9 Amazing Health Benefits of Sex

Sex and sexuality are vital constituents of life, and the health benefits of sex are just amazing!

The importance of sex goes beyond the purposes of procreation because sexual activity could be done for either pleasure or intimacy.

The American Sexual Health Association affirms, that sexual health does not solely revolve around preventing sexually transmissible diseases or unwanted/unplanned pregnancies.

Rather, it focuses on learning about the benefits it brings to your life, and recognizing the vital role it plays in promoting your health.

Regardless of one’s sexual orientation, sexual activity promises enormous health benefits to those who do it right.

Some of these benefits include; psychological, intellectual, social, mental, and emotional.

Sex benefits the body

In a study involving younger women and men, it was shown, that sex could pass for cardiovascular exercise.

I am not suggesting, that sex is sufficient to be considered as a complete physical exercise. I am saying, it does some good, and some of them include;

A reduction in one’s risk of heart-related diseases, hypertension, and stroke.
More strengthened muscles
Better heart health
Increased libido
Burns calories

Did you know, that when you stay physically active, it positively improves your sexual performance?

You might as well find it interesting to know when you have an active sexual life, your likelihood of staying more active and eating right increases.

Yes, it is a win-win deal! That is how good it is, people!

Immune system booster

Some people who were involved in romantic relationships, and had sex once to twice a week were examined in a study focused on immunity, and guess what was found?

Their saliva was shown to have more immunoglobulin A (IgA).

IgA is an antibody that plays a vital role in;

The prevention of diseases.
The first line of defense against being infected by the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV), as opposed to those who seldom had sex; whose IgA was alarmingly low.

Interestingly, in this same study, the romantic partners who had sex more than thrice a week revealed the same amount of IgA as did those in the less frequent category.

This is suggestive, that stress nullifies the potential benefits that sex provides to one’s health.

Improved sleep

During sexual activity and orgasmic experiences, the ‘intimacy hormone’, called oxytocin is released alongside endorphins to produce a sedative effect. Improved sleep patterns come with several benefits as well. Some of them include;

More energy boost
Headache relief
Better brain performance
A better immune system

Relieves headaches

In another study involving people who were sexually active during their attacks, partial or full recovery from cluster headaches or migraines was shown as follows:

There was an improvement in symptoms of cluster headaches reported by 37%.
A moderate to complete relief in cluster headaches was observed by 91%.
60% reported a remarkable improvement during a migraine.
70% saw complete relief during a migraine.

Benefits of sex for men

In a review, the risk of developing prostate cancer was shown to be less in men who had more frequent sex than in those who did the contrary.

In a different study, by Harvard Medical School, contrary to men with an average weekly ejaculation of 2.3 or fewer, men with an average weekly ejaculation; ranging from 4.6-7 had a 36% unlikelihood of developing prostate cancer before they clocked 70 years of age.

A longitudinal study showed a potential for lower mortality in men who had 2 or more orgasms a week than those who had fewer.

Benefits of sex for women

As a woman, a good orgasm is very crucial. Unfortunately, some women never get to experience this beautiful experience as much as they would have loved to.

This is as a result of so many aspects we would rather consciously choose to talk about another day.

When a woman has an orgasm, her blood flow increases and in turn releases natural pain-relieving chemicals from which she benefits as well,

Sexual activity in women has the potential to do the following:

Relieve premenstrual and menstrual cramping.
Strengthen pelvic floor; hence less pain during sex and less likelihood of vaginal prolapse.
Check incontinence.
Boost fertility.
Increase vaginal lubrication.
Improve bladder control
Prevent endometriosis

Did you know that post-menopausal women who are sexually active have an unlikelihood of developing vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls)?

Yes, use it or lose! This can lead to a painful sexual experience.

Sex and mental health benefits for all

Just like physical exercise, sex can curb stress, and anxiety, and boost good feelings.
Several studies have shown, how sex improves mental health.
Increased intimacy, love, and more trusting relationships.
Better expression of emotions and identity.
Curbs immature defense mechanisms in a bid to reduce emotional conflicts or stressful instances.
In a research study, sexual activity among adults between 50-90 years of age had a positive effect on their memory. In addition, they were a huge unlikelihood of any form of loneliness or depression observed in them.

Sex can boost your confidence

Did you know that frequent sex can make you look younger? Thanks to the release of estrogen (a partial reason though).

In a certain study, a significant correlation was shown between people who were involved in frequent sexual activity and youthfulness; they looked 7-12 years younger, and most of them found it easy to express themselves in terms of their sexual identity and sexuality.

Increases bonding among couples

Sex has the potential to bond people due to oxytocin, which plays a pertinent role in the development of relationships because it facilitates the connection that exists between one and his/her partner.

More often than not, partners tend to derive an increased level of satisfaction in their relationships when their individual sexual needs are met. In situations where this need is not met, …. the answer is blowing in the wind!

Some have chosen abstinence and celibacy

Besides sex, there are other indicators of health. It is possible to lead a happy life void of sex. Yes, pleasure is derived from sex, and it could be derived from alternative sources as well.

For instance, some people get pleasurable feelings from bonding with their pets, listening to meaningful music, and firmly establishing their beliefs in their respective faith-based communities.

Although recently there have been several contradictions about the reliability of celibacy among some of these clustered religious communities, this longitudinal study shows nuns living very well in to 90-100 years of age.

My take

All in all, sex is a vital component of life. Therefore, in romantic relationships, the importance of having orgasms could not be overemphasized, because it promotes bonding, and intimacy, prevents heart-related diseases, boosts confidence, and other physical benefits, just to mention a few.

However, one can derive the same benefits from alternative pleasurable engagements such as having a strong network of friends, bonding with your pet, and engaging in physical exercise.

As important as sex is, it is simply one way of improving one’s quality of life.

Bear in mind, that should you be in a relationship where sex is a vital component, it is, therefore, necessary to do everything within your might, to communicate your needs to derive sexual satisfaction from your partner and vice-versa.

Take time to learn about your partner, what sets him/her in the mood, and what he/she enjoys best in bed, and do everything to fulfill it.

Sex is beautiful. Do it with love and tenderness, and your partner would thank you for it.