An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away
As a sexual wellness company, we love to talk about orgasms. How to have them, how to increase them, and how many you can experience at once. We all know orgasms feel good, but did you know they're also great for your mental health? The mind is the body's largest sexual organ, so it's no surprise that when we're not feeling well in our brains, it can affect other parts of the body.
Let's look at how focusing on sexual health can be beneficial for mental health. Here's how orgasm can help improve your mood.
How it works
In her book, " The Answer Guide to Orgasms ," sex educator, counselor, and researcher Dr. Beverly Whipple explains that orgasms occur when nerve cells in the hypothalamus release oxytocin. This chemical, oxytocin, is released into the bloodstream and stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation. Sex also releases serotonin (the happy hormone) and increases dopamine levels. In fact, semen contains oxytocin and other mood-enhancing hormones.
Dr. Gert Holstege scanned the brains of men and women while they were experiencing orgasms. He found that activity in the amygdala (the region that reacts to fearful stimuli) decreased. This demonstrates that sex reduces fear and anxiety.
Although it may seem unrelated, it's a really interesting fact: orgasms also increase levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is linked to improved memory and brain function. Therefore, having sex can make you smarter.
The link between sex and mental health
It's undeniable that depression can have a major impact on your sex life. In fact, a study conducted in France shows that people with depression had a 50% to 70% risk of developing sexual dysfunction. This is understandable when symptoms of depression often include negative thoughts about yourself or the world, which can inhibit sexual desire. Anxiety can also cause you to overthink sexual experiences and distract you from the moment.
This, in turn, can cause conflict in your relationship if you and your partner no longer have sex. As the problems worsen, your mental health can also worsen. These problems can make sex seem like an almost impossible task, but it isn't if you're willing to make some changes.
Solutions for sexual desire
You may be wondering, "How can I enjoy an orgasm if depression has diminished my sex drive?" There are many solutions that can help you get in the mood so you can enjoy the orgasmic euphoria of sex.
Make lifestyle changes
If you notice that depression is affecting your sex life, you have many solutions to feel better. Talk to a psychiatrist, change your diet, adopt an exercise regimen, or ask a doctor if medication is the best option for you. A good place to start is to talk with your partner about what you feel or don't feel during sex.
Be aware of side effects
Most antidepressants can have a decreased sex drive as a side effect. Talk to your doctor about a good option that works for you. If you feel the medication you've been prescribed isn't working, discuss it at your next appointment.
Don't force foreplay
Dress up or wear lingerie Help your partner relax with a sensual massage . Try a date night to get you both in the mood. A little seduction can go a long way toward getting someone in the mood.
As the world changes and becomes more open about sex, masturbation, and orgasms, we're learning more about the health benefits of sex. Sometimes, you won't reach orgasm, and don't worry, because you'll still get some benefits. While orgasm won't solve all your problems, science shows it can definitely help. If you're looking for more reasons why orgasm is great for your health, check out this blog .
So we'd like to change the saying a bit... an orgasm a day keeps the doctor away!
*If you or someone you know is depressed and needs help, check out this list of resources . If you need immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.