To celebrate the month of love, I wanted to share the top reasons you should thank your orgasm. And hopefully, by the end of this article, you'll be inspired to rededicate this month to self-love.
Toe-curling, mind-blowing, earth shattering: Are there any phrases too hyperbolic to describe the joys of an orgasm? I think not. As far as I’m concerned, orgasms are among the most important ways women can care for their physical, emotional, and psychological health — and I’m a huge proponent of reaping these rewards on a regular basis.
Pleasure doesn’t play a big enough part in our daily lives. One big reason we push off pleasure? Stress. Stress is a major cause of decreased libido and added stress puts strain on our adrenals, those thumb-sized glands that sit right above our kidneys and kick in to help our body combat stress. The adrenal glands also secrete the hormones necessary to keep your libido intact.
When overworked from being in a constant state of stress and alert, the last thing your body wants to do is have sex or procreate — which means you won’t get to experience the benefits of orgasm. Your body goes into survival mode and is just worried about sustaining itself.
If you’re regular MO is to stress about everything and put off pleasure, then you’ll want to pay attention. I find that investing in your overall pleasure will do wonders for your well-being. Here are my favorite reasons, taken from my book, WomanCode, why I think regular sex can be your prescription for better health:
1. It regulates periods.
Some research suggests that women who have intercourse at least once a week are more likely to have normal menstrual cycles than women who are celibate or who have infrequent sex.
2. It helps with detoxification.
Sex provides an overall lymphatic massage, helping your body’s natural detoxification process.
The lymphatic system is your body's complex network of tissues and organs dedicated to getting rid of waste and toxins and delivering white-blood-cell-rich lymph to various parts of the body to fight infection. Unlike blood, lymph doesn't have a pump to move where it needs to go and it relies on your body's muscle and joint contractions. Physical activity (like sex!) helps move stagnant lymph into circulation.
3. It reduces stress.
Orgasms, and sex in general, also induce deep relaxation by boosting endorphin levels and flushing cortisol out of the body.
4. It could boost healthy hormones.
Orgasms spike levels of DHEA, a hormone that some suggest improves brain function, helps maintain and repair tissue, and promotes healthy skin.
5. It's anti-aging.
Skip the expensive creams and procedures: sex could be your real ticket to a youthful glow! In fact, one study found that making love three times a week in a stress-free relationship was associated with looking a full decade younger.
6. It's immune-strengthening.
Some research has shown that regular sex can boost infection-fighting cells up to 20 percent, which help you fight off those stubborn colds and flu.
7. It helps with pain relief.
Research suggests that sexual activity can help cure migraines and treat other types of pain.
8. It enhances passion.
And of course, orgasms increase levels of the hormone oxytocin, which is linked to passion, intuition, and social skills — the hormone of bonding and success!
If you’re struggling to get in the mood, or feel like your orgasmic response is diminished, it's important to consider what you can do to get your sexy back. Some root causes to look at include thyroid imbalance, micronutrient deficiency, birth control pills, and problematic periods.
So this month of love, instead of focusing all of your energy on your partner, put a good amount of your focus on yourself, your response, your desire, and the quality of your orgasm, and see how you can expand your capacity for pleasure.
