Great News! Research studies have discovered that masturbating and/or having sex are said to improve many health conditions. Sexual activity resulting in an orgasm releases dopamine, a chemical that acts as a messenger in areas of the brain responsible for pleasure.
Everybody needs a blast of dopamine once in a while but studies have shown five conditions often improve after an orgasm by the release of dopamine, cortisol, and other essential hormones.
1) Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Seven to 10 percent in the United States and Europe suffer with this neurological disorder that causes an itchy, crawly, sensation and the uncontrollable urge to move legs. It usually happens at night and is known to interrupt sleep. While researchers haven’t discovered the exact cause of RLS, studies suggest one factor is an imbalance of dopamine.
2) Stress
Talk show host Dr. Oz reported, “In a recent animal study, a single sexual experience caused a short-term surge of cortisol, just as exercise does. But multiple sexual experiences, daily over two weeks, reduced the release of cortisol, increased neurogenesis, and decreased anxiety like behavior.”
3) Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
According to sources at Webmd.com, women who masturbate often find relief for menstrual cramps and mood swings such as irritability and crankiness.
4) Migraine Headaches
In a journal article by Randolph W. Evans, M.D. and James R. Couch, M.D., Ph.D., the authors open by saying, “Occasionally, orgasm can trigger a Migraine but, in others, can relieve a Migraine. Dr. Couch’s data suggests that some women who decline, ‘Not tonight, I have a headache,’ may be avoiding an effective treatment.”
5) Weight Issues
The Women’s Day article, 8 Sexy Ways to Burn Calories, by Jaiya Kinzbach, a Los Angeles–based sexologist and the author of Red Hot Touch, reports some unique ways to burn calories while engaging in sexual activity.
Kissing: 68 calories per hour
Undressing: eight+ calories total
Massaging: 80+ calories per hour
Having Sex: 144+ calories per half-hour
Giving Oral Sex: 100 calories per half-hour
Using Your Hands: 100 calories per hour
Romantic Dancing: 103 calories per half-hour
Making Out: 238 calories per half-hour
More detailed information can be found at http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Sex-Relationships/Sex/8-Sexy-Ways-to-Burn-Calories.html.
Other ways orgasms can be good for your health include: sleeping more soundly, memory improvement, healthy immune system, maintaining a healthy heart and anti-aging attributes.
While it’s important to see your doctor if any of these conditions become serious, the good news is that a healthy sex life may be key to a healthier life. As the Nike slogan says, “Just Do It.”
Sources:
New Scientist - Health - Masturbation calms restless leg syndrome. Web. 15, Sept. 2011
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20323-masturbation-calms-restless-leg-syndrome.html
Webmd - Women’s Health - 5 Things You Didn't Know About Masturbation. Web. 17, September, 2011
http://women.webmd.com/features/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-masturbation?page=2
Urban Image Magazine - Migraine Headache Triggers: can orgasms be a cure? Web. 17, September, 2011
http://urbanimagemagazine.com/2011/01/17/migraine-headache-triggers-can-orgasms-be-a-cure
Women’s Day - Sex & Relationships / Sex / 8 Sexy Ways to Burn Calories. Web. 17, September, 2011
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Sex-Relationships/Sex/8-Sexy-Ways-to-Burn-Calories.html
Orlando Sentinel - The Fitness Center - Dr. Oz: Sex and exercise reduce stress. Web. 17, September, 2011 http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fitness_exercise_health/2011/08/dr-oz-sex-and-exercise-reduce-stress.html
Reviewed September 19, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Malu Banuelos