particularly on the endorphin and prolactin side, but it isn’ t the entry point.”
But this doesn’ t mean that you need to be partnered up to get the benefits.“ The dopamine, the endorphins, the post-orgasm drop in cortisol … none of that requires a partner,” she explains.
But, she’ s quick to add, where it does differ is in oxytocin’ s relational layer.“ The bonding chemistry tied to another person’ s presence isn’ t something solo sex replicates in quite the same way. But for stress relief, mood, and sleep, masturbation is just as effective.”
A WORD OF CAUTION Although the effects of sex on your brain are real, they’ re not a treatment.“ Sex can support your mental health, but it can’ t carry it,” Lisa cautions.“ If it’ s become your primary way of managing stress or emotion, that’ s worth exploring with a therapist or sexual health provider.”
Hormones, medication, stress levels, relationship dynamics … all of it shapes your response. Desire and consent are always part of that. IB
AUGUST 2026 / INBOUND SA 65