Seriously.
When it comes to improving health, toe-curling orgasms are the ultimate go-to solution. From the alleviation of pain to natural anti-depressant effects, orgasms are a body’s friend.
Check out these 11 reasons to have an orgasm today. And remember, you can have a great orgasm with or without a partner.
1. Orgasms and decreased cravings and anxiety go hand in hand.
If you’re trying to kick that smoking habit, orgasms just might be able to help. In fact, studies show that oxytocin, which is released during sex and orgasm, reduces cravings.
Take this for example. Drug-addicted rodents who were given oxytocin had fewer symptoms of withdrawal. And this may transcend to the desire for other things-like sweet treats.
Plus, oxytocin reduces anxiety. In other words, a good orgasm just might calm you down.
2. Sex and orgasm can make menopause easier.
Menopause can be frustrating. And one of the most frustrating parts about this natural bodily process is decreased sex drive. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to prolonging sexual desire.
In truth, sex and orgasm can help to preserve your sex drive. It’s true.
Research shows that having sex on a regular basis after menopause (including masturbation) helps to prevent vaginal atrophy and vaginal dryness. So make sex and orgasm a priority to preserve your primal desire for a good romp in the hay.
3. Orgasms help with headaches.
Got a migraine? Forget Tylenol. Try an orgasm.
According to CBS News, a German study concluded that a romp in the hay helped 60 percent of research subjects with migraines and a third of those with cluster headaches. Though the exact reason for this hasn’t been determined, it is thought that endorphins may play a part in this process.
4. Sex is a calorie killer.
Have you put on a few pounds? If your goal is to burn off last night’s pizza, it might be time for a toe-curling orgasm.
It’s no secret that sex burns calories. And a big portion of those calories are burned during orgasm.
According to Everyday Health, an orgasm burns sixty to one hundred calories. And the average session of doing the deed burns one to two hundred calories.
Foreplay can even contribute to this process. In fact, you can burn 25 calories for every fifteen minutes you fool around. Kissing even burns unwanted calories-with experts saying you can lose 85 calories an hour by simply locking lips.
5. Sex can lower the risk of heart attack.
If you’re looking to improve the health of your ticker, start getting busy in the sack. One study conducted on over 1,000 men found that regular sex reduces the risk of major heart conditions by nearly fifty percent when compared to those who have sex once a month or less. While women haven’t been studied, it is safe to assume that the health benefits of sex in the way of cardiovascular health are a definite plus.
6. Sex can prevent colds.
Research conducted through Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania determined that sex can actually improve the immune system. The study concluded that having sex once or twice a week increases IgA (immunoglobulin A) levels in the body. This antibody plays an important role in immune system function.
7. Orgasms are like fine wine-they get better with age.
When we’re young, we don’t know our bodies. But as we get older, we know what we like- and just how we like it. In addition, we’re open to trying new things. This makes sex (whether solo or with a partner) better.
Experts agree with this concept. "Orgasm becomes easier with age," Dr. Debby Herbenick tells Woman’s Day. "As an example, while 61 percent of women ages 18 to 24 experienced orgasm the last time they had sex, 65 percent of women in their 30s did and about 70 percent of women in their 40s and 50s did."
8. The big O helps with cramps.
Orgasm releases endorphins. And endorphins are some of the best pain relievers known to man. In fact, they’re a lot like narcotics.
"The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain," Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., coauthor of Why Women Have Sex, tells ABC News.
Studies have actually proven this to be true. In fact, one study, concluded that a simple orgasm can cut pain in half.
9. Sex can act as an antidepressant.
Your own orgasm may not be the only health benefit when it comes to sex. In fact, your partner’s orgasm may be beneficial as well.
Experts say that semen could have the ability to enhance mood. According to Psychology Today, one study surveyed nearly 300 college women regarding sex with and without condoms. In addition, women were given a standard mood test called the Beck Depression Inventory. The study concluded that women who didn’t use condoms exhibited a better mood than those who did.
P.S. Stick with the safe sex if you’re not in a monogamous relationship in which both you and your partner have been tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
10. You’ll sleep better.
Orgasm can act as a natural sleep inducer. That’s because the oxytocin and endorphins released during orgasm have a sedating effect that naturally makes us tired. According to Planned Parenthood, one study concluded that 32 percent of women surveyed masturbate to go to sleep.
11. Orgasms are the fountain of youth.
Want to look younger? Go for “the big O.”
Research associates regular sexual activity with a more youthful appearance. In fact, a ten year study of over 3500 males and females analyzed this concept. Judges looked at study subjects by using a one way mirror and were told to guess their ages. If a subject’s age was often guessed as seven to 12 years younger, they were assigned the term “superyoung.” Analysis showed that those who were given this label often had an active sex life, reporting intercourse three or more times a week (compared to twice a week in the control group).