One orgasm, so many benefits

Some of the most reputable scientists and specialists of today, such as Carlos Beyer, Barry R. Komisaruk, Beverly Whippe and Sarah Nasserzadeh, have described orgasm as one of the most complicated biological processes we know, but it turns out that this works in our favour (something pleasurable without contraindications!).

We asked two experts to list the main benefits of orgasm, which in the majority of cases apply to men and women. This is what they said:

Oxytocin, a hormone which is secreted during orgasm, regulates physiological processes which are closely related to emotions. "It is one of those involved in controlling anxiety and reducing stress," said Rosa Navarro.

As above, as it is a physical activity in which our cardiovascular system speeds up, it also helps to burn off calories.

You don't need to be a sexual athlete but there is scientific evidence that cardiovascular fitness improves in people who have regular orgasms. "The release of certain hormones causes an increase in the heart rate and activates the circulation. It also relaxes the artery walls," said Santiago Frago, a member of the governing board of the Spanish Federation of Sexology Societies and co-direcor of the Amaltea Sexology Institute of Zaragoza.

"Orgasms also increase the production of antibodies involved in protection from viral infections," Rosa Navarro, a sexologist at Diversual, told us. And that is not the only effect of the chemical bomb which is generated when we have an orgasm, because it also produces "a type of natural antihistamine", Santiago Frago added.

"People normally sleep better after orgasm," Navarro said. They release naturalopiates which act as sedatives.

During orgasm a series of intermittent contractions of the striated muscles of the pelvic floor and uterus occurs. "This is very good to prevent, for instance, incontinence problems in women and vaginal atrophy due to the increased blood flow in the area when an orgasm takes place," said Navarro, who also pointed out that the endorphins released during orgasm have an analgesic effect which also reduces menstrual pain.

"The more we stimulate ourselves and learn what we like most and how to achieve it, the more likely it is that we will be able to reach orgasm," Navarro also explained.

The whole encounter itself is a physical activity, so if it occurs with a certain frequency it helps to prevent some cardiac illnesses.

Orgasm doesn't just prevent cardiac illnesses. The release of hormones such as oxytocin has proven to have a protective effect in the long term against the development of cancerous cells.

"Although it might seem unlikely, orgasms really do make the skin look younger, it's true," said Rosa Navarro.