In the 1800s, one of the more common reasons women visited the doctor was hysteria. 

A now defunct diagnosis. 

Hysteria was used to describe a wide array of symptoms: chest pain, anxiety, a swollen abdomen, mood swings. They tried a variety of treatments for hysteria, ranging from rest to psychosomatic therapy. 

But true relief for these women didn't exist until physicians tried using what they called pelvic massage. The cure was called a hysterical paroxysm, which, today, has come to been known as an orgasm. 

Modern medicine continues to recognize the stress-reducing benefits of the female orgasm but doctors no longer perform the cure. 

When done properly and consensually, sex can be medicine. We know it reduces stress and strengthens the immune system. It even rejuvenates your brain activity. 

But sex without connection can leave you feeling empty. 

Friendship, laughter, simple human touch, these are stress relievers too. Because truly, it's about connection. When you're physically close to another person, the nervous system responds. The body is flooded with feel-good hormones. 

And everything else just fades away.