10 ways sex benefits health

When we say that sex brings life, we are not just talking about reproduction, but also health. Having sex has many benefits for our wellbeing. It is a gift indeed that something so pleasurable can bring us so much. Best make the most of it! 

If you have ever wondered if having sex is good for anything other than having fun, the answer is a huge, uppercase YES. Sex can benefit both physical and mental health in a variety of ways. Having sex is one of the most complete activities for body and mind, so much so that we have compiled a list of 10 ways in which sex benefits health, so that henceforth you can bear them in mind and… who knows… be even keener than ever! 

 

1. Boosts the immune system

Yes, having sex increases your ability to produce antibodies against viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms. These antibodies won’t prevent big infections, but they’ll will help you avoid a few colds every year thanks to sex, given that one or two sex sessions a week can increase Salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is linked to having a protected immune system. Naturally, that isn’t all: you have to do your part as well, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but having sex regularly will certainly give you a boost.

2. Regulates blood pressure

Sex involves physical exertion and, just like good exercise, it increases our pulse rate and makes the heart pump more blood around our circulatory system. Pleasurable cardio! What’s more, male benefit is drawn from the frequency of sexual relations (the more the better) and women get theirs from the quality of the sex, according to a study carried out by the Universidad de Michigan. So now you know; if you want a strong heart, have lots of quality sex!

3. Improves skin and hair

Arousal and orgasms produce oestrogen, a hormone which contributes greatly to the state of tissues such as nails, hair, and skin. Furthermore, perspiration (followed by the correct hygiene routine) keeps pores clean, improving how your skin looks, as it reduces the appearance of acne, blackheads, and dermatitis. Ultimately, sex is better than a spa. 

4. Prevents prostate cancer

People who ejaculate an average of 21 times per month have up to 33% less risk of developing prostate cancer. Said ejaculation can be a product of sexual relations, masturbation, or wet dreams. Whatever the case, discharging seminal fluid on a frequent basis eliminates toxins which accumulate in the prostate. As a result, we get a healthier prostate. Isn’t that a great reason to have sex? 

5. Power against pain

Yes, absolutely, sex exerts analgesic power which helps many people, especially those who have to deal with headaches, migraines… or period pains when menstruating. Know why? It’s the endorphins which are secreted during sex – or masturbation. A natural analgesic within the body often also associated with functions such as the feeling of wellbeing or euphoria. 

6. Prevents stress

What’s the stress-preventing hormone that we secrete during sex? It’s cortisol! Yes, sexual relations are a veritable festival of hormones. In this case, cortisol can be produced as a result of mere intimacy between partners. Of course, the quality of intimate moments can also improve sex, so we’re logging cortisol as one of our favourite hormones ever. 

7. Improves sleep

The hormones which promote better rest, such as vasopressin, oxytocin, norepinephrine, prolactin and serotonin, are released during sex. However, they work differently in men and women. Whereas 80% of men sleep deeply after sex, 54% of women can even find themselves feeling more active than before the sexual encounter. So, if this applies to you, consider switching your sex sessions to the morning :)

8. Improves self-esteem

Having sex increases self-esteem because the sensation of pleasure, acceptance and recognition of your body improve how you perceive yourself, above all when you enjoy sex with someone else. Add this to the wellbeing hormones, endorphins, and we’re mixing the perfect cocktail for feeling at ease and comfortable in our own skin. We can give pleasure, and we can receive pleasure. It’s that marvellous?

9. Strengthens bones, muscle tone and burns calories

Vigorous sex can be a cardiovascular workout, and also exercise our muscles, bones, and joints in terms of mobility, strength, and resistance. Being in good physical shape gives us more energy, better rest, and better health. What’s more, sex builds muscle, which means we burn more calories.

10. Prevents vaginal atrophy

Another benefit of sex, in this case for people with a vulva, is that it prevents vaginal atrophy in post-menopausal women. When we enter this phase, we start to produce fewer of the hormones which keep vaginas ready for action and our lubrication wanes. To avoid painful penetration, use lubricants specifically for hydrating the vagina and reduce friction. Enjoying sex again will release oestrogen to protect the vaginal tissue and avoid atrophy. 

BONUS: Reinforces your couple connection

Sex is an activity which really strengthens the bonds in a couple. This is down to oxytocin, a hormone released during sex which boosts feelings of affection, intimacy, and closeness with the other person. From the sex we get closeness, caresses, and union, which can help keep a relationship strong and stable. At the end of the day, sex is another way of communicating and we know that communication is fundamental to any successful relationship.