The previous blog entry talked about the health benefits of orgasms for men. What are the health benefits of orgasms for Women? There are many. In a 2002 study of 293 women, a psychologist found that “sexually active participants whose male partners did not use condoms were less subject to depression than those whose partners did. One theory of causality is prostaglandin, a hormone found only in semen, may be absorbed in the female genital tract, and modulates female hormones, potentially reducing depression.” Of course semen enters the vagina even without orgasm, but some theorist believe that with orgasm, semen is more effectively brought into the vaginal canal and uterus. I am not condoning un-protected sex unless you and your partner have both been tested, however, it is an interesting fact.
Semen also seems to have dental benefits. “Seminal plasma contains zinc, calcium and other minerals shown to retard tooth decay,” states an article published in Forbes by Alan Farnham. Who knew?
The other fabulous benefit of orgasms for women is pain reduction. Farnham’s article states, “Immediately before orgasm, levels of the hormone oxytocin surge to 5 times their normal level. This, in turn, releases endorphins, which alleviates the pain of everything from headache to arthritis to migraine. In women sex also prompts estrogen production which can reduce the pain of PMS.” Though these are certainly interesting facts the reason I see as most compelling for having orgasms is that they just make sex feel better. It is quite an obvious fact and yet many, many women I see do not make it a priority. Part of my job is to enable them to experience this for themselves. Through medications, hormones and/or vibrators, most women can have good orgasms. Unfortunately, 5 percent of women can’t have them at all, but that has not stopped us from trying to help them too. Most women can and they sometimes just need a little help along the way.