good chemicals that it releases, it’s bound to satisfy you.

Experts explain that aside from relieving stress, orgasms can also boost your confidence and self-esteem because of the “cumulative effect.” They highlight that achieving an orgasm often increases your ability to have more orgasms.

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Key Takeaways

Orgasms do not only bring pleasure, but they also give you a lot of health benefits. It can also improve sexual satisfaction between you and your partner. However, remember that you don’t need to have a sexual partner to achieve orgasms. Through masturbation, you can know more about yourself and your body.

Learn more about Sexual Wellness here. 

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