5 Benefits of Orgasms – My Sex Toy Guide

Hi, my name is Rachel Sommer, PhD, and I spent years studying human pleasure and desire. During my long career, I learned firsthand that sexual well-being is key to overall health. That belief is further reinforced by the many emails I get from readers describing how a burst of passion totally changed their day.

So, today I am going to talk about five real benefits of orgasms that go way beyond the bedroom. Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s explore together how intense pleasure can reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve sleep. I also debunk some myths at the end. Let’s go!

1. A Natural Stress Relief

I still remember that email from my client Mark. He told me that after a week of nonstop deadlines and stress, one single intimate moment hit some kind of reset button in the brain. He elaborated: “It was like a deep breath of fresh air that washed away the clutter of my daily worries.” That reset button is caused by the body releasing those feel-good chemicals during an orgasm, giving your brain a mini-vacation.

I experienced this myself many times. For example, after a long day writing articles for My Sex Toy Guide, some self-love often leaves me feeling lighter and more at peace. One post-orgasm bliss in particular, I found myself laughing at the absurdity of life and feeling the day’s burden just melt away. It was like my body hit a refresh button and suddenly everything seemed manageable.

Further reading: Can Masturbation Help Relieve Stress?

2. A Mood Boost

Have you ever woken up and felt like the universe is throwing curveballs at you? I know I have. And I know how just a little pleasure can totally flip the script. My friend Lisa told me she found solace with her rabbit vibrator after a series of bad days at work. “I felt like I found my smile again,” she said. There’s just something magical how our bodies reward us for a little indulgence.

Ok, time for a science lesson: An orgasm releases dopamine and endorphins that give you a natural high. It’s like savoring a piece of your favorite chocolate for a rainy day; unexpected, delightful, and utterly satisfying. Yummy.

Further reading: Does Masturbation Have Positive or Negative Effects on the Brain?

3. Better Sleep

Sleep often feels like a rare treasure in our busy lives. I often think about Tom, a long-time reader who wrote me about his sleepless nights. He confessed that masturbating before bedtime helped him fall asleep more easily. “It was as if my body finally got the lullaby it had been craving,” he said.

For me personally, I often experience that sleep follows like clockwork after a moment of self-love. It’s not a magic cure but it works wonders for easing the transition into a restful night’s sleep. Even science backs this up:

Further reading: The influence of sexual activity on sleep: A diary study

4. Deepening Intimacy and Connection

Let’s be honest. There’s just something powerful about sharing a moment of real pleasure with a loved one. I heard from so many couples who credit their closeness to their bedroom activities. For example, one couple whom I counseled told me their most memorable moment was the passionate sex and not the romantic gestures. That really surprised me, but got me thinking.

I also had a client, Monica, who told me that a passionate moment changed her whole relationship. “It was as if every worry disappeared and all that was left was the warmth of being truly known,” she said. From her, I learned that solo masturbation can improve relationships by teaching us more about ourselves and our vulnerabilities.

Further reading: Enhancing Intimacy: The Role of Sexual Connection in Relationships

5. Overall Health

Did you know that orgasms offer surprising benefits even for your physical health? That’s right, but it’s not commonly known. For example, Jen, one of my regular readers, once told me that orgasms felt like a mini workout. She said that it gives her an extra boost of energy, among other things. I was surprised at first, but after more digging I found that research actually backs this up: the physical act of climax can improve blood flow and even ease certain types of pain, like a short sprint that leaves you feeling refreshed.

On top of that, I have seen time and time again how adding sex acts into your daily routine can lead to actual health improvements. I had a sex workshop a while ago, and one participant told me that regular lovemaking increased his energy and eased certain chronic conditions. Woah!

Further reading: Regional cerebral blood flow changes associated with clitorally induced orgasm in healthy women

Debunking the Myths

Let’s wrap up by debunking some common sex myths. These myths often come from outdated taboos and a lack of open conversations about our bodies. One of the most common is that the orgasm is just a frivolous indulgence, a bonus rather than an essential part of self-care. But that is far from the truth. In fact, it’s not a luxury reserved for special occasions; it’s a natural function that brings real benefits to body and mind.

Conclusion

There you have it. In this article, I have shared both science and actual stories because I truly believe pleasure can change all facets of our lives. Everything from reducing stress, brightening the mood, improving sleep, to deepening connections. Every comment I get, like Mark’s about his “personal reboot button,” shows that these moments can have profound effects. No matter how brief.

So let’s honor our sacred bodies by dedicating a few moments to our own pleasure. Each moment counts, whether it’s solo or with a loved one. I would love to hear about your experience, so please send me an email or post a comment below. I promise I will reply.

Happy vibing!

Rachel

Rachel is a clinical sexologist with a focus on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC issues. Originally from Texas, she loves sushi, white wine, and spending time with her partner Jessica. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Yahoo.com, Women’s Health, Healthline, Glamour, and MindBodyGreen.
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