Oxytocin and endocannabinoids may also help reduce blood pressure.Ĭurrently, the American Psychological Association do not recognize masturbation or sex addiction as a mental health condition. A 2016 study found that sexual activity increased recall and number sequencing in older males and recall in older females aged 50–89. Dopamine also seems to contribute to healthy cognition. Prolactin has a neuroprotective effect, reducing neural damage in response to stress. Many of the hormones and neurotransmitters involved in the human sexual response cycle help regulate the cycle themselves by promoting the release of stimulating compounds at higher levels. Learning how to pleasure oneself can also be empowering and improve body image. Researchers associate higher levels of salivary and urinary adrenaline with higher levels of personal growth or a sense of life purpose. Masturbation can raise adrenaline levels. Improve focus and concentrationīy increasing levels of hormones and neurotransmitters involved in learning, memory, and motivation, masturbation may improve focus and concentration.Ī 2020 study found that medications used to improve focus and concentration, such as Ritalin, may work by increasing circulating dopamine levels and increasing motivation to complete difficult tasks. Masturbation may increase hormone levels associated with a positive mood, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. It also boosts the hormones and neurotransmitters that lower stress. Masturbation raises levels of prolactin and endocannabinoids, which help regulate the immune system. These natural painkillers could also help ease menstrual pain.Ī 2013 study found that sexual activity leads to partial or complete relief of migraines and some cluster headaches. Endocannabinoids are also known to help regulate pain and inflammation processes. Reduced painĮndorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. Many respondents felt masturbation helped reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality. Masturbation releases hormones and neurotransmitters to help reduce stress and blood pressure while promoting relaxation, which may make it easier to fall asleep.Ī 2019 study that surveyed 778 adults found there was a clear perception of favorable sleep outcomes associated with orgasm. Prolactin also helps regulate stress responses. The release of oxytocin from sexual activities seems to lower stress hormones, such as cortisol, while promoting relaxation. Release of these various hormones can, in turn, lead to the following health benefits: Reduced stress and anxiety Norepinephrine/noradrenalin: This is a stimulating neurotransmitter that increases and regulates dopamine transmission, a substance linked to levels of happiness.Īdrenaline: Adrenaline lowers stress by helping regulate heart rate, blood vessel and airway diameters, and aspects of metabolism. They also help regulate processes such as pain, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular function, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, and addiction. Prolactin: Prolactin is a hormone that promotes physiological responses to reproduction, stress management, and emotional regulation.Įndocannabinoids: These neurotransmitters are vital to rewarding behaviors such as exercise, social interaction, and eating. They are responsible for the pleasurable rush or high associated with exercise. There is also a link between higher serotonin levels and an increase in mood.Įndorphins: Endorphins are known as “feel-good” chemicals that reduce pain better than morphine. Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps mediate happiness, optimism, and satisfaction. The hormone also helps support well-being, positive social interaction, growth, and healing. Oxytocin: The “love” hormone oxytocin has a wide range of behavioral and physiological effects, such as promoting sexual, social, and maternal behaviors associated with happiness. These include:ĭopamine: Known as the “happiness” hormone, dopamine is an important neurotransmitter involved in motivation, movement, and reward-seeking. Research shows that masturbation, as well as other sexual activities leading to sexual pleasure or orgasm, trigger the release of hormones and chemicals involved in the brain’s pleasure-reward center. There are numerous potential health benefits of masturbation. Share on Pinterest Image credit: baytunc/Getty Images
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