7 Reasons To Prioritise Your Self-Pleasure (And Have More Orgasms)

Sex and self-pleasure is without a doubt one of the most important self-care rituals. Because what’s not to love about instant pleasure? And it turns out that the benefits of orgasms extend beyond just a hit of oxytocin.

Orgasms come with a number of benefits, from youthful skin to boosting your immunity. And while your perfect number is a very personal thing, it’s well worth trying to fit a few more big ‘O’s into your busy schedule (and try some new sex positions while you’re at it) – consider it a health and wellness essential…

To ensure you’re prioritising your health and your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of the mindboggling health benefits of orgasms that are sure to inspire a self-pleasure session of your own. 

The health benefits of orgasms

#1 They make you look younger

UK-based clinical psychologist Dr. David Weeks surveyed 3,500 people and found that the more orgasms they had, the younger they looked. In fact, the doc says a vigorous sex life was found to be the second-most important determinant of how youthful a person looked (the first was physical activity). Have four a week, and you could look up to seven years younger. Hey, it’s easier than running four times a week!

#2 Natural stress and pain relief

Do orgasms help with pain? The bottom line is yes. When you orgasm, the hormone oxytocin (also known as the ‘love molecule’) is released into the bloodstream, making you feel warm and fuzzy, as well as more optimistic, confident and trusting. Orgasms can also help relieve pain caused by headaches and cramps. A true win-win situation!

#3 Boost your immunity

Is there anything the orgasm can’t do?! According to the British Medical Journal, there’s a strong correlation between orgasms and mortality rates. In fact, those who orgasm two times a week or more can apparently add up to eight years to their life. How? Well, the benefits of orgasms also extend to your body’s immune system, boosting your immunity, heart health and brainpower. So your life pretty much depends on you having one. Just sayin’. 

#4 Orgasms reduce breakouts

You may have noticed that your skin looks infinitely better and more glowy after you climax (there’s a reason why one of our favourite blushes is called ‘Orgasm’…). And sometimes not even a targeted breakout-prone skin care routine can banish spots for good. So it may be time to break out the big guns – or your vibrator. Orgasms release the pleasure hormone oxytocin and decrease cortisol, a stress hormone. As your cortisol levels drop, so too does skin inflammation. The result? A noticeable reduction of spots and other skin concerns including eczema. Who knew you could climax your way to better skin?!

#5 They get better with age

Just like wine, orgasms get better with age. A 2017 study from The Independent revealed that women aged 36 and older experienced better and more frequent orgasms than they had earlier in life. Whether this was due to them having more practice or just feeling a bit more comfortable in their own skin remains unclear – but it’s a compelling case for upping your O game as you age!

#6 You can train yourself to have a better one

Think your orgasms are a bit sub par? Don’t worry, there’s most likely nothing wrong with you. It could simply be because your PC muscles (the hammock-like structure that supports your pelvic organs) are underdeveloped. According to She Comes First author, Dr. Ian Kerner, these intimate muscles are “like any other muscle”, meaning that “their power and efficiency improve with a regular workout.” To help them along, all you need to do is start some Kegel exercises. Simply “squeeze your Kegel muscles for 10 seconds and release, then start again as many times as you want throughout the day.” Better O’s are just a few workouts away…

 #7 Tackle insomnia

You probably think tiredness after an orgasm is more of a guy thing. But that sleepy feeling actually affects women, too. After climax, our brains release a wonderful cocktail of chemicals, including the OG pleasure hormone oxytocin, as well as vasopressin. These in turn help with the release of melatonin, which helps regulate your sleep. You may even find that orgasms also help soothe anxiety, which will help you have an even better night’s sleep.

Need some help getting there? Here are our favourite sex toys to get you started…

The best self-pleasure toys in Australia

Lady Bonnd Billie

$74.95 at The Iconic

We Vibe Melt

$209 at THE ICONIC

LBDO Essensual Vibe

$149.95 at Adore Beauty

Fun Factory Tiger G5

$144.95 at Fun Factory

Velvetine Ivy

$49.99 at Bras N Things

Par Femme MMM Rabbit

$139.95 at THE ICONIC

Bare Body Love Confidence Revolutionary Wand Massager

$139.95 at Hard To Find

If you’re yet to experience the bliss of orgasm or simply haven’t prioritised your pleasure for a while, grab your vibrator (or your partner) and let the mood take you wherever it may…

What do you think of these orgasm facts?!