There is no question about it, good sex can work miracles in your life. Aside from making you feel amazing after good sex, sex can also be the best form of exercise. Having sex is just like hitting two birds with one stone. It makes you feel good and look good at the same time. But don’t you know that the benefits of sex go beyond the pleasure your earthly body enjoys? Yes, it is. And science helps shed more light on why you should have sex as often as you want.
1. Heart health
When we talk about having a healthy heart, what easily comes to mind are diet and exercise. This means, following a set of should and should nots is part of it. What you should eat, what you should not eat, and so on and so forth. However, you can take a break from these rules and have some sex for a break. And not just a break, but regular frequent sex to keep your heart pumping healthily and happily.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, men who engaged in sex at least two times a week were less likely to suffer from the risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to those who had sex once a month.
For older adults who might already be suffering from heart problems, the exertion of effort during sex might be your concern. But take your worries lightly. The amount of energy spent on sex is the same as the energy used in walking at a moderate pace. To test if you’re stable enough to have sex, take two steps of stairs. When you’re able to do it with no problems, then it’s safe to follow your sexual urges. To be sure, have sex when your heart is already stable. And when still in doubt, ask your doctor.
2. Pain reliever
When you experience pain, consider having sex. A study published in Plos One showed that participants experienced less pain after they were shown the photos of their romantic partners and attractive strangers. Neurologists also showed that sex has the ability to relieve migraine and cluster headache. This is because endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, are released during sex. Another thing is, when you focus more on the pleasure, the pain may simply fade in the background.
3. Lower blood pressure
A study published in the journal Biological Psychology found that all forms of sex: penetration sex, nonpenetrative sex, and masturbation are all effective in lowering blood pressure during stressful situations. Hugging helps maintain healthy blood pressure. This just shows that sex can bring calm and serenity.
However, when your blood pressure is considerably high, ask advice from your doctor first. Having sex when your blood is high may increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
4. Reduced risk of prostate cancer
Ejaculation is helpful in lowering the chances of prostate cancer in men. According to a study published in the journal European Urology, ejaculation can lower a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Participants who ejaculated at least 21 times per month showed a lesser risk than those who ejaculated less.
Researchers theorized that ejaculation may clear out the prostate of carcinogens. Another theory they’re looking at is that crystalloid microcalcifications, which are associated with prostate cancer, get drained during ejaculation. Ejaculating regularly helps the prostate duct get rid of this harmful fluid.
5. Improved sleep
When having sleeping problems, sex may be a simple answer. The National Sleep Foundation reported that after good sex, you will feel sleepy and relaxed due to the hormone prolactin, which is released during orgasm. A good level of prolactin in both men and women increases sexual satisfaction and feelings of satiety. During sex and orgasm, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins are also released. Oxytocin and prolactin enhance your feelings of sleepiness.
6. Improved mood
After sex, your mood improves not only because of the pleasure sex gives you but also because of the chemical processes that take place in your body during the session. According to sex experts, the semen itself contains chemicals that enhance your mood.
7. Glowing skin
This is what others call, the morning glow. Whether you notice it or not, your skin gives off an afterglow after sexual activity.
The journal Psychological Science reported that the effect of sex on the newly-wed participants lasted after 48 hours. Partners revealed that the afterglow they felt increased their happiness and satisfaction in the relationship.
This is one reason why sex can make one look younger. The ‘afterglow’ associated with sex is linked to the stress relief, better mood, and the natural flush of blood under the skin.
8. Improved immunity
Regular sex helps the immune system too. A study published in Psychological Reports said that having sex at least one to two times a week is enough to boost your immune system. People who engage in sex more often are more exposed to infectious agents. To counter these harmful agents, the body produces more of the antibody immunoglobulin A to protect it against cold or flu.
9. Relieves stress
Stress can be a source of many health and chronic problems. This can range from headaches, sleeping troubles, upset stomach, cluttered mind, depression, and even a weakened immune system.
According to a study published in Biological Psychology, participants who engaged in penetrative sex showed a better response to stress when public speaking compared to participants who masturbated only. An increase in blood pressure levels during a stressful situation is found in participants who abstained from sex.
10. Better memory recognition
Could you believe that sex is one way of boosting your brain power? Unbelievable as it may seem, but sex is found to improve memory according to one research. Researchers say that sex has the ability to create new neurons in the hippocampus, the brain’s region responsible for learning and memory.
11. Longevity
If you want to live longer, have more sex. A study published in The BMJ linked sexual activity to a longer life. Over the course of ten years, researchers tracked participants aged between 45 and 59. Interestingly, they found that men who had frequent orgasms were 50 percent less likely to die than men who didn’t ejaculate regularly.
12. Self-esteem booster
Need a boost in your self-esteem? Have sex. A study published in Social Psychology and Personality Science showed that college students who had casual sex had high levels of self-esteem and well-being compared to those who weren’t sexually active.
While all these reasons are totally valid why you should have regular sex, there is one more important reason why you should engage in sex, especially when you’re married or are in a long term relationship. Sex can increase the intimacy and connectedness you have with your partner. There is no greater sex than when you feel fulfilled not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally.
But if casual sex excites you more, you still can have great sex when you practice safe sex. The level of your stress will decrease when you know you protect yourself against contracting STDs or other sex related problems.
