What happens to your body when you orgasm
Sixty three per cent of Aussies orgasm most of the time or every time they have sex, according to the body+soulmates Sex Survey 2019. From glowing skin to an immunity boost, here’s what’s going on in your body during the big O.
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According to the body+soulmates Sex Survey 2019, 3.6m Australians (19 per cent) have sex at least once a week, with eight per cent getting lucky on most days.
Men are also more likely than women to orgasm every time they have sex (81 per cent men compared to 46 per cent of women) but both genders can benefit from a good bout of sex.
Here’s what’s going on with your body when you orgasm...
YOUR SINUSES CLEAR UP
Got the sniffles? Have sex. One of the reasons your nose gets blocked is because the blood vessels inside of it swell, which creates congestion.
When you amp up towards orgasm, though, your adrenaline levels increase and cause your blood vessels to constrict, which clears your nose and allows you to breathe more easily. For extra benefits, position yourself on top during sex and let gravity do the rest.
YOUR HEART GETS STRONGER
When you orgasm, your brain sends a cocktail of feel-good hormones (like endorphins and oxytocin) coursing through your body and levels of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline are reduced.
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Plus, the ‘happy’ chemicals are linked to feelings of love and bonding, which further offset any feelings of stress you may have, thereby contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
YOUR TOLERANCE TO PAIN INCREASES
There’s a reason you feel invincible just after you climax. According to US researchers, orgasms activate the part of your brain responsible for releasing serotonin, which as well as making you feel good, can also relieve pain.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with our survey results? Want to share your thoughts on sex? Take part in our survey online at bodyandsoulmates.com.au
A separate German study also found that people who have sex during a migraine score significant pain relief. So if you’ve got a sore head, try skipping the paracetamol and get your partner involved.
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM GETS A BOOST
After you hit the big O, your immunity goes into overdrive. Not only do the number of natural killer cells in your blood increase, the amount of immunoglobulin A in your saliva also goes up, and this helps fight infections.
YOUR COMPLEXION LOOKS YOUNGER
The increase in blood flow during sex, and especially during orgasm, helps deliver nutrients to your skin and promotes the release of oestrogen — a key player in collagen production.
A study by UK researchers also found that the more orgasms you have, the more youthful you look, so if you’re keen to soften fine lines, you may want to pencil in a little afternoon delight.
YOUR APPETITE IS SUPPRESSED
Next time you’re craving some chocolate, instead of a quick snack, try a quickie. Research shows the release of oxytocin when you climax can help curb your appetite and reduce your food intake post-orgasm.
Canadian researchers also found that sex can torch more calories than walking — so, really, it’s a total-body fat burner.
EVERYTHING GETS BIGGER
The penis isn’t the only body part that increases in size during sex. When a woman is aroused, a rush of blood is sent to your erogenous zone, which causes your vulva, clitoris, labia and cervix to swell.
Your nipples also become hard and erect, and most women experience an increase in breast size, too.
YOUR BRAIN SLOWS DOWN
Ever felt like your mind takes a vacation during an orgasm? There’s a reason for that.
Apparently, the part of your brain responsible for reasoning and making decisions pauses during climax, which is also why you get that out-of-body feeling. An orgasm and a mini mind vacay? Win, win!
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with our survey results? Want to share your thoughts on sex? Take part in our survey online at bodyandsoulmates.com.au
Originally published as What happens to your body when you orgasm