The conversation around what happens when a woman orgasms can be as elusive as the experience itself, but it’s time to dive in. A game-changer for women’s health and personal pleasure, orgasms are wrapped in mystery and misconceptions, but they don’t need to be. This wellness tool is a mood enhancer, confidence booster, and pain reliever — is there anything orgasms can’t do?

The benefits of orgasms are real, and they’re wonderful. It’s the wellness secret you’ve been waiting to uncover. 

Orgasms: A tool for health and well-being

When holistically viewing sexual health, pleasure is the starting point of a much larger conversation about self-care. Reaching climax makes you feel good — a crucial factor to overall wellness.

Here are 14 more surprising benefits of female orgasms.

1. They reduce breakouts

Here’s something that might make you rethink your skincare routine: Having an orgasm releases oxytocin, a pleasure hormone, and decreases cortisol, a stress hormone. And because stress can cause breakouts, having regular orgasms may reduce the likelihood of pimples. 

There are short-term skin benefits, too: Immediately following orgasm, your skin flushes with blood and oxygen, giving you a stunning glow. 

2. They improve your mood

Why do orgasms feel so good? Because when you climax, your brain floods with happiness hormones (like oxytocin), which are natural mood boosters for the body. These endorphins help you shake off stress and feel more relaxed and positive. There’s a reason they call oxytocin the “feel-good” chemical.

3. They increase body confidence

Learning to associate your body with pleasure can boost your confidence. The intimate connection you feel with your body during an orgasm can foster self-love and acceptance, and getting more comfortable with your body can improve your partnered sex life. Exploring your capacity for pleasure is truly a no-brainer.

4. They improve your sleep

Can’t sleep? An orgasm might be just what you need. Orgasms release prolactin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, all of which relax and prepare the body for sleep. Considered one of the most significant health benefits of sex, you may notice better sleep having a positive ripple effect on your skin, relationships, and mental health. 

5. They help you connect with your body 

During masturbation and partnered intimacy, women can become more in tune with bodily sensations. This heightened awareness can increase your understanding of your sexual needs and, in some scenarios, how comfortable you are communicating these needs. And connecting with your body through orgasm can help you appreciate and respect your body more. 

6. They give your brain a workout 

Reaching orgasm activates several areas of the brain, including the sensory, motor, and reward regions. And the intense stimulation involved in climaxing increases blood flow, giving your brain an excellent workout. Brain activation also boosts neural connectivity, releasing those healthy neurochemicals that boost your mood.

7. They teach you your preferences 

Learning how to have an orgasm as a woman can be educational. Orgasms help women understand what brings them sexual pleasure, including sensations, situations, and behaviors. This self-knowledge can enhance sexual experiences and open communication with partners about preferences, ultimately leading to more satisfying relationships.

8. They make your hair healthier 

Orgasming helps your hair in the same way it helps your skin. Increased blood flow stimulates hair follicles, promoting growth, and the reduction in cortisol (a stress hormone) after an orgasm helps prevent stress-related hair loss. 

9. They boost your immune system 

Orgasms release DHEA, which enhances immunity. This hormone also increases bone health and helps repair tissues, so the more you get of it, the better. 

Regular sexual activity also releases other hormones and endorphins that bolster the body’s defense systems and immune function, so why not have more of it? Multiple orgasms, anyone? 

10. They can strengthen your relationships

Orgasms are incredible for bonding during partnered sex. They can bring partners closer together, thanks, once again, to oxytocin. This hormone creates a sense of intimacy and emotional satisfaction between partners, improving overall relationship satisfaction.

11. They strengthen your pelvic floor 

Orgasming uses the same muscles as Kegel exercises. These muscles contract and, over time, become stronger, strengthening your pelvic floor. And a strong pelvic floor can enhance sexual pleasure, reduce the risk of incontinence, and even make childbirth easier.

12. They relieve pain 

Orgasms release the body’s natural painkillers — those happy hormones and endorphins — alleviating headaches, menstrual cramps, and other pain. Studies confirm that orgasm endorphins are potent analgesics, with sexual stimulation and orgasm playing a pivotal role in reducing pain responses. 

13. They reduce stress

Because orgasms reduce the stress hormone cortisol, they can help you relax. And decreased stress contributes to improved mental health, enhanced mood, and even better physical health, as research links chronic stress to heart disease and diabetes.

14. They boost collagen

Last but certainly not least, one of the hormones orgasms boost is estrogen, which in turn prevents the decrease of collagen levels. Collagen retains your skin’s youth and elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Combine this with better sleep, and you’re unstoppable. 

Tips for achieving climax with a partner

Achieving orgasm with a partner is challenging for some women, as there’s often much more to it than simple penetration. These tips will increase your chance of bridging the orgasm gap and reaching climax during partnered sex: 

• Ask for or show them what you want: To have great sex, you need clear communication. Don't be shy about telling your partner what turns you on and where and how you like to be touched. Show them, use your words to guide them, or take their hand. 

• Use toys: Adding sex toys into shared sexual activities boosts pleasure and can make orgasm more attainable. For example, many vibrators provide direct clitoral stimulation and are available in various shapes and sizes. If you're new to using toys, start with something simple and user-friendly, like a finger vibe. 

• Explore what you like: Explore your own likes and dislikes through masturbation. Try different types of touch, pressure, and rhythm to learn what helps you reach orgasm. This self-knowledge will make solo sessions and sex with your partner more satisfying. 

Audio to achieve better orgasms

Figuring out how to orgasm is complicated, and many people need help. Thankfully, ethical sexual content is available to help you climax, whether it’s for the first time, alone, or with a partner.

Quinn is an audio erotica app created by women for everyone. It offers audio content to help you explore your body and achieve orgasms for your overall health and wellness, your way.

To access thousands of audio stories and guided sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.