Orgasms may not be a thoroughly well-researched topic in regards to our health but from the few that have been done, they appear to benefit our well-being more than we realize.

Here’s a look at how orgasms are not only an extremely euphoric sensation for us but how they have a positive impact on our health:

·         Relieves pain

Experiencing an orgasm sends a rush of the hormone oxytocin surging through our body acting as a natural pain-reliever blocking pain by as much as 50 percent but only during the orgasm.  Other endorphins are also released during orgasm, the same ones that are triggered during laughter or exercise.

·         Aids in fertility

The odds of conception appear to improve when a woman has an orgasm.  One study found that contractions from climaxing cause both vaginal and cervical movement that may draw in sperm escorting them in the right direction. Increased amounts of sperm have been found in the cervical mucus of women who had an orgasm. 

·         May reduce incidence of prostate cancer

The National Cancer Institute had a study from 2004 comparing 50,000 men finding those who had more than 21 orgasms each month were 30 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who had fewer than seven orgasms in a month. 

Another study from 2003 found that men who had five orgasms a week in their twenties had a one-third lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer later in life.  It is speculated by researchers that ejaculation may clear out the prostate of old semen that might possibly turn cancerous.

·         Reduces stress

There is nothing quite like an orgasm to sweep you away from all stressful situations going on in your life.  It’s the perfect stress-buster as oxytocin and endorphins flood the body during sex and particularly during an orgasm making you feel relaxed free from tension and anxiety.  Far better than taking a valium. 

·         May possibly increase longevity

Even though the links are hazy, there are limited studies suggesting an association between sexual activity and health.  A book called The Longevity Project: Surprising discoveries for health and long-life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study by Dr. Howard Friedman, found that women who had a higher frequency of achieving orgasm during intercourse tended to live longer than women who didn’t.  The precise casual connection is not known but, hey, it’s worth giving it a try to find out if it’s true.

·         Appears to reduce the risk of heart disease for men

It has been known that men who have few if any problems achieving and maintaining an erection sufficient for sex, tend to have healthier arteries.  The same process that causes heart disease can also block blood flow in the penis.  What is not as well understood is whether orgasms protect men from heart disease or if healthier men simply have more orgasms.