Sexual Stress Relief Techniques You Need to Know

Not only is female pleasure a feel-good time, it also comes with health benefits you maybe never knew about. Today, we are spotlighting a few that directly affect your mental wellness.

One of main culprits to reducing women’s mental health is stress. Stress has become that common accessory that women carry wherever they go. But Dr. Jolene Brighten, a women’s health expert in Portland, Oregon, has discovered a powerful prescription–“Have more orgasms.” According to Dr. Brighten, Self-care and stress management are not luxuries, and regularly releasing hormones like oxytocin is a great way to help manage a hectic schedule, as this bonding hormone buffers against stress hormones like cortisol that can make you tired, old, and overweight.”

Physical touch, whether that be with a partner or solo, can release the hormone called oxytocin. This hormone reduces blood pressure and cortisol levels which allow the body and mind to decompress. So, yes, an orgasm can literally relieve stress. This “love hormone” can also promote positive social behaviors of trust, empathy, bonding, and communication. The more you engage in pleasurable moments, the more oxytocin you will produce.

In a study of 58 middle-aged women, science was put to the test. On one day, the women engaged in physical affection or sexual behavior with their partner, and on the following day, they experienced a decrease in negative moods, lower stress levels, and higher positive moods.

“Self-care and stress management are not luxuries, and regularly releasing hormones like oxytocin is a great way to help manage a hectic schedule, as this bonding hormone buffers against stress hormones like cortisol that can make you tired, old, and overweight.”

—Dr. Jolene Brighten

Need more reasons to go for an “O”? Here are 5 added benefits of female orgasms:

Reduce Anxiety

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, an estimated 264 million people worldwide have an anxiety disorder and women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed. Thankfully, due to modern medicines and natural remedies, there are numerous ways to manage anxiety, but our favorite method, and we’d wager the funnest, is to climax. When you come, the increase of oxytocin sends signals to your brain and body that reduce general and socialized anxiety. Achieving an orgasm can also re-regulate breathing. When you’re feeling anxious, your breathing can become halted or shallow. However, after reaching the height of pleasure, your whole body relaxes and breathing returns to normal. This too brings down anxiety.

Boost Your Mood

Sexual activity also releases the happy hormone duo–serotonin and dopamine. These hormones stabilize our moods, give us a sense of well-being, inspire motivation, and allow us to enjoy life better. On the flip side, a lack of these hormones can actually lead to depression. Which is another reason you need to come, often. The act of pleasure also releases endorphins. These chemicals can relax your body and mind, leaving you feeling better for hours afterward.

Skin That Glows (Sebum effects)

Ever look in the mirror after intimacy or self-exploration and notice a glow to your skin? It’s not just perspiration or your imagination, it is the reward of bliss. As we climax, the release of oxytocin (yes, there it is again) reduces the production of cortisol. Excess cortisol can increase sebum, the natural oil our body creates to moisturize & protect our skin. Too much sebum leads to clogged pores, inflammation and acne. Want to keep those breakouts at bay, have frequent orgasms. Another bonus, everytime you have a sexual release, your body produces the anti-aging hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Who doesn’t want young, glowing skin?

Neuropsychologist, Dr. David Weeks conducted a scientific study over the course of 18 years researching what caused men and women to be “superyoung” (people who appear 10 or more years younger than their actual age). In his research, he discovered that one of the strongest correlations of a youthful appearance was an active sex life. On average, superyoung participants reported engaging in sexual intercourse three times a week.

“...one of the strongest correlations of a youthful appearance was an active sex life. On average, superyoung participants reported engaging in sexual intercourse three times a week.”

—Dr. David Weeks

Relieve Pain

When you’re in physical pain, it can increase your stress levels and affect your overall mental health. Did you know that your body actually creates chemicals called endorphins which boost happiness and lessen pain? Want to know when your nervous system releases these “feel good” chemicals? Oh yes, it’s when you come during a solo sex session or coupled intimacy. Less pain, less stress, and feeling good, that sounds like a win.

Better Sleep

In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Arianna Huffington (author, co-founder of The Huffington Post, and one of Forbes Most Powerful Women) said “Orgasms are Mother Nature’s Ambien—without the side effects!” Well said, Ms. Huffington. Not only does an orgasm leave you feeling good, relaxed and happy, it can also send you off with sweet dreams. The reduction of cortisol levels following sexual delight, has a calming effect on the mind so you can sleep better. Orgasms also tell the body to create vasopressin, which accompanies the production of your neuroprotective hormone melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone which controls our wake and sleep cycle.

This, however, can be easier said than done. Sometimes coming doesn't come easy. 81.6% of women don’t orgasm from intercourse alone. 5-10% of women have never climaxed. On average, it takes 14 minutes for a woman to come during partnered sex and an average of 8 minutes during solo massage. These statistics show that while orgasms are important, they aren’t happening as often as they should. So, how can we enhance female orgasms to take them from wishful thinking to a guaranteed good time? We have the answer.

Vella’s Women’s Pleasure Serum makes coming, come easier. It is proven to work for any cis woman age 18-75. The serum relaxes the vaginal and clitoral smooth muscle tissue, promoting more frequent, more intense, more satisfying orgasms. Whether with a partner or on your own, you can enjoy the benefits of climax with the help of this serum. You deserve to feel good. You deserve to feel replenished. Your mental wellness is worth it.

Can orgasms increase your mental health? Yes! Do orgasms relieve stress? Yes! But, lest we forget, they also promote the benefits of glowing skin, better sleep, less anxiety, less pain, and a happier mood. I think we should all take a script from Dr. Brighten. Let’s have more orgasms!

If orgasms can relieve stress, make us look younger, and boost our moods, then we need to make pleasure a bigger priority.