“An Orgasm A Day Keeps the Doctor Away”

It’s logical to believe that having sex (consensually and safely, of course) is good for your body and mind. If you have ever had the kind of sex that ends in a sweaty mess and exhaustion, you know fucking can be like a workout and even a kinky sport.

Scientists have known the benefits of having sex and orgasms for years, and it’s time we all benefit from the knowledge. I searched for and will only cite serious and legitimate scientific research. There are many articles online about the benefits of sex, but many have misquoted research findings or generalized results to fit their narrative. But as a psychologist and writer, I want to make sure you get the facts. According to the reproductive psychiatrist and certified sexual health therapist Nicole Cirino, M.D., besides the physical benefits obtained from exercise, sex activates various neurotransmitters that impact several organs in our bodies.

These are the top benefits of sex for men and women:

1. Boosts your immune system
Salivary immunoglobulin A help fight common diseases like rhinovirus and the common cold. You should always try to be and stay healthy, and even though I wish sex were enough, dear reader, please don’t forget to take care of yourself. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health practices like meditation are essential for your well-being.

“People who have sex have higher levels of what defends your body against germs, viruses, and other intruders. Researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of a certain antibody compared to students who had sex less often.”

2. Improves heart health
Just like jogging and other cardiovascular exercises, sex improves blood flow, strengthens the heart, and lowers blood pressure. It has been confirmed in multiple long-term studies.

3. Endorphins released during orgasm can block pain
Before and during orgasm, your body releases oxytocin and endorphins that block pain. These neurochemicals block pain and a lot of negative thoughts and feelings. They are more concentrated during sex than under the influence of certain drugs. “By binding to opioid receptors, they inhibit the release of pain.”

Barry R. Komisaruk, Ph.D., a distinguished service professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, says that it has been determined that orgasms, even stimulation without orgasm, can block pain. I have always gotten terrible migraines, and I had read about this before. Honestly, the last thing on my mind when I have a migraine is sex, but I know it helps with menstrual cramps (don’t yuck my yum!).

“We’ve found that vaginal stimulation can block chronic back and leg pain, and many women have told us that genital self-stimulation can reduce menstrual cramps, arthritic pain, and in some cases even headache.” 

4. Lowers your blood pressure
Having high blood pressure can have severe and life-threatening consequences. Joseph J. Pinzone, MD., CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness, says that research suggests a link between sex and lower blood pressure:

 “One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure.”

5. Reduces stress and improves sleep
During sex, the brain’s pleasure centers are hit with dopamine while cortisol levels, the stress hormone, drop. Oxytocin, which boosts feelings of friendship and happiness, is also released. This chemical cocktail can have a calming effect when you’re feeling stressed. “After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness" after sex, says Sheenie Ambardar, MD.

6. Burns calories
Having sex is great exercise, but it’s not enough to keep you strong and healthy. You would have to fuck for 30 minutes five times per week, and increase the structure of physical activity to benefit from the positive health impacts that exercise provides.

7. Endorphins released during sex elevate mood
Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that are released during sex, while levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) drop. This shift, combined with a boost of oxytocin (which boosts feelings of happiness), makes sex a great tool to manage stress:

 “Sex can also boost serotonin. This hormone helps produce “happy feelings," and scientists believe that there’s a link between depression and serotonin levels.”

There are additional benefits of having regular sex for men. Studies show that men are more sexually active than women, so they must pay attention and keep fucking.

1. Sex has increased benefits for blood pressure in men
2. Reduces the risk of prostate cancer
3. Increases fertility
4. Boosts analytical thinking

Women also benefit from sex in gender-specific ways.

1. Increases pelvic floor strength (reduces incontinence)
2. Improved recovery and easier labor for pregnant women
3. Sperm can make the cervix ripen faster
4. In menopausal women, regular sex can improve vaginal health and make sex more pleasurable.
5. Boosts libido in peri-menopausal and menopausal women
6. Relieves the pain of period cramps
7. Boosts estrogen levels in older women
8. Increases odds of getting pregnant
9. Possible decreased risk of breast cancer
10. More regular menstruation

Dr. Cirino and her team found that there may be a little less benefit from orgasming when compared to having sex, and even more so when compared to having intimate “loving” sex:

"Having sex alone through masturbation won't stimulate the release of as much oxytocin or other mood-boosting hormones as having sex as part of a loving relationship."

In 2009, The National Health Service of Britain sparked controversy with its “An Orgasm A Day Keeps the Doctor Away” sex education campaign. The leaflet that was distributed to students said:

“Health promotion experts advocate five portions of fruit and veg a day and 30 minutes of physical activity three times a week. What about sex or masturbation twice a week?”

A lot of people were offended and insisted it was deplorable to teach teenagers about the benefits of having sex and questioned the scientific research cited in the campaign. I am all for sex education and do what I can to learn and share facts. I’m not sure it’s necessary or beneficial to encourage teenagers to fuck instead of traditional exercise, but the information they were provided was correct. It’s worth noting that the conception, maternity, and abortion rate among women under 18 in England has decreased since 2009. Therefore, it’s safe to say that an orgasm a day keeps the doctor away.

Sources:

https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/benefits-healthy-sex-life

https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sex-and-health#1

https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/sex/sexual-health/10-health-benefits-of-sex-for-women

https://www.promescent.com/blogs/learn/health-benefits-of-sex

https://www.beds.ac.uk/knowledgeexchange/data