An Orgasm is more than pleasurable. There are several possible benefits of orgasms, but there’s limited research. Some evidence suggests that orgasms might ease pain, improve your mood, and relieve stress. Keep in mind that the orgasm experience differs for everyone: It’s normal to have one, multiple, or no orgasms. The following benefits are by no means a comprehensive list or a guarantee for every person.
ORGASMS
BOOST MOODS
Orgasming releases a flood of feel-good hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones, which can make you feel happier and less stressed, include:
Dopamine: Triggers intense feelings of reward, desire, and pleasure.
Endorphins: Induce a sense of euphoria and reduce stress.
Oxytocin: Facilitates feelings of love and attachment.
Prolactin: Initiates milk production after pregnancy, plays a role in bonding, and makes you feel satisfied after orgasm.
Serotonin: Helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.
An orgasm might make you feel confident, which can further improve your mood. There’s limited research, so it’s unclear how long these mood-boosting benefits may last.
ORGASMS HELP
YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR BODY
Having an orgasm, especially through masturbation, can reveal a lot about your sexual health. Orgasming can help create a comfort level with your body. You might be more hesitant to share information with a healthcare provider without that comfort level. Having a pelvic exam or talking about concerns, for example, can be difficult if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with your genitals. It’s helpful to know what your body normally feels, looks, and smells like to identify when something is off. You’ll be able to spot changes that could signal a health condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). An orgasm also offers reassurance that your body can give you pleasure if you have a chronic illness.
ORGASMS TEACH
YOU WHAT FEELS GOOD FOR YOU
An orgasm helps fully explore what arouses you, helping you get the most pleasure. Some people can orgasm from vaginal penetration, while others cannot. Masturbating can help give you a clear idea of the kind of stimulation you need to orgasm. It can be empowering to remember your pleasure is not dependent on a partner. Try experimenting with sex toys or touching yourself differently until you know what feels good for you. You can then communicate what you like or dislike when you are with a partner.
ORGASMS STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS
Orgasming with a partner can strengthen your bond. An orgasm spurs the release of oxytocin and prolactin. Both hormones facilitate bonding, which helps connect with a sexual partner. This does not mean your relationship is doomed if you do not reach orgasm with your partner. Knowing you and your partner can pleasure each other, however, may boost your confidence and satisfaction.
ORGASMS
IMPROVE SLEEP
Consider having an orgasm if you have trouble sleeping. It’s unclear how orgasms induce sleepiness, but it may be the release of relaxing hormones. An orgasm is similar to progressive muscle relaxation, which is a relaxation technique. You tense a group of muscles as tightly as possible and then release them. Letting go of that tension can help you fall asleep in the same way muscles contract and then release with an orgasm. The link between orgasms and sleep may be a matter of conditioning. Your body may know it’s time to sleep after an orgasm if you build it into your night routine.
ORGASMS HELP PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES
An orgasm is a series of muscle contractions that help maintain or strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder, bowels, urethra, and uterus. Orgasms also increase blood flow to the pelvic region, which supports muscle growth. Regularly flexing your pelvic floor muscles can increase vaginal lubrication, which helps reduce pain from penetration and make an orgasm more intense. Strong pelvic floor muscles also may lead to a tight grip during penetration.
ORGASMS
RELIEVE PAIN
Orgasming may help with period cramps. Hormones like oxytocin and endorphins can act as natural pain relievers. You may experiment to see if orgasming relieves period cramps, but remember everybody is different. Having an orgasm can increase period cramps in others. Orgasms trigger uterine contractions, worsening the uterine contractions from your period.
An orgasm may come with a variety of health benefits. Orgasming helps connect with your body, elevate your mood, and reduce stress. You can discover what works best for you through masturbation. You’ll be able to communicate your needs and wants to a partner, which helps strengthen relationships. It comes down to finding out what works for you.
Health.com
