You might think it just feels good, but the truth is that there are many health benefits of sex too. That’s an excuse to get it on as often as possible!
There’s some good news coming your way – sex doesn’t just feel good, but it’s great for you too. Yes, there are many health benefits of sex that you can take advantage of simply by getting it on as often as you like.
Who said that life was always unfair? In this case, grabbing the perks while enjoying yourself is a major plus point! So, now you have another reason to have sex more often.
Aside from that blissful “O,” the health benefits are pretty wide-ranging. We’re talking about life-extending benefits here, not just something slightly advantageous! Sex is simply good for the body. From getting off on your own, to actually twisting sheets with someone *especially someone dear*, here are the top health benefits of sex.
[Read: 10 reasons you should have great sex every single day]
It’s time to grab the health benefits of sex
They say that ‘health is wealth’ and that’s a very true statement. When you have your health, the rest falls into place. No need to do anything major to boost your health, simply have more sex! What a great excuse! [Read: 10 things a sex vacation can do for your love life]
1. Burn those calories!
Sex is a great, fun, and pleasurable way to get your daily dose of exercise. Sex burns calories, keeps you active, bumps up your heart rate, and makes use of muscles all over your body.
In fact, a romp in the hay, so to speak, can burn between 85 to 250 calories, so don’t feel bad about not skipping dessert on your date when you’re going to get laid afterward. And that’s not all—like exercise, it can increase your strength, flexibility, and balance. So if you’re having sex regularly, you can throw away that expensive gym membership.
2. A slim and toned body is one of the health benefits of sex
Since sex is a great form of exercise, you can expect yourself to have a slim, if not thinner, and toned body—and keep things that way.
Regular sex can keep the levels of your high-anxiety hormone, cortisol, in check so you have fewer food cravings, which tend to make you eat unhealthy foods and, therefore, gain weight. [Read: 8 steps to get back your body confidence in the bedroom]
3. Fewer sick days
Ever wonder why your colleague doesn’t seem to get sick and always has the best attendance? She’s probably having more sex. This is because sexually active people have stronger immune systems, so they’re better able to ward off and defend the body against germs and viruses.
In a study conducted at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, researchers have found that people who have sex once or twice a week show 30% higher levels of immunoglobulin A, which boosts the immune system. [Read: 16 secrets to a perfectly happy relationship]
4. Improved nightly snooze is one of the health benefits of sex
Have you ever wondered why you feel downright dreamy after a resounding “O”? This is because the same endorphins that are released when you’re having sex de-stress and relax you, priming you for a good night’s sleep.
Aside from this, a study claims that the hormone called prolactin is also released, which is associated with sleep. However, highly active sex can also make you more energized. So, if you want to use sex to snooze, then opt for a languid, more subdued session, instead of intense acrobatics. It’s definitely one of the best health benefits of sex!
5. Less stress
Just being close to someone you love can relieve you of stress and anxiety–getting it on with someone you love can de-stress you that much more. Actually, according to many studies, stress and libido go hand in hand. Being in a foul mood can send your libido on a downward spiral, while being in a good mood results in more affection and sexual activity.
Still, when you’re feeling down, sex is a great option to lift your spirits. This is because sex keeps your cortisol levels in check, while releasing oxytocin and endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Basically, you’ll feel relaxed and smiling after a good romp. [Read: Stress ruining your relationship? 10 signs and quick fixes]
6. Better bladder control
For women, sex can help improve bladder control. This is important as you grow older or if you decide to have babies.
In those cases, incontinence becomes more and more of a problem. Still, having sex often can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which helps you have better control of your bladder. This is because having orgasms during sex, or even during masturbation, stimulates contractions, which essentially function as a workout for your Kegels. You might not have had this down as one of the common health benefits of sex!
7. Lighter periods are one of the health benefits of sex
Another reason sex is great for women’s health and well-being is that it results in lighter periods and fewer menstrual cramps. This is because during orgasm, the uterus contracts and rids the body of cramp-causing compounds.
Contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, so your period ends faster and you feel relieved sooner. So, while sex during a red-flag day may not be so appealing, it may just be worth the mess. [Read: 20 things you should never say to girls on their periods]
8. Increased appetite
For sex, that is. The answer to wanting to have more sex is, of course, having more sex! In other words, having more sex will result in you having a better sex life, as it improves your libido.
For women, having sex increases vaginal lubrication, blood flow in the reproductive system, and elasticity. As a result, sex feels much better and you crave more. Meanwhile, having more sex for men gives them improved sexual performance and makes them last longer in bed.
9. Improved heart health
Sex, particularly *not masturbation* can lower your blood pressure, decreasing your risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and even kidney disease.
In a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, it has been found that those who have sex twice or more a week have a reduced risk of fatal heart attacks, compared to those who had sex less than once per week. [Read: 10 naughty ways to get over a sexual dry spell quickly]
10. A natural painkiller
Having sex releases pain-reducing hormones such as oxytocin, and endorphins that can reduce pain in various parts of the body, such as the back and legs.
It can relieve menstrual pain, as well as discomfort in joints caused by arthritis. In a study, sex was even found to partially—or completely—relieve the symptoms of migraines.
11. Less risk of prostate cancer
Many studies have found that ejaculation can help men achieve their best state of health. It’s also been determined that men who ejaculate over 21 times a month, whether by sex or masturbation, are at a lower risk of prostate cancer. [Read: How to have a healthy relationship – 15 ways to be happier than ever]
12. One of the health benefits of sex is that it bumps up self-esteem
One of the many reasons people have sex is that it boosts self-esteem. This is according to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior.
While those who have a good amount of self-esteem do have sex, they admit that the deed makes them feel so much better about themselves.
According to the study, if the sex is loving and the person feels connected to their partner, they walk away with better self-esteem. [Read: Build your self-esteem – 35 funny things to tell yourself]
13. Increases your sense of wellbeing
Since sex brings people closer to their partners and makes them feel good about themselves, what you do in the bedroom can give you an overall sense of wellbeing.
By being connected with a loved one or significant other through sex, people become healthier, more confident, and happier.
14. Discover the fountain of youth
You know that “morning-after glow” after you just had sex? That’s real. It’s been studied that people really do look better after sex.
In fact, it makes them look younger. This is because the body’s heart rate increases, as blood circulates all over the body. Additionally, you release feel-good pleasure chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. [Read: How to look fabulous and appealing when trying to get attention]
Does masturbation bring the same benefits?
While masturbation has a range of health benefits and will certainly help to a degree, it’s not going to give you the same benefit as if you were having actual sex with a partner. However, masturbation is great for stress release, helping you get a better night’s sleep, and can also help you to become more confident and body-aware.
Of course, masturbation helps you to know what you like in bed too, so when you do have actual sex, you’ll enjoy it far more because you can tell your partner what makes you feel good.
So, if you’re not with anyone right now and you don’t like the idea of a booty call hook up for the sake of it, you’re still getting the health benefits of sex through masturbation, to a degree. [Read: 12 fun ways to masturbate and experience pleasure in a whole new way]
Do you have to orgasm to grab the health benefits of sex?
Not necessarily. While the health benefits of sex are going to be more far-reaching if you do orgasm, you’ll still get plenty of plus points if you don’t. Remember, the journey is just as enjoyable and beneficial as the final destination!
Not every woman orgasms on a regular basis and some women don’t orgasm at all. In that case, you don’t have to worry about not getting health benefits from your sexy time.
You’re still going to be benefitting from the release of hormones and you’re still going to be feeling pretty great as a result. However, it’s true that orgasm releases a greater amount of hormones and that means increased benefits for your health. [Read: The surprising benefits of cuddling and how it makes your life better]
How often should you have sex?
There is no right or wrong answer here. Simply have sex as much as you want! If you don’t want it, don’t have it!
However, it’s true that the more you have sex, generally the closer you feel to your partner and the more you want it as your libido rises. It’s about how you feel and what you want. You’ll find your own magic number.
Many surveys have shown that Americans have sex around once per week when in a relationship. If you have less or more, that’s fine. Just find a piece of middle ground that works for you. The health benefits are obviously going to be increased if you have more sex, but that doesn’t mean you should be at it 24 hours a day! [Read: How often do people have sex to maintain a healthy relationship]
Healthy sex life, healthy body
Sex is truly one of the best things life has to offer. Having a healthy sex life is one of the best things about life itself. On top of that, healthy sex means a healthy body, too! So, now you have the perfect excuse to get it on as much as you like – for the sake of your health!
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can eat everything you like and not exercise in others ways. You still need to do the basics!
Simply add plenty of sex to your weekly routine and you’ll see a much-improved picture in terms of your health, wellbeing, and generally how you feel in yourself.
[Read next: Female masturbation – 17 amazing facts about the naughty secret you need to know]
From making you scream to high heavens as you blissfully come, reducing the risk of cancer, to warding off viruses and germs, you have plenty of reasons to enjoy the benefits of sex—and a lot of them go way beyond the bedroom. So, get out there and have at it!
The post 14 Big Health Benefits of Sex & More that’ll Help You Live Longer! is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.
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