Update: A previous version of this article contained quotes from an expert whose credentials are now in question. We have reached out to him for confirmation of those credentials and have not heard back. You can read Gizmodo's investigation here, and his response here. INSIDER has updated this article as of 3/1/19.
Though an orgasm isn't necessary for sex and masturbation to feel pleasurable, few will deny that reaching the big "O" is a great added bonus.
But beyond just feeling great, an orgasm also brings with it a host of unexpected health benefits, many of which you likely had no idea about.
Whether you're climaxing with a partner or during a solo session, orgasms help with all kinds of things, from lowering stress levels and heart attack risk to giving your skin a natural glow.
INSIDER spoke with Dr. Felice Gersh, M.D., an OB-GYN and founder/director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine in Irvine, CA and author of the upcoming "PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness," to learn the mental and physical health benefits of orgasms.