Sex -- orgasm -- gives the brain a workout

At orgasm during sex there is a tremendous increase in the blood flow to the brain, bringing it nutrients and oxygen, a U.S. researcher says. Barry R. Komisaruk of Rutgers University in New Jersey, along with endocrinologist Carlos Beyer-Flores and sexuality researcher and nurse Beverly Whipple, wrote "The Science of Orgasm," which explains how and why orgasms happen, why they fail to happen, and what brain and body events are put into play at the moment of orgasm. "It's my belief this can't be bad," Komisaruk told United Press International. "Orgasm brings all the nutrients and oxygenation to the brain and all major systems of the brain are used." There are numerous health benefits in orgasm in women: it helps the body's natural detoxification process, promotes healthy estrogen levels, reduces stress, induces deep relaxation by boosting endorphin levels and flushing cortisol -- an inflammatory hormone released by the adrenal glands -- out of the body, boosts immunity and blocks pain, Komisaruk said. Orgasm during sex can also help a person appear younger on the outside and may help the brain stay younger on the inside, Komisaruk added.