Today is National Orgasm Day people!!! To celebrate, intimate lifestyle brand LELO want to tell you about the health benefits of the big ‘O’. A number of international studies have spanned the entire sexual spectrum: from the emotional benefits of kissing and cuddling to the longer-lasting benefits of having 200 orgasms a year. But what about the less-widely known biological benefits of the human orgasm?

Healthy Choice Making

For years, pop culture has projected lighting up a cigarette to be a ubiquitous post-coital ritual, but some studies show that orgasms can act as a regulator when it comes to appetite and cravings.

Throughout intercourse, the body produces phenethylamine, a natural amphetamine that may help to reduce cravings for junk food, cigarettes and overeating.

Preventative Care

As the old sporting adage goes, the best offense is a good defense, and the same goes for your health.

According to researchers at Wilkes University, people who have regular sex were found to have higher levels of immunoglobulin A, or IgA, an antibody that fends off infection.

In addition, men who have orgasms at least five times a week are at a lower risk for prostate cancer – even less so if prostate massage is involved.

Headache Relief

The clichéd ‘Not tonight – I have a headache’ excuse is valid no more.

According to scientists, the hypothalamus region of the brain – a small, cone-shaped area connected to the pituitary gland and targeted by headaches – experiences activity during orgasm.

As an added bonus, arousal and orgasm increases the amount of oxytocin in your system, which causes your pituitary gland to release endorphins—peptides that dull pain and trigger feelings of well-being.

Lighter Periods

Your uterus will contract during orgasm, and this helps eradicate cramp-causing compounds and expel blood and tissue.

More contractions mean shorter periods with fewer cramps.

Pro tip: when having sex during your period, stick to the missionary position – your flow is lighter when you’re horizontal.

Glowing Skin

Due to a post-orgasm endorphin rush and increased blood and oxygen circulation, your skin reaps some beautiful benefits from the bump and grind.

The “sex glow”, as some call it, is in part also caused by your body’s release of (deep breath, now) dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, which promotes healthy skin and improves your complexion.

Enjoy a LELO pleasure set with your partner this National Orgasm Day and give your body a full MOT.