Orgasm is a physical and psychological response that the body experiences at the moment of sexual arousal . In addition to providing sexual pleasure and satisfaction, orgasm also has significant psychological benefits for mental health, such as the following:
- Stress and anxiety relief: During orgasm , the body releases endorphins , which are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Mood enhancement: Orgasm can improve mood by reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress , and increasing levels of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward.
- Improved self-esteem and confidence : Orgasm can help improve self-esteem and confidence by providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
- Pain reduction: During orgasm, the body releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers and can reduce the sensation of pain.
- Improved sleep quality: Orgasm can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep quality.
- Strengthening interpersonal relationships : Orgasm can help strengthen interpersonal relationships by improving connection and intimacy between sexual partners.
In summary, orgasm has several important psychological benefits, including stress and anxiety relief, improved mood , improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced pain, improved sleep quality, and strengthened interpersonal relationships.
Humans are biologically designed to seek pleasure, but in our current world it can be surprisingly easy to forget that.
We are wrapped up in our careers, our families , and daily stressors , and too often we don’t even think about how healthy it would be to pause and take the time to do something enjoyable.
Sex and masturbation are acts that we think of in terms of increasing our physical happiness , but they actually have psychological benefits as well , especially when you have an orgasm.
Next, we’ll explore the psychological benefits of having an orgasm.
Mental health benefits of having an orgasm
There are numerous mental health benefits of having an orgasm.
These benefits are related to the neurochemicals that our brain releases when orgasm occurs.
Dr. Alyssa Dweck, INTIMINA sexual and reproductive health expert, tells us that “Orgasm provides increases and a release of dopamine (pleasure hormone), oxytocin (love and cuddle hormone), and endorphins (natural painkillers and feel-good chemicals) in the brain.”
Let’s see what the release of these chemicals leads to in relation to our psychological state .
ORGASM What are the psychological benefits?
Sleep better
In studies, orgasms have been directly linked to better sleep quality. This is true whether you orgasm alone or with a partner.
In addition to the hormones already mentioned, orgasms release vasopressin (a hormone), which goes hand in hand with the body’s production of melatonin, a sleep chemical.
Less anxiety
It is the oxytocin produced by an orgasm that can make you experience less anxiety afterwards.
Studies have shown that even in stressful situations, increased amounts of oxytocin can mitigate an anxiety response.
Of course, for those who experience anxiety regularly, this benefit may not feel as pronounced as for those who do not.
ORGASM What are the psychological benefits?
More happiness
Each of the main chemicals released when we experience orgasms has a positive impact on our happiness.
Additionally, people who engage in sexual activity more regularly experience more happiness in life overall.
That means that while it can be easy for pleasure to get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life, the benefits of making sure to fit sexual pleasure into your schedule include increased happiness.
Improved physical well-being
Sex, even alone, makes your heart beat faster, which is a similar experience to exercise and helps you stay in better physical shape.
Sex alone or as a couple
When we talk about having an orgasm, two things come to mind: solo sex, also known as masturbation, and sex with a partner (or more than one partner).
There’s a cultural myth that partnered sex is better for us, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Dr. Dweck says that, in general, the benefits of orgasms are the same whether they occur alone or with another person.
Dr. Dweck points out that the only difference may be in the body’s production of oxytocin.
That’s because while your body produces a certain amount of the orgasm you have, it can produce even more when you add physical intimacy afterward.
“Oxytocin related to love and hugs has an obvious benefit with a partner,” she tells us.
However, just because some amount of oxytocin is produced through the orgasm itself, it doesn’t mean that if you’re alone you won’t get anything out of it. You just won’t get the added benefit of cuddling with your partner afterwards.
ORGASM What are the psychological benefits?
What if I don’t or can’t have an orgasm?
Now that we understand how beneficial orgasms are for our psychological states , you may feel motivated to be more sexual.
For some people, that is an easy task, and for others, not so much.
Difficulty reaching orgasm affects all genders, 7 even though we usually associate it with women.
Mental blocks that can prevent an orgasm
If your difficulty reaching orgasm is a psychological problem, the key is to mentally relax first. “Obvious mental blocks include distraction and not being mentally present,” says Dr. Dweck.
Thinking about your to-do list or everyday stressors can interfere with achieving orgasm.
Make sure you use the tools that work best for you to calm yourself down before engaging in sexual activity.
Physical problems that can make reaching orgasm more difficult
If a physical problem is an issue, Dr. Dweck suggests managing pain and dryness so as not to anticipate discomfort, which is an obvious emotional turnoff.
She also notes that for people with vaginas, “most clitorises achieve orgasm through direct clitoral stimulation,” not vaginal penetration, so be sure to focus on the area that will most likely lead to pleasure and orgasm.
If you have never had an orgasm
Lastly, if you are someone who has never been able to achieve orgasm and don’t believe that you can, you should know that there are still benefits to engaging in sexual activity.
Your brain still releases neurochemicals, resulting in the same benefits, albeit slightly reduced. It’s still a worthwhile activity for your overall mental health.
How to improve your sexual well-being
Knowing that it can be a challenge to set aside time for sex is the first step to making that time in your life.
While it may seem anything but sexy to schedule time for sex or masturbation, it can actually be a simple way to make sure it happens.
If you’re nervous about taking this first step, you can avoid over- committing by simply scheduling it for a single time.
As you learn to understand the benefits of regular sexual activity, it can become a more frequently scheduled event.
Even if you’re in a relationship, Dr. Dweck recommends exploring your sexuality and your body alone as well as with your partner.
You can’t properly guide another person to bring you to orgasm if you’re not sure what’s getting you there! There’s no shame in masturbating and it’s generally considered a very healthy thing to do.
Finally, Dr. Dweck points out that your sexual health and your overall health are directly related.
If you have a chronic health problem or are taking medications that reduce sexual desire, let yourself be carried away by not prioritizing sex.
If you are concerned about your body and don’t feel confident naked, try practicing body neutrality to feel calmer and more relaxed about it.
