10 Ways Sexual Pleasure Benefits the Brain and Body

Given the levels of distress many of us are feeling, it's no surprise that Americans appear to be losing interest in sex. I know I am feeling in a pleasure funk. But it is exactly in times like these that we need access to pleasure more than ever. In my work as a neuroscientist, sex therapist, and psychotherapist, I often remind people that pleasure is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When I talk about healthy hedonism, I’m talking about things that not only feel good but are good for us. Sexual pleasure is a prime example of this. As we struggle with stress and unprecedented uncertainty, we could all use a dose of pleasure medicine.

The neuroscience is clear: Not only does sexual activity bring us joy, connection, and vitality, it also does wonderful things for our brain (and bodies).

Sexual pleasure activates and supports multiple aspects of brain health and overall well-being. Let’s dive into what the science shows.

1. Sex Is a Brain Workout, Better Than Wordle

While brain teasers like Sudoku or Wordle are great, sexual activity gives the brain an even more comprehensive workout. When we published our study about the brain on orgasm, the media had a field day discussing the benefits of sex. Genital stimulation and orgasm activate a wide array of brain regions: areas involved in sensation, emotion, movement, memory, and reward all light up during sexual pleasure. The increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain may contribute to long-term cognitive health. It’s a full-body, full-mind experience—and a potent neural exercise.

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2. Your Brain’s Pharmacy Kicks Into Gear

One of the magical things about sexual pleasure is that it taps into the brain’s built-in “pharmacy.” During arousal and orgasm, a veritable cocktail of neurochemicals gets released: dopamine (reward and motivation), oxytocin and vasopressin (bonding and trust), serotonin (mood regulation), endorphins and endocannabinoids (pain relief and euphoria), prolactin (relaxation), norepinephrine (focus), and GABA (calm and inhibition). This internal pharmacy is more powerful than anything we can get over the counter—and it’s completely natural.

3. Sex Is a Natural Mood Booster

Sexual pleasure isn't just fun—it’s fundamentally good for your mental health. When we activate the brain’s reward system through sexual pleasure, we experience a boost in mood and motivation that can carry into other areas of our lives. Dopamine plays a central role here, but it’s the entire neurochemical cascade that contributes to greater emotional resilience and psychological well-being. Simply put: Good sex is good for your mental health.

4. It’s a Proven Stressbuster

Chronic stress is a modern-day epidemic, and it wreaks havoc on the brain and body. Fortunately, sexual pleasure has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol and adrenaline, two primary stress hormones. By lowering these stress chemicals, sex helps protect the brain from the damaging effects of prolonged stress, including inflammation and impaired memory. It’s like giving your nervous system a warm bath.

5. It Deepens Bonds and Builds Trust

Sexual pleasure is inherently relational, even when experienced solo. The neurochemicals released—especially oxytocin and vasopressin—support bonding, intimacy, and trust. This is why pleasure shared between partners can strengthen emotional closeness and relationship satisfaction. It's not just about orgasm—it’s about connection, safety, and shared joy. Pleasure, when mutual and respectful, becomes a beautiful way to reinforce the emotional glue in our relationships.

6. It Supports Cognitive Function

We often associate cognitive benefits with things like diet, exercise, and sleep—but regular sexual pleasure deserves a seat at the table. The dopamine released during sex is not only about reward—it’s also crucial for memory, focus, and learning. Research shows that sexually active adults tend to have better cognitive function and memory recall than those who are not sexually active, even when accounting for age and physical activity. Sexual pleasure isn’t just fun—it’s a brain booster.

7. It’s a Natural Pain Reliever

Endorphins and enkephalins—our brain’s own painkillers—are released in abundance during sexual pleasure and orgasm. This can provide real relief from chronic pain conditions like migraines, arthritis, and back pain. And when pain is reduced, we’re more likely to stay active, sleep better, and feel more emotionally resilient. This positive feedback loop can profoundly improve our quality of life.

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8. It Promotes Better Sleep

Ever wonder why you feel so relaxed after sex? It’s not a coincidence. After orgasm, the release of oxytocin, prolactin, and serotonin helps the body and mind enter a state of deep relaxation. This makes sexual activity an excellent, natural sleep aid. Rather than reaching for sleep medications, we can turn to the body’s innate wisdom—and the pleasurable pathways that are wired into our biology.

9. It Boosts Your Libido

Here’s a delightful paradox: The more sexual pleasure you experience, the more you’re likely to want it. That’s because regular sexual stimulation increases the release of testosterone, the hormone responsible for sexual desire in all genders. This “use it to fuel it” principle reminds us that pleasure primes the pump—it keeps our sexual systems awake and engaged.

10. Pleasure Builds Pleasure

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, experiencing regular sexual pleasure enhances our capacity to feel more pleasure overall. The brain operates through two fundamental feedback systems: pain and pleasure. While pain gets our attention to avoid harm, pleasure signals that we are doing something good for ourselves—something beneficial for our survival and well-being. The more we engage in healthy hedonism, the more we reinforce the brain’s pleasure pathways. In other words, pleasure begets pleasure. It builds our resilience, opens us to joy, and helps us live more fully.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

We live in a world that often pathologizes pleasure or treats it as indulgent, frivolous, or even shameful. But neuroscience tells a different story. Pleasure—especially sexual pleasure—is essential to optimal brain function, emotional health, and overall well-being. It’s not selfish. It’s not silly. It’s survival.

When we reclaim our right to pleasure, we reclaim our connection to our bodies, our emotions, and each other. We become more present, more compassionate, and more resilient. We remember that joy is not a reward for suffering—it’s a vital sign of health.

As I often say, pleasure matters. And good sex is good for your brain.

So, whether you're exploring solo, sharing pleasure with a partner, or simply reconnecting with your body’s capacity for joy—know that you’re doing something deeply beneficial for your brain, your body, and your spirit.

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