You may not learn this in sex education class, but reaching an orgasm burns calories. Plus, there are other health benefits.
Scientists do not know why women orgasm, but they believe it serves several evolutionary purposes. These include increasing fertility, improving bonding with a partner, and promoting sexual pleasure.
Masturbating, for example, burns about three calories per minute. Moaning adds another 18 to 30 calories to the total.
How Does It Work?
Whether you’re enjoying some foreplay, sex with your partner or having a solo sesh in the bedroom, sex gets the heart racing. And, according to Woman’s Day, for every half hour of romp you burn up to 144 calories.
In fact, the more intense your lovemaking session is (the steamier and longer), the more calories you’ll burn. And, if you moan during your orgasms, it can increase the calorie burn even more.
Then, during the sexual climax itself, your body experiences an explosion of hormones. There’s a spike in blood flow to the genitals, and involuntary muscle contractions in other parts of your body. There’s also the generation and ejaculation of sexual fluids. All of this requires a lot of energy, so an orgasm can burn up to 100 calories.
As if that weren’t enough, during orgasms your muscles tense up, and you produce an abundance of dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin. All of these chemicals in your brain and body are known to reduce stress and boost your mood, and when paired with the serotonin produced by the climax, this is what’s responsible for that incredible rush of pleasure you experience during orgasms. Plus, those brain-boosting chemicals can actually keep your cells young and healthy. And, as we all know, a good mood can lead to better health habits like getting more exercise and eating a balanced diet.
Stress Relief
Whether it’s a big work project, a loved one’s health issue, or even a little thing like having to go grocery shopping on your own, stress can really wreak havoc on your body. But finding healthy ways to cope and relieve that stress is important. Sexual pleasure releases endorphins that act as natural mood boosters, which can help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality. It can also prompt oxytocin production, which can help you feel more relaxed and decrease blood pressure.
Of course, just as with regular exercise, you’ll burn more calories if you put a lot of passion and heat into the session. But you can still have a satisfying orgasm without spending a ton of time in the bedroom. Just make sure you are moaning, because that counts as part of your orgasm and can burn an extra 18 to 30 calories.
So if you are looking for a satisfying, full-body experience, you’ve come to the right place. And while you may not be burning as many calories as a vigorous yoga class or a brisk walk, you’re still getting a good workout and helping your heart health. And who doesn’t want that? Jessica Migala is a health writer specializing in general wellness, fitness, nutrition and skincare, with work published in Women’s Health, Glamour, Health, Men’s Health and more. She is based in the Chicago suburbs and has two young children and a rambunctious rescue pup.
Better Sleep
The oxytocin released during sexual pleasure can help achieve better sleep, reduce stress levels and boost the mind. It also helps relax and strengthen the pelvic muscles that support the bladder, bowel and uterus. In addition, women who reach orgasm during sex burn additional calories. Moaning during sex burns another 18 to 30 calories, according to Woman’s Day, which notes that for every half-hour of sex, you can expect to burn upwards of 170 calories.
Calorie Burn
Serious scientific research into orgasms is relatively new, so it can be difficult to determine exactly how many calories a person burns during sex. Several factors influence how many calories are burned, including the type of activity, intensity and duration. During sexual pleasure, the body experiences a rush of hormones and increased blood flow. It also generates and ejaculates sexual fluids, which requires energy to produce and expel. These factors can cause a woman to burn between 60 and 100 calories during orgasms.
The climax is a big burn, as the muscles involved in orgasms tighten up to four times their normal maximum power, according to a study published in the journal Science. During a climax, a woman may also use up lipid compounds that are used by the uterus to control menstrual cramps.
Although most people don’t consider orgasms to be exercise, they can help a person feel more relaxed and content. This is due to the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which can decrease stress levels and encourage feelings of well-being. Moreover, a climax can also help reduce anxiety and enhance the bond between partners. For these reasons, it’s important to include sexual pleasure in a healthy lifestyle. However, it’s also important to remember that it should not be a primary method of weight loss. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
