The Connection Between Sexual Satisfaction and Mental Health
Helena Lorimer·April 2, 2025
10 mins read
There are many things, such as exercise or eating a well-balanced diet, that can contribute to an overall better mental health. But did you know that sexual satisfaction too plays a big role when it comes to our mental well being?
In fact, there are many positive attributes associated with sexual wellness, be it solo or with a partner, that can aid in an enhanced overall life satisfaction and emotional balance.
Today, we’ll take a look at these different facets, including brain chemistry, in such a way that it’ll affirm that sexual satisfaction is an integral part of psychological well being.
First, let’s take a look at the science behind sex and mental health… aka, all of the feel-good hormones that are released during sex and orgasm.
The Science Behind Sex and Mental Health
Side note: When we use the word ‘sex’ it does not specifically mean the act of two people engaging in heterosexual penetrative sex. Sex has a different meaning for everyone. In this case, we mean engaging in sexual behaviour either with a partner or with oneself.
During sexual self-care—to the point of climax—several different things happen in the brain. These things contribute to the release of a cocktail of feel-good hormones.
When orgasm is reached (and post-orgasm), the following hormones are hard at work:
- Oxytocin: this is often known as the “love” or the “bonding” hormone, and promotes a feeling of connection, closeness, and satisfaction with a partner or with oneself.
- Dopamine: this is often known as the “happy” hormone, and is associated with feelings of pleasure, desire, reward, and motivation.
- Serotonin: this neurotransmitter is associated with good mood, relaxation, and contributes to a feeling of calm and overall well being.
- Endorphins: endorphins come from the word “endogenous” which means within the body, and “morphine” an opioid painkiller. This is because it’s the body’s natural pain and stress reliever. This hormone is also associated with feel-good emotions and being in a positive state of mind.
Evidently, the science adds up. The more sexually active you are, solo or with a partner, the happier, more calm, and more in-tune you may be, while experiencing less anxiety and negative emotions.
To further prove this point, a study was undergone to evaluate the Benefits of Sexual Activity on Psychological, Relational, and Sexual Health During the COVID-19 Breakout.
The results found that those who engaged in sexual activity, regardless of gender, were more protected from quarantine-related ailments such as anxiety and mood disorders.