CLIMAX IS THE BEST PART

By Ektaa Malik

Elusive at times, but always pleasurable, the orgasm is also advantageous for your health. These nine benefits highlight the importance of sexual satisfaction.

Remember that iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally? Meg Ryan holds an entire restaurant captive as she demonstrates an orgasm, albeit a fake one. It might be useful to have more such reminders in today's hectic day and age. Given our high levels of professional stress and a lifestyle that perpetuates too many tasks and affords very little time, orgasms have never been more essential. One might blush, nudge and wink in embarrassment, but the myriad benefits of The Big O are too far-reaching to be ignored.

1 On top of the world

Next time around, don't unwrap the chocolate or watch that soppy rom-com while binge eating a tub of ice cream. You should gift yourself an orgasm instead. The hormones and endorphins that are released after an orgasm helps uplift one's mood. The feeling is that of undeniable happiness, helping one feel entirely satiated and content.

2 Helps with that beauty sleep

People tend to sleep more soundly after they have an orgasm. The sleep is often dreamless. After all the muscles of the body are relaxed, the body falls asleep easily. "The sleep that one has after an orgasm is like that of a child. The feeling is that of sweet intoxication," informs sexologist Dr Rajan Bhonsle from the Heart to Heart Counselling Centre.

3 The new body cleanse

You have tried the water, the juice and the glutenfree cleanse. It's time now to try the orgasmic one. Orgasms are inherently cleansing in nature. "Physically, the whole body is active. The muscles are working. They contract and spasm. The result is much like a satisfying cleanse of the body," says Dr Mahindra Watsa, sexologist and author of It's Normal!

4 Letting all those creative juices flow

Orgasms tend to unleash creativity in many individuals. People have written poetry, painted their best work after a toe-curling orgasm. They feel more creatively inspired. "," shares Dr Prakash Kothari, who teaches sexual medicine at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital.

5 Tackling pms and other aches and pains

Often, women experience lower back pain when burdened with a bout of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Mood swings are also very common. Orgasms help alleviate the pain. "It has been found that orgasms relieve the pain that women suffer during PMS. The pain is psychosomatic. For men, orgasms help relieve the tension that gets built up in the body," says Dr Bhonsle

6 In the mood for love

Orgasms often help in bringing couples closer and strengthening their bond. Having simultaneous orgasms makes them connect on a deeper level. They take care of one another's needs. "An orgasm makes a couple reconnect. One feels loved and also cared for. They are also sharing this pleasurable act together. They are giving top priority to one another," explains Dr Watsa.

7 Bust that stress

Had a tough day at work? Are you facing the brunt of financial troubles? Stuck in your car during peak hour traffic? The stress factors are endless. Orgasms are great stress busters. They wash your worries away. "Orgasms relax one's self. One also feels very refreshed. We feel better prepared to take on the challenges of the world," shares Dr Kothari.

8 Will burn those calories away

Orgasms can sometimes be the fruit of hard work. Your whole body has to labour for it. The side effect — a full body workout. "Orgasms provide a good cardiovascular workout. The heart is beating at 150 beats a minute. The heart is pumping more blood and giving more oxygen to all parts of the body than usual. Orgasms are great for the overall health of the body," informs Dr Bhonsle. Besides, an orgasm is far more pleasurable than an evening run.

9 Anger management

People who are generally aggressive and have anger management issues often feel much calmer after experiencing a good orgasm. Women, who are prone to being abrasive, sometimes turn more accepting. "I had a client who told me that his wife used to be very controlling and angry at all times. But for 1-2 days after an orgasm, she would be in a good mood. She would humble and very loving. Orgasms help people mellow down," shares Dr Bhonsle.