The Health Benefits of Orgasms with Dr. Laurie Mintz

Sexual wellness is an often overlooked topic, and the same goes for orgasms. I’ve never believed that sex should be an off-limits topic for people who want to discuss it, as demonstrated by the series on sex I did with Dr. Juliana Hauser (you can find Part One here and Part Two here), my post on the importance of a healthy sex life for aging, an interview I did with a sex expert about low libido, etc. Until now, I haven’t really delved into the specific benefits of orgasms for our overall health or discussed the sexual wellness gap that exists between men and women. That’s why for this week’s post, I interviewed Dr. Laurie Mintz, a distinguished sexuality psychologist and certified sex therapist. Dr. Mintz’s extensive expertise and passion for empowering women sexually shed light on the transformative effects orgasms can have on individuals’ lives.

Who is Dr. Laurie Mintz? 

Dr. Laurie Mintz, an emeritus professor at the University of Florida and a licensed psychologist, began her journey into sexual health after witnessing the prevalence of sexual issues among women, particularly during perimenopause. Recognizing the lack of attention given to sexual wellness in mainstream discourse, she embarked on a mission to educate and empower individuals to prioritize their sexual pleasure. In fact, she’s written two books on the subject: “Becoming Cliterate” and “A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex.”

So, why discuss orgasms? How are they connected to overall health?

According to Dr. Mintz, the correlation between sexual health, satisfaction, and overall well-being is undeniable. Research shows that orgasms release a plethora of feel-good chemicals in the body, such as oxytocin and serotonin, leading to reduced stress, increased happiness, and improved relationship satisfaction. They’re also linked to a number of physical benefits, including pain relief, improved sleep, and even enhanced vaginal health. “Orgasms can increase your pain threshold,” Mintz adds. “That’s why sometimes people are told to masturbate when they’re having period cramps. It can actually help decrease the pain.”

Understanding the orgasm gap

Dr. Mintz underscores that the pressure to achieve orgasm, particularly from penetration alone, can be counterproductive and contribute to the orgasm gap between men and women. “The pressure to have an orgasm is really problematic in and of itself. It often makes one less likely,” she says. “Plus, many heterosexual men consider intercourse the quintessential act, even using the word sex interchangeably with intercourse. But this is a massive reason why we have an orgasm gap—because women are less likely to orgasm from penetration alone. It’s even been shown that women who have sex with women have more orgasms than women who have sex with men.”

She advocates for a more inclusive approach to sexual pleasure, that includes penetration if desired, but that doesn’t rely on it. “It’s not an imperative, it’s an option,” Mintz notes. “If it works for you, great. If it doesn’t, you don’t have to do it.” 

How to have more orgasms (and better ones)

One of Dr. Mintz’s key recommendations for women seeking to enhance their sexual satisfaction is the exploration of self-pleasure through masturbation. She emphasizes the role of mindfulness in overcoming barriers to pleasure and encourages women to prioritize their own desires and needs. “I tell people, the most essential step to orgasm with a partner is getting the same type of stimulation you get alone,” she says.

To do that, she recommends incorporating vibrators into one’s sexual repertoire, emphasizing their effectiveness in facilitating orgasms and enhancing sexual satisfaction. "In general, I suggest starting with a clitoral vibrator with multiple speeds, unless you already know that you like combining penetration and clitoral stimulation."

She recommends reputable brands like Lelo for their quality and innovation in sexual wellness products. “They are a little more expensive than your average vibrator, but they’re excellent quality,” she says. “They're made with medical grade silicone and they’re really innovative products.” [Note: Dr. Mintz endorses Lelo so much that she even signed on as an exclusive partner with them. They are the only vibrator brand she’s aligned herself with—which, given her experience and expertise, is an endorsement in itself.] If you want to check out Lelo’s clitorial vibrators, you can read more about their Sona 2 Cruise here, the Sila Cruise, and more here!

The bottom line

Dr. Laurie Mintz’s insights offer a compelling case for embracing orgasms as a vital component of holistic well-being. By prioritizing sexual pleasure, challenging societal norms, and seeking tailored interventions, we can all unlock the transformative power of orgasms for a happier, healthier life!

To read more about Dr. Laurie Mintz and keep up with her latest work, you can check out her website and her Instagram!  

xo

Renata