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Orgasms aren’t just pleasurablethey can be good for your mental and physical health.
Such effects aren’t just limited to partnered sexyou can benefit from solo sex as well.
Mental Health Benefits of Having an Orgasm
There are numerous mental health benefits ofhaving an orgasm.
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These benefits are related to the neurochemicals released by our brains when orgasm happens.
Let’s look at what the release of these chemicals leads to in relation to our psychological state.
Studies have shown that even in stressful situations, an increased amount of oxytocin can mitigate an anxiety response.
Orgasms also help stimulate the vagal nerve, which plays an important role in relieving feelings of anxiety.
Additionally, people who engage in sexual activity more regularly experience more happiness in life overall.
The mood-lifting effects of orgasms may also help combat feelings of stress and depression.
Increased Intimacy
Sex and orgasm can also help increase yourintimacyand connection with your partner.
Having emotional closeness is an essential part of ahealthy relationship.
Dr. Dweck notes that the only difference may be in the body’s production of oxytocin.
“Love and cuddle-related oxytocin have [an] obvious benefit with a partner,” she informs us.
You just won’t have the added benefit of cuddling with a partner afterward.
What If I Don’t or Can’t Have an Orgasm?
For some people, that’s an easy taskand for others, not so much.
Difficulty achieving orgasm affects all genders,even though we typically associate it with women.
“The obvious mental blocks include distraction and not being mentally present,” says Dr. Dweck.
Ahealthy sex lifeisn’t about the frequency of sex (although that can be important, too).
Communication, consent, respect, and pleasure are all paramount.
Neurochemicals are still released by your brain, resulting in the same benefits, even if slightly reduced.
It’s still a worthwhile activity for your mental health at large.
As you grow to understand the benefits of regular sexual activity, it can become a more frequently-scheduled occurrence.
There’s no shame in masturbating, and it’s generally considered a very healthy thing to do overall.
Lastly, Dr. Dweck notes that your sexual health and general health are directly related.
What This Means For You
Know that there’s no shame at all in talking about sex.
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