An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but did you know that having an orgasm also has health benefits?

An orgasm floods the body with “feel good” hormones such as oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins… all of which have positive effects on your health.

Since you don’t NEED to have a partner to have an orgasm, not only is pleasure “at your fingertips”, but your health really is in YOUR OWN HANDS!

Here are just some of the many benefits of an orgasm:

 

It’s a great sleep inducer.

Orgasm promotes sleep and relaxation through the release of oxytocin, along with a reduction in cortisol.

Cortisol can keep you awake, so any means of reducing it will improve sleep.

Yay, to better sleep!

 

Orgasm during sex creates feelings of closeness and bonding.

Oxytocin is known as the “love” and “cuddling” hormone, so having an orgasm during sex, builds intimacy with your partner.

What a great way to build intimacy!

Read: 5 Reasons Why Sex is Important in Your Relationship

 

It relaxes vigilance.

Vigilance is the state of being alert to possible dangers. Basically a constant state of fight-or-flight. It could manifest as being a light sleeper in case the baby cries in the night or worrying while you wait for your teenager to return home safely after a party.

According to Sara Gottfried, MD, orgasm can reduce vigilance.

“Women can’t be in a fear state and simultaneously have an orgasm. And after orgasm, it’s nearly impossible to feel fear and anxiety.”

That’s because the amygdala, which is the part of the brain associated with fear and anxiety, has very little activity during orgasm.

Say goodbye to worry and say hello to pleasure!

 

It can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Orgasm and sexual activity, in general, are forms of physical activity, both of which can raise your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.

And the release of the hormone oxytocin has a direct effect on lowering your blood pressure.

You can sign me up for that kind of workout!

 

Orgasm increases blood flow and circulation.

The production of nitric oxide during orgasm relaxes the walls of blood vessels allowing them to widen and receive increased blood flow.

This improved circulation not only keeps the genitals healthy and functional, but it also improves your memory.

That’s because increased blood flow to the brain means more nutrients and oxygenation, both of which improve brain function.

Now you can find those darn keys!

 

It also improves lubrication and thickness of your vaginal lining.

Sara Gottfried MD says,

“Orgasms increase estrogen.”

Vaginal dryness is often linked to low estrogen, and this is common for women in peri-menopause and menopause.

Therefore, it improves vaginal dryness through the increase in estrogen levels. In addition, the increased blood flow from the nitric oxide helps to thicken the vaginal lining, which tends to thin out as we age.

Talk about a double win!

 

An orgasm can reduce pain.

Orgasm releases endorphins, and oxytocin, which help to decrease pain, from things like menstrual cramps and headaches.

If your excuse for not having sex is because you have a headache… you may want to rethink that!

 

It keeps skin looking youthful.

The release of DHEA during orgasm is responsible for shiny hair and bright skin and gives you that sexy “afterglow.”

I will take an orgasm over some face cream any day!

 

It can improve your immune system.

According to sexual health counselor and researcher Alison Richardson,

“Regular sex is linked to higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which may protect us from common colds by boosting the immune system.”

Okay, she didn’t mention orgasm per se, but if you’re having sex anyway…

 

It can work as an anti-depressant.

Drugs like Prozac and Zoloft are designed to increase serotonin. But serotonin is released right after orgasm.

There are no negative side-effects from an orgasm… like there are from drugs.

You had me at orgasm, but the no-side-effects is also good!

 

It can assist in weight loss.

Cortisol increases belly fat and your cravings for carbs. Oxytocin released during orgasm decreases cortisol.

Nothing tastes as good as an orgasm feels.

Remember that… and walk away from the doughnut!

 

It can improve incontinence.

Women who have had children know all about decreased bladder control when they laugh, sneeze or even exercise.

The contractions from orgasm help to strengthen your pelvic floor, thereby improving bladder control.

This is great since incontinence is no laughing matter!

 

It can improve fertility when you are trying to conceive.

According to various theories, female orgasm during intercourse can improve the chances of his sperm making it to its desired destination upon ejaculation.

It is thought that the vaginal contractions during female orgasm have a wave-like muscle movement (peristalsis) that could “suck up” the semen.

No, I did not make that up.

And since orgasm tends to be easier to achieve around ovulation, this tends to complement the improved fertility theory.

Heck, why not try it and see!

 

It can relieve stress.

Orgasm releases oxytocin and endorphins, which make you feel more relaxed, comfortable, and safe.

Plus, it’s a great way to take your mind off your woes.

What woes? See, it’s already working!

 

It can make you happy.

The release of oxytocin and prolactin create feelings of contentment and satisfaction.

This can then put you in a good mood which can lead to a more positive mindset. A positive attitude in life is linked to better health overall.

Plus, the release of dopamine during orgasmic pleasure reinforces the behaviour.

Talk about a positive feedback loop!

 

It can make you feel blissful.

Orgasm is a peak of intense pleasure that can provide feelings of ecstasy and euphoria.

If for no other reason, just do it because it feels good!

Those are just some of the many health benefits to be gained by regular orgasms.

If you want to spend less time at the doctor’s office, and more time in total bliss, go for the orgasm… every day!

 

Photo Credit: depostphotos.com/khorzhevska