Sexual health is more than avoiding STDs and unplanned pregnancies. It's about being an important part of life. Sex can be a good cardiovascular exercise for younger men and women.
Some of the benefits you can get from sex: - lowering blood pressure - burning calories - increasing heart health - strengthening muscles - reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension - increasing libido People with an active sex life exercise more often and have better eating habits than those who are less sexually active.
Stronger immunity
In a study of immunity in people in relationships, people who had frequent sex (one to two times a week) had more immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their saliva. People who had less frequent sexual intercourse (less than once a week) had significantly less IgA. IgA is an antibody that plays a role in disease prevention and is the first line of defense against human papillomavirus or HPV.
But those who had sex more than three times a week had the same amount of IgA as those who had sex twice. Research indicates that anxiety and stress can negate the positive effects of sex.
Better sleep
Your body releases oxytocin, called the love or intimacy hormone, and endorphins during orgasm. The combination of these hormones can have a calming and sleep-inducing effect. Better sleep strengthens immunity, extends life span, provides energy.
Headache
Another study shows that sex can provide complete or partial relief from migraines and headaches. Of those who were sexually active during a migraine or headache attack, 60 percent in one study reported an improvement in their attacks, 70 percent reported moderate to complete relief during a migraine, 37 percent reported an improvement in cluster headache symptoms, 91 percent reported complete disappearance of headache.
How sex affects men's health
Men who had more frequent sexual intercourse have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. One study found that men who averaged 4,6 to 7 ejaculations per week were 36 percent less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 70.
One study that followed men's health for 10 years found that those who had more frequent orgasms (two or more weekly) had a 50 percent lower risk of death than those who had less frequent sex.
Sperm quality and health can be increased by sexual activity, some research suggests.
How sex affects women's health
Orgasm increases blood flow and releases natural pain-relieving chemicals. Sexual activity in women can: - improve bladder control - reduce incontinence - relieve menstrual and premenstrual cramps - improve fertility - build stronger muscles - potentially protect you from endometriosis or tissue growth outside the uterus
Sex can help strengthen the pelvic floor. A stronger pelvic floor reduces pain during sex and the chance of vaginal prolapse. Women who remain sexually active after menopause are more likely to develop vaginal atrophy, or thinning of the vaginal walls.
How can sex benefit mental health?
Sexual activity, with a partner or masturbation, has great psychological benefits. Like exercise, sex can help reduce stress and anxiety and make you feel content and happy. Research shows that sexual activity can be associated with: - greater satisfaction and better mental health - increased trust, intimacy and love in your relationships - improved ability to perceive, recognize and express emotions - reduced use of immature psychological defense mechanisms or mental processes to reduce discomfort from emotional conflict.
In older age, sexual activity can affect health and thinking ability. Research has shown that sexually active adults between the ages of 50 and 90 have better memory. These people also felt less depressed or lonely.
Increasing self-confidence
Frequent sexual activity, whether with a partner or alone, can make you look younger. This is partly due to the release of estrogen during sex. One study found a correlation between frequent sexual activity and younger appearance (between 7 and 12 years). Most of these people also easily expressed their sexuality and sexual identity.
Social benefits
Sex can help you bond with your partner, thanks to oxytocin. Oxytocin can play a role in the development of relationships. You may find that consistent, mutual sexual pleasure helps bonding.
What are the benefits of masturbation?
Masturbation can provide many of the same benefits as sex, but it also has its own benefits, including: - improved sex between partners - understanding your own body - increased ability to orgasm - increased self-esteem - increased sexual satisfaction - treatment of sexual dysfunction Masturbation is considered completely safe with no health risks . When practiced, there is no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. It increases mental strength and not illness or instability as some myths suggest.
Celibacy and abstinence
Sex is not the only indicator of health or happiness. You can still lead an active and happy life without sex. The benefits of sex come from feelings of pleasure, which studies show also come from listening to music, interacting with pets, and having a strong faith. According to the National Health Service of Great Britain, a long-term study covering the lives of nuns found that they lived happily and long into their 90s and even 100 years.
Pleasure and a fulfilled life can be had even without sex. Engaging in pleasurable activities such as exercise, socializing, hobbies, pets, friends, anything that makes you happy offers the same benefits as sex. It is only one of the ways to improve the quality of life.
But if sex is part of your life, because of a relationship or a desire, it's important to be able to communicate and experience sexual pleasure. You may find relief and be happier when you make time to have sex with the person you love.
Bonus video:
