Why Laughing During Sex Makes Orgasm More Likely

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The moment you both start laughing at a mistake is often the moment your bodies relax enough to climax.

Why It Works

Laughter activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol and adrenaline that otherwise keep pelvic muscles tense and blood flow restricted. Shared laughter also releases oxytocin and endorphins, which increase feelings of safety and closeness, and that trust makes it easier to let go physically. Research on the 'Duchenne' laugh suggests genuine laughter triggers the same reward circuitry as pleasure, so the two reinforce each other.

How To Try It

  1. 1. Start with a playful tone: tease each other lightly during foreplay and keep the energy loose rather than performative.
  2. 2. When something awkward happens, such as a limb knocking into the headboard or a sudden shift in position, pause and laugh instead of apologizing or stopping.
  3. 3. Keep your bodies in contact while you laugh, letting your breath deepen and your muscles soften with each exhale.
  4. 4. Return to rhythm slowly, using a few long, relaxed breaths to reset before increasing pace or pressure.
  5. 5. As arousal builds again, match your partner's breathing and keep eye contact, letting the lightness carry you into climax.

Pro Tip

Pro tip: Pausing for a shared laugh and then resuming at a slower pace often produces a longer, more intense build-up than pushing through the interruption.

Dr. Bloom is a private coach for couples. Free to start on iPhone and the web.