The Research Backed Ways that Sexual Pleasure Supports Mental and Physical Health - And Skin Health Too!!
By Christine Rafe
The concept of sex for pleasure has long been considered taboo and even shameful.
The ridiculousness of the socially constructed story that shames sexual pleasure, lives in the fact that the majority of sexual experiences (with consent of course) are engaged in with a specific intention for pleasure. Radical, right?!
In recent years, as there has been more focus on integrating sexual health and pleasure into holistic health and wellness, more research has been devoted to uncovering the many ways that sexual pleasure can contribute to our overall well-being.
From reducing stress and helping with sleep, to giving your skin a radiant glow, it has been found that sexual pleasure offers a variety of benefits that can enhance both your physical and mental health. I’m here to advocate for more pleasure and better health with the evidence-backed ways sexual pleasure benefits you, other than it feeling ohhh so good!!
Let’s dive in…
Hormonal Benefits of Sexual Pleasure: Elevating Mental Health and Mood, and Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Sexual activity can help regulate hormone levels, contributing to a more balanced internal environment.
The hormonal cocktail released during and after sexual pleasure helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” promotes feelings of bonding, security, and happiness.
Sexual pleasure also decreases cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone, through the release of hormones like endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. These hormonal responses to pleasurable sex (solo or with others) lead to a more relaxed, positive state of mind that can last long after the moment has passed.
Ever noticed how it’s easier to fall asleep after intimacy?
This is because sexual pleasure releases oxytocin and prolactin, two hormones that promote relaxation and drowsiness, leading to a deeper, more restful sleep. This not only helps you wake up refreshed, but also contributes to better mental clarity and mood throughout the day.
Natural Pain Relief, Including Menstrual and Menopause Symptoms
Got a headache? Instead of reaching for painkillers, you might consider sex.
Sexual pleasure releases endorphins and oxytocin, which are natural pain relievers that can alleviate everything from headaches to menstrual cramps.
It has long been known in the sexual health community that the hormonal response to sexual pleasure acts as a natural pain killer. More recently however, a link has also been made between sexual pleasure and symptoms associated with reproductive processes.
Two separate research surveys completed by Womanizer and Lunette in 2021 and Womanizer and Kinsey Institute in 2024, found that pleasurable masturbation and sex can relieve symptoms such as headaches and cramping, and more specifically relieve symptoms such as joint pain and breast tenderness during menstruation and menopause.
In the 2024 Womanizer and Kinsey study of 1,500 women aged 40-65, it was found that masturbation and sex were rated among the most effective methods for menopause symptom management. This is huge when we consider that current treatment and symptom management strategies for peri-menopause and menopause are largely unknown due to a lack of research and funding into women’s health, especially reproductive health.
The message is clear: pleasure from masturbation and/or sexual experiences can support reproductive health symptoms for those with a uterus at various life stages, from menstruation to menopause.
Sexual Pleasure Boosts Your Immune System and Increases Blood Circulation
Research has shown that sexual activity can support in strengthening the immune system.
By measuring and comparing the amount of immunoglobulin in saliva of study participants (immunoglobulin is responsible for our bodies ability to fight off infections and illness), a study found that those having regular (defined as 1-2 times per week *in this study*) and satisfying sexual intimacy with their partners had higher levels of immunoglobulin, supporting their overall immunity.
It’s important to note that correlation does not necessarily mean causation. It has been theorised that this increased immunity is related to the stress-reducing and social/emotional connectedness of being in a happy relationship as well as the hormonal benefits of pleasure and sex.
Further, sexual activity can be a form of cardiovascular workout, which lends a hand in improving circulation and even lowering blood pressure. Research shows that people engaging in regular sexual activity have a lower risk of heart disease, which means that, truly, a healthy sex life might be one of the keys to a healthy heart.
Strengthens Emotional Bonds
Sexual pleasure is a powerful way to strengthen emotional bonds with a partner.
The release of oxytocin fosters trust, attachment, and closeness, which can significantly improve relationship satisfaction.
This doesn’t mean you need to have a partner to have strong emotional bonds.
Solo pleasure also releases the same hormones which support social connectedness! Strong relationships can be platonic, familial or romantic, and don’t necessarily relate to who you are having sex with.
Skin Health Benefits
Research has shown that pleasure and orgasms support skin health in a number of ways.
As one of Lovehoney’s Sex and Relationship Experts, I’ve had the absolute pleasure (pun intended) of teaming up with Fayshell (a renowned Australian subscription facial service) to offer free Orgasmic Skin experiences promoting and exploring the connection between sexual pleasure and skin health.
During sexual activity, blood flow to the skin increases, delivering a higher concentration of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This results in a temporary “post-sex glow” that gives your skin a radiant, fresh appearance. Over time, this increased blood flow can contribute to a more vibrant, healthy complexion lasting long after our sexual and pleasurable experiences. Ever wonder why you feel cuter after sex?
Although more research is needed in this area, some studies suggest that the reduction in stress and the boost in blood circulation from regular intimacy may encourage collagen production. Collagen is the skin’s structural protein, responsible for maintaining elasticity, smoothness, and firmness. A natural boost to collagen can help reduce fine lines and support a youthful appearance.
The Impact of Hormones on Skin
Stress is notorious for wreaking havoc on the skin, contributing to acne, inflammation, and even premature aging.
Sexual pleasure reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, which helps keep skin issues at bay and prevents stress-related breakouts or flare-ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Hormonal imbalances are often linked to skin issues, such as acne. Sexual pleasure can help regulate hormone levels, potentially reducing the likelihood of breakouts and other skin conditions that arise due to hormonal fluctuations.
Finally, the relaxation and hormone release associated with sexual pleasure can also help improve skin texture over time, making it feel softer and appear more even-toned.
Lovehoney’s survey amongst Aussies completed in 2024 found that 71% noticed a healthier skin glow, 37% experienced clearer skin, and 9% even reported noticing smaller pores.
Surely by Now You’re Sold on The Benefits of Sexual Pleasure?
Sexual pleasure is more than just a fun experience, it’s also a valuable aspect of overall health and wellness.
From strengthening your immune system to giving your skin a beautiful glow, the benefits of intimacy are vast. It’s a natural way to de-stress, improve heart/circulatory health, and enhance your skin, not to mention boosting mental and emotional well-being and relationship satisfaction.
Embracing a healthy, balanced approach to sexual pleasure, both solo and with others, can be a fantastic addition to a wellness routine that cares for both body and mind.
So if you’re feeling tired, unmotivated, anxious, stressed, sad, in pain, etc., and it feels like offering yourself sexual pleasure is the last thing you want to do, see if you can remind yourself of all of the ways that solo or partnered sexual pleasure could actually mitigate the reasons why it feels inaccessible in the first place.
You might actually be able to O your way back on track!