The Benefits of Orgasms for Your Health and Wellbeing

The Benefits of Orgasms for Your Health and Wellbeing

If you’ve ever felt embarrassed about indulging in a little spot of solo sexy time, the message from sexperts and neurologists is a categorical and deafening “DON’T!” The benefits of orgasms are far more varied and notable that you might realise, so whether you are currently in a relationship or single, setting some time aside for your own sexual self-care can be equally as important for your health and wellbeing as regular exercise and watching what you eat!

Adding a new sex toy to your me-time schedule is a great way to explore your erogenous zones and discover what you like, and exactly how you like it! And they can be a great way to get you from A-to-Ohhhhh fast!  Sweet Cherry Pie want women to step into their sexual power and stop thinking of masturbation as a dirty little secret.

Masturbation is a natural human act (yes, even for women) with numerous health benefits, and is one of the most satisfying ways to practice self-care and relax. It can even improve partnered sex. After all, if you get to know your sexual body, and learn what really makes you tick, it’s a lot easier to teach your partner what you like. When you think about it, how well can we really know our own body if we leave all of the exploration of it up to someone else? It’s like giving someone directions to the moon…we know the general direction to head in, but we’ve never been there ourselves!

Well, you certainly can’t argue with that!

The Benefits of Orgasms for Women

Studies reveal that when it comes to masturbating, half as many women are at it compared to men. Its perhaps not surprising when you consider that while it’s almost expected of men, women’s self-pleasure is still shrouded in stigma and taboo, despite the many benefits there are to be gained from it.

As Dr Nan Wise, a certified sex therapist, neuroscientist and author of Why Good Sex Matters and Glamours sex column, explains “The brain manufactures, and releases substances called neurotransmitters and neuropeptides during sexual stimulation and orgasm. These substances are wonderful for your overall physical and emotional wellbeing. They can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance immunity and boost mood.”

So, what benefits exactly can you look forward to when you add ‘orgasming on the reg’ to your to-do list? Let’s take a look!

Better Skin

You may be surprised to hear that there are some big skin benefits to be had from having an orgasm. Not only can that give you that post-coital afterglow brought on by increasing blood and oxygen flow to your face, they can apparently also minimise breakouts. The science behind it goes something like this: Orgasms release the pleasure hormone oxytocin and decrease the stress-hormone cortisol, therefore reducing hormone-related breakouts and or rashes.

Better Sleep

Have you noticed how you sometimes feel quite sleepy after sex? Well, that’s due to a host of other important hormones that floods your system post-coitally. Prolactin helps you nod off more quickly and oxytocin and vasopressin help you to sleep more soundly.

Better Immunity

Yet another chemical that is released during an orgasm is DHEA. This helps to balance your iummune system, promote bone health and assist in repairing tissues. No wonder sales of sex toys skyrocketed during COVID. We were all just trying to boost our immune systems!

Relieve Pain

The ‘happy hormone’ oxytocin can also help to relieve pain associated with anything from a headache to menstrual cramps, and according to Wise, even arthritis. 

Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor 

We’re all familiar with the fact that we should do Kegel exercises to strengthen and tone our pelvic floor right?But did you know that the same muscles are engaged during an orgasm – so getting your rocks off on the regular can help maintain the health and strength of your pelvic floor.

A Workout for Your Brain

In research conducted on how the brain responds to sexual stimulation and orgasms, Dr Nan Wise found that it can have significant benefits for our brains. “We found that orgasms increased blood flow to so many regions that the brain [lit] up like a Christmas tree,” Dr Wise explains. “Increased blood flow means that the brain is getting a wonderful nutritious workout.”

A More Youthful Appearance

Don’t give up your skincare regime just yet, but there is some evidence that orgasms can help slow the ageing process? How? Well, orgasms help to keep your blood pressure low. They also boost your estrogen levels, which in turn increases collagen which helps to keep your skin looking plump and youthful.

Summary

So, ladies, it would seem that if you want less sick days off work,better sleep, less wrinkles and a pelvic floor you could crack a walnut with…getting your vibe on could very well be the best way to go about it!