Everything that happens to your body when you orgasm
It's simply a given that we're all extremely fascinated by all things rumpy-pumpy.
Whether it's how sex toys affect our health, all the way through to popular sex myths being debunked - and everything else in between - it's clear our interest in what goes down under the sheets and inside our bodies isn't dying down anytime soon.
But, for many people, orgasm is considered to be one of the main reasons why they engage in such hanky-panky, regardless if it's partner sex or solo play.
So, without further ado, let's dive into everything that happens to your body (and mind) when you orgasm - the beautiful, the blissful and, of course, the weird stuff too - beyond just pleasure.
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Body temperature increases
Your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure all rise as your arousal builds, with blood flow also increasing to the genital region (and other erogenous zones).
This can cause swelling, sensitivity, and sometimes more lubrication, Cleveland Clinic notes.
Your muscles, especially around your genitals, bottom, and sometimes thighs, also contract rhythmically during orgasm.
This is great at getting your circulation going, which is good for cardiovascular health, and such muscle contractions can also ease cramps (for people with uteruses) and loosen tension.
However, there are some very minor possibly downsides as, if you have high blood pressure or certain heart conditions, that spike might feel quite extreme.
Additionally, orgasms can sometimes trigger headaches (known as 'orgasmic' or 'coital' headaches) in some people - but this is super rare.
On the sensory side of things, overstimulation can lead to soreness, sensitivity, maybe even pain or discomfort.
And, if lubrication is low - be it due to physical dryness, hormonal changes, or certain medication - friction can hurt.
Some people feel dizzy or faint immediately after orgasm, especially if standing up quickly - but, again, that's not very common at all.
Neurochemicals take over
Many studies explain that when you're climaxing, a rush of oxytocin - AKA the 'love hormone' - alongside endorphins and dopamine, take over.
"Both men and women may release oxytocin, though women typically release more of the feel-good, connecting hormone," states Very Well Mind.
Also, cortisol - the 'stress hormone' - tends to drop after orgasm too.
Due to this, you'll feel a noticeable mood boost with a feeling of relaxation, pleasure and sometimes euphoria as well as stress relief and less anxiety.
Orgasms also pave the way for a better and deeper sleep afterwards.
And if you're climaxing with your partner, then you may feel closer to them, have higher self-esteem and experience enhanced emotional bonding.
"Following an orgasm, vasopressin spikes, and you may feel more bonded to your partner because of it," neurologic specialist Dr. Thompson Maesaka explained to the Daily Mail.
Some people report improved concentration or mental clarity after orgasm.
Again, there are some potential negative issues with this as, sometimes after the high, there can be a bit of a low kind of like an emotional letdown where you may be feeling extra sensitive.
If mental health issues are involved, or sometimes when expectations aren’t met, feelings like guilt, shame and awkwardness can creep in.
Also, it's important to note that post-coital tristesse (PCT) is a thing and can lead sufferers to feel sad, moody, or emotionally 'down' after sex/orgasm.
Also, if you’re putting pressure on yourself with, for example, performance anxiety and internalised shame then that can interfere with the experience and may cause anxiety rather than relieve it.
And, if orgasms are hard to reach (for whatever physical or psychological reason), that in itself can be frustrating or even distressing.
Immunity boost
As we say, orgasm releases endorphins which can dull pain linked to things like headaches, menstrual cramps and muscle aches.
Orgasms have also been shown to improve immune system markers like white blood cells and antibody levels in some studies.
For most people, there aren't negative effects here.
However, there is a rare condition known as Postorgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) where some people (mostly men) report flu-like, cognitive, or mood symptoms after orgasm that can last hours to days.
Long-term health benefits/risks
Regular orgasmic sex or masturbation is associated with better sexual function like better lubrication, more frequent orgasms and maybe even more comfort with your sexual self.
There's also a possible lowered risk of prostate cancer in men with some data suggesting frequent ejaculation is associated with lower risk.
Orgasms bring about an improved mood baseline, meaning you'll have improved sleep and less chronic stress - both of which feed into general well-being.
However, if orgasm or sexual activity is compulsive and interferes with daily life, relationships and work then that can become a problem.
Likewise, if sex, orgasm or masturbation is always associated with guilt, shame, negative beliefs, then even regular orgasms might not bring wellness and could actually instead reinforce distress.
There's also something called Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) which is intense, unwanted arousal that doesn’t always go away with orgasm.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Science, Life, Health, Women's Health, Explained
Rhiannon Ingle