SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – It’s often said that the brain is the largest sex organ in the body. New research seems not only to confirm that, but also indicates orgasms produce healthy benefits for the brain.

Rutgers University Professor Barry Komisaruk measured blood flow at climax in women’s brains. What he discovered is both exciting and affirming: In the subjects studied, orgasm increased brain activity throughout the gray matter. More traditional brain-boosters, like crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other mental exercises, increase brain activity only in specific regions.

Komisaruk’s conclusion? Orgasm is good for the brain.

“Mental exercises increase brain activity, but only in relatively localized regions,” he told London’s The Times. “Orgasm activates the whole. At orgasm we see a tremendous increase in the blood flow [to the brain]. It brings all the nutrients and oxygenation to the brain.”

In addition, Komisaruk discovered orgasm inhibits pain — which may be good news for women who turn down sexual overtures because they really do have a headache.

Even though additional scientific study remains to be done about issues including whether different kinds of climaxes have different effects on the brain and other organs, sex educators are encouraged by Komisaruk’s results.

“No two orgasms are exactly alike,” said Carol Queen, staff sexologist for the female-oriented Good Vibrations chain of retail sex shops. “Some are overpowering and involve the entire body, some feel very genitally centered even though they are in fact occurring in the brain itself, and others are barely there. Some women are not even certain whether they’ve climaxed at all. Learning more about orgasm, arousal and pleasure anatomy lets us optimize these sensations and get more out of partner sex and masturbation.

“We’ve always known orgasm was good for you, and Dr. Komisaruk’s important research continues to elucidate the many reasons why,” she added.

Since 1977, Good Vibrations has helped women explore their sexuality alone and with partners. The company not only stocks a variety of toys, lingerie, manuals, videos and other accessories, but also maintains and online educational library and presents sexuality workshops. Some of the more popular offerings on the topic of orgasms include the article “What is an Orgasm” and Reid Mihalko’s workshop “I’ll Have What She’s Having: All About Orgasm!” The workshops, described as sassy, smart and fun, offer pragmatic tools, tips and tricks in a friendly, non-threatening environment.

Queen also answers the perennial question “How do I have stronger orgasms?” in her “Ask the Doc” column in the current issue of The Buzz, Good Vibrations’ online magazine.