Orgasms are awesome.

You agree, I agree, and even science agrees. (Yay, science!) But did you know that in addition to being the best, most blissful feeling ever, that having orgasms regularly has a bunch of health benefits as well?

They reduce stress!

When you orgasm, your body releases a flood of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, which calming effect on your body. You know that warm, tingly all over sensation you get post-O? That’s the oxytocin flooding your bloodstream, easing muscle tension and lowering stress-causing cortisol, increasing feelings of intimacy and contentment. Oh yeah, and it’s been linked to the body’s ability to fight cancer.

They alleviate pain!

The endorphins produced by sex boost your pain tolerance by more than 60%. Serotonin, known as the “satisfaction hormone”, is the same hormone produced as an effect of pain medication. It is also released by the body in massive amounts during sex. Ke$sha wasn’t kidding when she sang that love was her drug, it’s like having your very own morphine factory inside your hoo-ha!

Next time you’re feeling achy from your morning run or battling a headache, hit the sheets instead of the medicine cabinet!

They help you sleep!

Those happy sex hormones we talked about before, oxytocin serotonin, as well as dopamine, all contribute to feelings of relaxation, contentment, and security, enabling you to slip quickly and blissfully into slumber.

So go get some sexy post-coital zzz’s, Sleeping Beauty!

They’re good for your heart! 
Orgasms make your heart stronger, and I don’t just mean metaphorically. Sex is an aerobic activity, and as such it increases cardiovascular strength and elasticity. Plus, it boosts circulation, improves blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol.

They’re basically a Fountain of Youth

In studies where people were shown pictures and asked to rate the subject’s age, photos of people who had just had sex were thought to be 10 years younger, on average, compared to people who hadn’t gotten busy. Why? It’s all about them hormones! Sex that leads to orgasm increases levels of HGH (human growth hormone) and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which improve skin clarity and have been attributed to cell strength and fat loss.

Sex isn’t just fun, it’s healthy! (As if you needed another excuse!)