Sex is a very important part of living life. The most common advantage associated with sex in a relationship is children. But apart from reproduction, sexual intercourse offers several other benefits to you and your relationship. Apart from pleasure and intimacy, there are health benefits of having sex. So also, there are intellectual, social and emotional benefits. We've curated some information about how sexual intercourse is great for your mind and your health, as backed up by science. Finally, here's some healthy action that you can look forward to.
Why Is Sexual Activity Good For Your Health?
Sexual health should mean more to you than avoiding pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It's also about recognising that sexual intercourse can be an important part of your life. Here's what a healthy sexual life can do for you.
- Strengthens Your Immune System. In a study of immunity in couples, people who had frequent sex had more immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their saliva. People who had infrequent sex (less than once a week) had significantly less IgA. IgA is the antibody that plays a role in preventing illnesses and is the first line of defense against human papillomavirus, or HPV.
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Lowers Your Blood Pressure. Research suggests sexual activity is connected to lower blood pressure, says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD, the CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness. “There have been many studies,” he says. “One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure.” That's the first number on your blood pressure test.
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Lowers Your Risk of Heart Attack . A good sex life is great for your heart. Apart from being a great way to increase your heart rate, sex helps keep your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance. “When either one of those is low you begin to get lots of problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease,” Pinzone says. During one study, women who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as women who had sex rarely.
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Reduces Pain. Before you reach for those pain meds, try for an orgasm first. Through sexual arousal and orgasm the hormone oxytocin is secreted in your body, which in turn causes the release of endorphins. Because of these natural opiates, sex acts as a powerful analgesic.
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Reduces Your Stress Levels. Being close to your partner can soothe your stress and anxiety. Also, touching and hugging can release your body's natural “feel-good" hormone. Sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness too. It’s not only a prescription for a healthy life, but a happy one.
Other Benefits of Sexual Activity
Your mind benefits from sexual activity in so many ways. For instance, a recent study has found that maintaining a healthy sexual life at home might boost job satisfaction and engagement at work.
Do you dread working out? Don't divorce your treadmill just yet. But if you skip a day or two at the gym, know that sex counts as exercise, too! "Sex burns between 75 and 150 calories per half-hour," says Desmond Ebanks, MD, founder and medical director of Alternity Healthcare in West Hartford, Connecticut.
The fastest way to boost your mood, fight depression and beat anxiety? Patricia Tan, MD, a board-certified internist in Arizona says the answer is sex in a loving, committed relationship. Psychologically, sex improves one's mental health by building intimacy and reducing stress. The stress reduction component lowers a person's cortisol level, thereby reducing the chances of increased blood pressure, hyperglycemia and increased acidity in the abdomen.
The act of sex can help strengthen your pelvic floor. A strengthened pelvic floor can also offer benefits like less pain during sex and reduced chance of a vaginal prolapse. One study shows that PVI can result in reflexive vaginal contractions caused by penile thrusting.
Women who continue to be sexually active after menopause are less likely to have significant vaginal atrophy, or the thinning of vaginal walls. Vaginal atrophy can cause pain during sex and urinary symptoms.
In addition to all the above, sexual activity has the potential to:
- improve bladder control
- reduce incontinence
- relieve menstrual and premenstrual cramps
- improve fertility
- build stronger pelvic muscles
- help produce more vaginal lubrication
- potentially protect you against endometriosis, or the growing of tissue outside your uterus
Resource: Web MD
Also Read: Low libido: Causes and treatment for low sex drive
