Oh, orgasm! That's how healthy climax is!

Your heart pounds, your breath quickens, a feeling of bliss washes over you like fireworks: orgasms feel amazing. But what exactly happens in your body? We explain what triggers the climax and what positive health effects an orgasm has.

Why do orgasms exist?

Like every function of the human body, the female orgasm also has its purpose. Besides the male climax, which includes ejaculation, the female orgasm also has a positive effect on the fertilization of the egg cell.

While not crucial or absolutely necessary for fertilization, oxytocin does have a beneficial effect, noted Austrian reproductive medicine specialist and gynecologist Johannes Huber. The researcher investigated the functions of the neurotransmitter oxytocin, which is released during orgasm. He found that it can cause the pelvic floor muscles to contract, which, among other things, triggers the orgasmic moment. Furthermore, the high dose of oxytocin increases the concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation. Therefore, if ovulation is close at the time of orgasm, it is promoted. Oxytocin also causes the uterine muscles to contract. Studies indicate that these contractions may make it easier for sperm cells to reach the egg.

This is what happens in the body during orgasm

A female orgasm can last up to about 30 seconds, while a male orgasm is usually significantly shorter. In the 1960s, sex researchers Masters and Johnson divided the path from initial arousal to female orgasm into four phases:

Excitation phase:

The woman becomes lubricated, her clitoris swells, as do her breasts, nipples, and labia. The vaginal secretions are intended, among other things, to facilitate penetration of the penis, and the swollen labia expose the vaginal opening. The skin reddens, and pulse and blood pressure rise. Muscle tension and sensitivity increase throughout the body.

Plateau phase:

Pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension increase. The clitoris becomes more sensitive. The vagina narrows due to the contraction of the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles, as well as the swelling of the outer labia. This is called the orgasmic cuff.

Orgasm phase:

Further increases in pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure occur. A rhythmic contraction of the now tense pelvic floor and vaginal muscles takes place. The orgasmic cuff contracts between 4 and 15 times, reaching its maximum in terms of nervous and physical tension. The uterus and the anal sphincter may also contract rhythmically. A pleasurable sensation arises.

Postpartum recovery phase:

Arousal decreases, as do pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. A profound sense of relaxation is palpable: the tension has subsided. For many women, this release of emotions manifests as screaming, laughter, or tears. The labia minora shrink, and the glans of the clitoris, which had temporarily retracted into its clitoral hood, re-emerges, ready for renewed stimulation. Multiple orgasms are also possible, as women, unlike men, can immediately re-enter the arousal phase.

Health Booster Orgasm

During sexual climax, a number of things happen in the body that have a positive effect on health and mood:

The happiness and bonding hormones dopamine and oxytocin are released, which creates positive feelings and the need for closeness and cuddling after sex.

Furthermore, orgasms strengthen the immune system: Research from the US-American Wilkes University has shown that the release of sex hormones during an orgasm doubles the number of killer cells, i.e., the antibodies in the blood.

As the concentration of the power hormone adrenaline rises, the concentration of the stress hormone cortisol decreases around the peak of sexual activity, as American neurologist James Couch from Oklahoma University discovered. Sex and orgasms can therefore also alleviate stress.

Some studies have also shown that orgasms reduce pain sensitivity by up to 75 percent. This was researched by sexologist Beverly Whipple as early as 1985. Research from the University of Münster has shown that sex can also help with migraines. Furthermore, orgasms boost self-esteem. We usually feel more confident and have a more positive body image after sex.

Vaginal and clitoral orgasm: a myth?

The distinction between clitoral and vaginal orgasm is widespread. The theory goes as follows: While some women are more likely to reach climax through stimulation of the clitoral glans, for others it is through stimulation of the vagina.

Studies have now shown that the clitoris is more than just the small, externally visible bump. Beyond the glans, the clitoris, which is about 10 centimeters long and contains approximately 8,000 nerve endings, extends deep into the pelvic floor. Its erectile tissue tightly surrounds the vagina, which itself has relatively few nerve endings. Therefore, stimulation of the vaginal canal automatically stimulates the clitoris.

These findings therefore invalidate the distinction between clitoral and vaginal orgasms. Studies also show that the so-called G-spot is so sensitive and easily stimulated because it is very close to parts of the internal clitoris.

Libido during the menstrual cycle

Around ovulation, libido , or sexual desire, is at its highest: nature has arranged it this way for the sake of reproduction. This is because testosterone levels are higher at this time than in other phases of the menstrual cycle. Since fertilization of the egg and thus pregnancy are most likely during this period, your body signals a greater desire for sex.

With the Ovy app, you can track your libido daily. You might soon discover that you have a higher sex drive around the time of ovulation. According to the findings of sex researcher Johannes Huber, described above, orgasms are particularly beneficial during this period if you're trying to conceive.

So we learn that sex and orgasms are not only a lot of fun, but are also quite beneficial for physical and mental health.

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