10 Surprising Health Benefits of Orgasms
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They are nature’s Xanax:
As anybody who has ever been rendered mute or comatose by sex can attest, orgasms have some seriously sedating powers. That’s because climaxing triggers surges of oxytocin and prolactin, which are powerful relaxant hormones, and combined with the endorphins released during sex, can leave you feeling sleepy.
They regulate your cycle:
When you have an orgasm, blood and nutrients rush to your vagina, which helps keep things down there in tiptop shape. Studies have shown that women who orgasm once a week are more likely to have regular menstrual cycles every 26-33 days than those who have less or more irregular sex.
They are good for your heart:
Orgasms lower your cortisol levels, which is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, have been linked to everything from suppressed immunity to heart disease.
They increase intimacy:
You can thank oxytocin for this one too. The ‘cuddle hormone’ surges after orgasm, deepening your bond to the person who just gave you that O. And if “the person who just gave you that O” is yourself, all the better!
They make you prettier:
HGH doesn’t just make you good at baseball; the human growth hormone, which is released during orgasm (who knew?), also stimulates collagen and could even make your skin appear more supple. A-Rod does have a great complexion.
They keep you in shape - where it counts:
When you have an orgasm, the muscles in your pelvic region contract and release like it’s going out of style, toning the pelvic floor. And as all Elvie women know, the pelvic floor is essential for everything from core strength to bladder control.
They make you smarter:
Orgasms increase blood flow to all parts of the brain, whereas most activities only increase blood flow to certain areas of the brain. Researchers discovered this by having women masturbate in MRI machines, which we’re sure wasn’t awkward at all.
They are painkillers:
Out of Tylenol? Break out your trusty Doc Johnson. The post-orgasm oxytocin and endorphin surge can relieve pain. And some research has found that even thinking about sex can relieve pain. Certainly worth a try...
They feel really good:
Okay, you probably knew that, but it just seemed wrong not to mention. The whole propagation of the species depends on orgasms feeling incredible — so they definitely deliver.
Make your pleasure a priority, ladies.
