There are few things more wonderful than an orgasm, especially the kind that leaves your heart racing, your breath uneven and your body trembling from head to toe.

But just in case it’s been a long time between drinks for you and the Big O, here are some pretty compelling reasons why you should be climaxing every chance you get - as if you need convincing!

1. Stress and Tension Relief

You know all those wonderful, warm and fuzzy feelings that descend after sex?  What about that post-coital clarity of mind and the deep rush of calm? Well it turns out there’s a reason for these sensations: a hormone called Oxytocin.

According to a number of Sexologists and researchers, immediately after a person has climaxed, their hypothalamus (a brain region) releases Oxytocin into the blood stream. This particular hormone causes feelings of contentment, calm and relaxation.

It’s not surprising then that a study of 2,632 women found that 39% of them regularly used masturbation as a form of stress relief.

So the next time you’re feeling stressed or wound up, why not treat yourself to a Big O – alone or otherwise - and feel all that tension melt away.

2. Headache and Pain Relief

Have you ever had too strong a headache to even think about sex? Or maybe you’ve overdone it at the gym, and the last thing your body feels like is some more bumpin’ and grindin’? Well the good news is there’s mounting evidence that orgasms offer considerable relief from pain.

Researchers at the University of Munster, Germany, have found that 60% of the 800 migraine sufferers in their study reported reduced migraine pain after sex.

There’s also evidence that a person’s pain tolerance increases upon climaxing, making sex an excellent way of forgetting all about that niggling headache or those troubling menstrual cramps.

Luckily, sex is way more fun than poppin’ a painkiller.

3. Immune Boost

When it comes to boosting the immune system, we usually think of leafy greens and Vitamin C. But there is reason to believe that reaching the Big O also helps fight off common colds and flues.

In a fairly quirky study, 11 men masturbated to completion while simultaneously having blood samples taken and tested. Researchers found that as the men climaxed, it triggered an increase in the number of leukocytes in their bloodstreams. Leukocytes are the “killer cells” of the immune system and aid in combating sickness.  Sick days just got a whole lot sexier!

4. Improving Fitness

It is accepted wisdom in the fitness world that increasing your heart rate through physical activity increases the number of calories you burn. Sexual activity is no different on this front!

Estimates of the exact number of calories burned during sex range from 85 to 150 calories for a thirty-minute romp.  Not a bad way to get the blood pumping and the heart racing!

Of course the orgasm itself only burns a few calories: the real work gets done in the lead up, with all the wriggling and writhing – just think how toned all those contracting muscles are going to get!

5. Aids Sleep and Rest

There’s a reason why spooning feels oh-so-good immediately after sex. It is because your body has undergone an epic relaxation of muscular tension through the release of hormones and endorphins.

Remember the stress-relieving powers of Oxytocin? Well, researchers believe that Oxytocin, and a suite of other neurochemicals released through orgasm, have a sedative effect on the body.  Once released, these chemicals make it easier to drift off. So the next time you’re tossing and turning in bed, why not try some actual tossing in bed.

Basically, you owe it to your health to cum hard and cum often – doctor’s orders.