Orgasms offer more than just pleasure.
They are scientifically proven to improve physical, emotional, and psychological health.
Larisa Stefanuyk / Getty Images
Benefits of Orgasms With Yourself
1.

Larisa Stefanuyk / Getty Images
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Masturbation is an excellent way to relieve stress and relax.
Achieving orgasm can be especially helpful when winding down after a long, stressful day.
These hormones promote relaxation and drowsiness, setting the stage for a good night’s rest.
Endorphins released after orgasm have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects and may reduce pain.
Masturbation offers some advantages over partnered sex when you’re in pain.
Self-pleasure allows you to focus on your comfort without the additional pressure of meeting your partner’s needs.
Masturbation can also help managepremature ejaculation.
Boost Mood
Self-pleasure can be a quick and effective way to improve your mood when feeling down or stressed.
Orgasms increasedopaminelevelsa neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivationhelping counteract irritability, sadness, or melancholy.
Benefits of Orgasms With a Partner
6.
This combination of touch and shared pleasure helps partners feel more emotionally connected during and after intimate moments.
Enhanced Immune Function
Sharing an orgasm with a partner mayboost your immune system.
Support Heart Health
Sexual activity and orgasms with a partner may protect your heart health.
For many, this means exploring self-pleasure through masturbation.
Take your time, and don’t rush the experience.
Slow, mindful touch, foreplay, and focusing on building arousal can lead to more intense orgasms.
Pay attention to the areas that give you the most pleasure, and guide your partner toward them.
They can also benefit your emotional, physical, and psychological well-being.
Gianotten, WL.The health benefits of sexual expression.
In: Geuens S, Polona Mivsek A, Gianotten WL, eds.Midwifery and Sexuality.
Springer International Publishing; 2023:41-48.
Mental Health America.What are endorphins?
Liu H, Waite LJ, Shen S, Wang DH.Is sex good for your health?
A national study on partnered sexuality and cardiovascular risk among older men and women.J Health Soc Behav.
2023;10:1196540. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1196540
Rackal Y.Why doesn’t sleep advice talk about sex?CMAJ.
2021;193(11):E384-E385.
2022;17(10):e0274331.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0274331
Planned Parenthood.Six reasons masturbation is good for you.
Komisaruk BR, Rodriguez Del Cerro MC.How does our brain generate sexual pleasure?.Int J Sex Health.
A systematic review.Sex Med.
2021;33(4):478-493. doi:10.1080/19317611.2021.1966564
Planned Parenthood.How can I have an orgasm?
Pauls RN.Anatomy of the clitoris and the female sexual response.Clin Anat.
StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
- Vieira-Baptista P, Lima-Silva J, Preti M, et al.G-spot: Fact or fiction?
A systematic review.Sex Med.