Effects of Sexual Arousal on Immune System

Introduction

The study explores the impact of sexual arousal and orgasm on immune functions in men. The research investigates the effects of masturbation-induced orgasm on lymphocyte circulation and cytokine production in healthy males.

Methods

Eleven volunteers participated in the study, undergoing both experimental and control conditions. Blood samples were collected continuously to analyze endocrine parameters, leukocyte subsets, and cytokine production before and after orgasm.

Results

The findings revealed transient increases in adrenaline and prolactin plasma concentrations post-orgasm. Sexual arousal and orgasm led to a rise in the absolute number of leukocytes, especially natural killer cells, in the peripheral blood. However, T cell and B cell subpopulations remained unaffected by sexual activity.

Marion U. Goebel, Philip Haake, Uwe Hartmaan, Katharina M. Heberling, Tillmann H.C. Krueger and Manfred Schedlowski - Effects of Sexual Arousal on Lymphocyte Subset Circulation and Cytokine Production in Man - Flipbook by Fleepit