Older research has connected orgasms with increased immune function. In 2004, a study of 11 men published in the journal Neuroimmunomodulation found that sexual arousal and orgasms activated components of the immune system.
Though the study was very small, the researchers found that masturbation increased the number of inflammatory mediators called leukocytes (white blood cells) and natural killer cells. Both of these fight infection as a part of the body's immune response.
Jennifer Berman, MD, a sexual health expert, also notes that the research was focused on the male experience, and sexual arousal may affect women's bodies differently. But overall, orgasm — whether with a partner or without — has other known health benefits.
"Sex reduces stress," says Britney Blair, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and founder of The Clinic, a sex therapy clinic in Northern California. Blair clarifies that when she talks about sex, she includes both sex with a partner and solo sex, or masturbation.
"Sex can be like exercise, which is great for your heart, your lungs, and your immune system," Blair says. "Sex is also great for improving sleep and allowing you to fall into deeper sleep more quickly, so overall, masturbation is great for health
