The Benefits of Orgasm

Modern medicine still does not understand exactly the hows and whys of orgasm. But we do know that for humans, our psychological state is the major determining factor as to whether we can have an orgasm, or have difficulty acheiving one. We are, however, starting to understand more about what happens in the brain as a result of orgasm. But there is so much more to be studied and explored.

First, we know that at orgasm, both men and women release an increased amount of oxytocin. We know that oxytocin promotes feelings of comfort, closeness, relaxation, and feeling tingly all over. In women, it also causes contractions of the uterus, and may contribute to stronger orgasms. Along with this is the release of prolactin, another hormone that helps us feel satisfied and calm. There are studies demonstrating that at the point of orgasm, there is a protection against feeling pain without decreasing other sensations. Some people find that it helps relieve migraines, and others find it useful for body pain. Even though the effects of pain relief are immediate and last only a few minutes, those people regularly having orgasms experience lower levels of pain overall because of the increase in the body’s natural opiods. We know that people having several orgasms per week have less chance for heart disease and stroke. I would also venture to guess that they smile more often.

Perhaps the most enjoyable benefit of orgasm is the feeling of being alive and charged sexually. When you orgasm, you feel powerful. It increases your blood flow throughout your body, but most importantly, to your genitals for increased support of those tissues and muscles. This is the best way to keep these tissues healthy, because blood flow promotes more blood flow in a positive feedback cycle. It’s the flip side of ‘use it or lose it.’

Even if you don’t have a partner, bringing yourself to orgasm helps you gain some of these benefits. Although not all will admit it, most men will continue to actively masturbate even if they don’t have a partner. I am still suprised, however, that there are several women who do not ‘take matters into their own hands’ when they find themselves without a partner. For some it is guilt, for some it seems inappropriate, for some it brings many negative automatic thoughts as to why they do not have a partner. Regardless, all of these cause a women to relinquish control of her sexuality and abandon an activity that her body thrives on.

I propose that we all masturbate frequently and happily. Just imagine if everyone woke up just a few minutes earlier and was able to have a little orgasm before leaving for work? I wonder if we would have a lot less road rage?

3 Comments

  1. Laura April 17, 2010 at 6:21 pm - Reply

    Thanks for this post – I am forwarding the link to several women friends. Great to be able to point to the health benefits both physical and emotional that we can all benefit from.

    There seems also to be innumerable ways to experience orgasm: energy orgasms and orgasm without erection for men with ED – both of which surprise people who don't know they are possible.

  2. Dr C. April 18, 2010 at 10:17 am - Reply

    @Laura – Thank you for bringing up that excellent point! I think many people underestimate the power of their sexuality and of their bodies to give them pleasure. I wanted to tell others not to abandon their sexuality just because they do not have a partner. But disease or surgery are other ways that people give up or start to ignore their sexuality.

  3. David D September 6, 2010 at 4:58 am - Reply

    “When you orgasm, you feel powerful.” So true. When I orgasm, I sometimes feel like the energy of the entire universe is coursing through my veins. Like I am in touch with the entire universe and every muscle fiber is emitting pure energy. They can be THAT good.

    Also … women who tell me that they don’t masturbate … that is enough to scare me off. Part of it is that if they can go for months without an orgasm while not having a partner, they could probably go for months without wanting an orgasm with a partner. They will always have the upperhand (the superiority) when it comes to discussions / debates / arguments over sexual differences. They will be the evolved one while I will be the cave man who needs to evolve.

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