Orgasms Make You Live Longer. Fact
- Dr Jolene Brighten, best-selling author and women's health expert
Orgasms do make you happy. I knew it! But how could something that feels sooo damn good be healthy for us too? Usually, anything that causes so much pleasure (wine, chocolate, class A’s) isn't considered good for us.
Well, you'll be happy to know it’s true. Yep, orgasms aren't just fun, they also have an abundance of emotional and physical health benefits. Read on and then for the sake of your health, please go and masturbate. Doctors orders.
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
When we orgasm our body is flooded with Oxytocin, also known as the love/bonding hormone. It's a powerful brain chemical that inspires feelings of intimacy and relaxation. As the oxytocin fills our body it also lowers cortisol, the main stress hormone. Many women are familiar with oxytocin as it relates to childbirth and breastfeeding, but we can also experience these feelings of bonding with a partner.
2. Boosts your immune system
DHEA is an anti-aging hormone that declines in all of us beginning in our mid to late 20’s. When we orgasm DHEA is released. Dr. Theresa Crenshaw author of The Alchemy of Love and Lust says, "DHEA may be the most powerful chemical in our personal world. It helps balance the immune system, improves cognition, promotes bone growth, and maintains and repairs tissues, keeping your skin healthy and supple. It can mean less frequent colds and flu."
3. Helps you sleep and improves your mood
Orgasms put you in a state of deep relaxation. In addition to increasing feelings of bonding, oxytocin also triggers a cascade of other feel-good hormones called endorphins. These endorphins often have a tranquilizing effect, leaving us feeling sleepy and happy. Perfect for a restful nights sleep.
4. Improves fertility
Scientific research indicates that the vaginal and uterine contractions that occur during an orgasm help move the sperm up through the cervix faster, propelling it into the uterus and fallopian tubes. As a result, they increase the chances of conception when having sex.
Regular orgasms also keep the immune system functioning correctly. A healthy immune system means a woman is likely to retain more sperm thus optimizing the chances of fertilization.
5. Increased circulation = younger skin
If you've ever noticed the radiant, post-sex glow, you can thank the increased blood flow from your orgasm. "Orgasms release anti-inflammatory chemicals that protect your skin against pro-aging hormones and environmental toxins. The increased circulation you experience during sex also nourishes your skin and creates a glowing complexion" explains Dr. Jolene Brighten.
Orgasms also increase circulation to the pelvic floor organs, which means all those awesome nutrients you are eating can actually get to where they are needed. And the same is true for delivering your hormones to where you need them most.
6. A natural pain-killer
Before popping those pills, masturbate the pain away instead. Studies suggest an orgasm can increase a woman's pain threshold by up to 108%. Plus, it's an analgesic, not an anesthetic, meaning it suppresses pain without affecting sensitivity to touch. The effect will last about 10 to 20 minutes and is, again, thanks to the release of oxytocin and endorphins.
Well I know what I'll be doing all weekend. Purely for medical reasons of course.
Happy orgasms!
