Orgasm! I’m Coming and Becoming Healthy!
Orgasm can be described as a pleasurable physical reflex action of our body when the muscles that were tightened as a result of sexual arousal relax and come back to their pre-arousal state. Orgasm or climax can be a mild and sensuous feeling or it can be ecstatic and intensely physical. Orgasm can feel different at different times of the day depending on your physical and emotional state or whether you are all alone or with a partner. It can also feel different depending on the amount and type of stimulation, your degree of excitement and whether you are in your menstrual cycle.
What Happens to Your Body During an Orgasm?
During sexual arousal, there is an increased flow of blood to the genitals and the muscles of the entire body, including the genitals, become tight. During an orgasm, this process is reversed through a series of contractions. In women, contractions normally occur in the lower area of the vagina, uterus, pelvic floor, and the anus. Some women also ejaculate a fluid through their urethra during an orgasm. In men, orgasm has to phases — emission and ejaculation. During emission, semen is deposited near the top opening of the urethra. During ejaculation, the penile muscles go through rapid contractions and semen is discharged.
Health Benefits of Orgasm
Numerous studies have shown that regular sex is actually good for your health. Listed below are some of the health benefits of sex:
- Easing depression and stress: Orgasm is known to calm people and helps you sleep better. Semen has anti-depressant properties. The hormone oxytocin is released during an orgasm. Oxytocin is known to stimulate feelings of relaxation and warmth. Oxytocin also promotes a feeling of bonding and helps in forming a deep bond with your partner.
- Enhancing the functioning of the brain: Orgasms increase our blood flow and help in bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
- Relieving pain: Orgasm can act as a great pain-killer. Chemicals such as oxytocin and endomorphin surge during an orgasm and help in relieving pain.
Boosting cardio health: A study has shown that sexual intercourse and orgasm can lower systolic blood pressure.
- Boosts your fertility: Female orgasm can boost fertility. Orgasm can improve blood circulation to the organs in your pelvic region. Orgasm also improves the circulation to the pituitary gland which gets activated and regulates the release of reproductive hormones.
- Reduces the risk for developing prostate cancer: A study conducted in 2004 reveals that men who had 21 or more orgasms in a month were 30% less likely to develop prostate cancer.
- Fighting aging: Sex is an excellent form of exercise. It is a great calorie burner. The heart rate increases and this results in the burning of more calories. This further results in the toning up of all the muscles of your body. Since our blood flow increases and we perspire, our body naturally flushes out a lot of toxins. Sweating also releases skin-nourishing oils, thereby making us look younger.
References:
- “The Relative Health Benefits of Different Sexual Activities” by Stuart Brody. Published in Volume 7, Issue 4 , April 2010 of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, accessed on 21 July 2015. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01677.x