7 Health Benefits of Having an Orgasm

Hell yes! Turns out, a big O a day may be as useful of an Rx as an
apple a day. From lower stress to more happy hormones to a stronger
immune system, the benefits of orgasm go far beyond feeling more
connected to your partner (although that’s a big win, too).

Read up before you strip down, then go on and test the benefits
of orgasm yourself. (Before we jump right in, here are five things
everyone needs to know about sex and dating, according to a relationship
therapist.)

You’ll Boost Your Immune System

Screw Emergen-C: Sex is the best way to prevent the common
cold. Past research has shown that one of the big benefits of orgasm is
that it boosts your immune system. A study of college students showed
that those who had sex once or twice a week had immunoglobulin levels 30
percent higher than those who were abstinent. Just maybe don’t have sex
when you’re sick…nobody wants to sneeze mid-romp and spread those
germs around.

Your Pain Threshold Will Be Higher

You may not
orgasm every single time you have sex, and that’s totally fine.
(Although, can we get a slow clap for this woman who made a resolution
to have more Os with her partner?) Here’s one reason to go for gold
anyway: Another benefit of orgasm is that it produces a pain-blocking
effect, so you won’t be as sensitive to pain (like when you accidentally
stub your toe on the way to the bathroom), says Dr. Beverly Whipple, a
sex educator, researcher, counselor, and coauthor of The G Spot and
Other Discoveries About Human Sexuality.

That said, there is one
exception: “Women who eat a diet high in spicy foods don’t always get
the pain-blocking benefit because the capsaicin found in chili peppers
prevents it from occurring,” says Whipple. In other words, lay off the
hot stuff. (If you want to spice it up in the bedroom instead, consider
trying one of these best sex positions for your zodiac sign.)

You May Live Longer

A
study conducted in South Wales over the course of 10 years examined the
relationship between the frequency of orgasm and mortality among
middle-aged men, who were asked about their physical health in addition
to the frequency of orgasms. At the 10-year follow-up, they found that
those who had two or more orgasms a week had a 50 percent lower
mortality risk than those who had less-frequent orgasms. Studies that
have since followed have shown a positive association between sexual
intercourse and women’s longevity as well, so keep on keepin’ on. (DYK
your relationship status can also help predict your lifespan?)

You’ll Help Regulate Your Cycle

A Planned Parenthood
report showed that several studies have linked regular sex—meaning once
or twice a non-menstruating week—to more regular periods, along with
relief from menstrual cramps when it’s that time of the month.
Translation: Get busy now so you can Netflix and actually chill later.
(If your period is all over the place, one of these things could be
causing your irregular cycle.)

You’ll Feel Happier

No
shocker here, though it’s always nice to have a little scientific
research to back this up: People who regularly have sex—orgasm or
not—are happier, according to a study in the Journal of Psychosomatic
Research. The researchers looked at 4,000 women in the U.S. and examined
their mood, sexuality, and menstrual cycle. They found strong links
between sexual interest and an overall sense of well-being. And those
who had higher senses of well-being also had a stronger sex drive and
overall higher quality of life.

You Could Be More Likely to Conceive

For
those trying to start a family, timing can play a crucial role: In a
report in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, women who have orgasms during
sex after their male partner’s orgasm retained more sperm than those
who never hit the big O or hit it before their partner. Researchers say
it likely has to do with the release of oxytocin that occurs as a
benefit of orgasm. But that’s not all: Dr. Whipple says that sex can
also help create a healthy pregnancy overall, and has been proven to
help more women carry to term.

You May Lose Weight

A study
published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy showed that
frequent intercourse and sexual activity, whether with a partner or
solo, has been connected to a smaller hip and waist circumference for
both men and women. On top of feeling fierce AF, that also means getting
busy can help lower your risk for serious health issues like heart
disease and type 2 diabetes. (Now try these sex positions that double as
exercise to get started.)