10 Orgasm Benefits for Health and Pleasure Alike

Sure, orgasms feel good—but are there any other benefits to getting off? According to experts, the answer is a resounding yes. From encouraging a better mood and a sounder night’s sleep to less pain and more self-confidence, orgasms can up-level nearly all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Keep reading to discover the myriad benefits of orgasm.

10 Amazing Orgasm Benefits

1. Orgasms release endorphins

According to Dirty Lola, a sex educator and Sex Ed A Go Go host, orgasms release endorphins and oxytocin. More of these feel-good hormones can lead to mood boosts and lower stress levels, which we all could all use. “Also, less stress means fewer breakouts, so orgasms [can] become an important part of your skincare groove,” she adds.

2. THEY can be emotionally healing

Tired? Orgasm! Stressed? Orgasm! Sick? Orgasm! And you can consider that doctor’s orders, as the advice comes from Jill McDevitt, PhD, MEd, a sexologist, educator, and sex-positive activist. When times get tough—both personally and on a larger scale—orgasms can help provide a sense of relief. “Many of my colleagues and I have been recommending orgasm as one of the tools of managing hardship, both physically and emotionally, because orgasms can be comforting, grounding, and empowering,” she explains.

3. Orgasms can boost your immune system

According to recent studies, the more you have sex, the more immunoglobulin A is present in your system. What is IgA, you might ask? An antibody that works wonders for the immune system.

4. They can help you sleep

The body releases more than just endorphins post-orgasm, including a hormone called prolactin. In addition to enabling women to produce breastmilk, prolactin kicks sleepiness into high gear. And according to Searah Deysach, a seasoned sex educator and owner of sex toy shop Early to Bed, there’s other physiological work at play, well… post-play. “Physically, masturbating or having partnered sex to orgasm can raise your heart rate, so a quick orgasm before bed can help you sleep.”

5. They can help you relax

Part of why orgasms feel so fantastic can be attributed to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness. Orgasms produce serotonin, “which can lead to a relaxing feeling and potentially inspiring an overall calming effect,” says Amy Baldwin, a certified sex educator, coach, and co-host of the Shameless Sex Podcast. As a result, she continues, orgasms “can be beneficial in relieving stress or promoting a better night of sleep.”

6. They can Relieve Pain Naturally

As Dirty Lola points out, the endorphins released during climax can provide mild pain relief. This point extends to discomfort spurred by menstruation, making for a unique benefit of orgasm for women in particular. “Add it to your period pain relief regimen,” she urges.

7. They can SUPPORT INTIMACY

Remember how we talked about oxytocin? According to Dr. McDevitt, the hormone is renowned for increasing feelings of connection, thus having the potential to boost intimacy with your partner.

8. They can improve your bodily processes

As Amy shares, the very process of getting off can have physiological benefits. “The genital contractions that usually accompany orgasm can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and promote blood flow, keeping things healthy, vital, and strong,” she explains.

9. ORGASMS can boost confidence

Have you ever gotten off and felt damn good about yourself? There’s a science to it. According to sexologist and relationship expert Jess O’Reilly, PhD, orgasms are known to increase self-esteem. As it turns out, frequent orgasms can help cultivate a positive body image.

10. They can expand Your mind

Last but not least, according to clinical sexologist Caitlin V., MPH, one of the biggest benefits of orgasm is the total release. “During an orgasm, especially one in which there’s been a lot of build-up, we can completely lose ourselves and experience an expanded state of consciousness and pleasure,” she explains. “The French have historically referred to orgasm as la petite mort, or the little death, for this very reason.”

The Bottom Line

As Alicia Sinclair, certified sex educator and CEO/founder of COTR, reminds us, it’s essential to take care of ourselves. “The great thing about orgasms is that they help us do just that,” she says. “Orgasms release feel-good endorphins, help regulate sleep, decrease period pain, boost our immune system, promote healthy genitals, and connect us with our bodies.” Simply put, the benefits of orgasm are aplenty… and they feel great! “The facts speak for themselves; orgasms are part of an overall healthy lifestyle,” she concludes.