Not only is sex it enjoyable, but it also has a host of health and wellness benefits that you may not be aware of. Here are ten reasons why sex is good for you:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety Sex has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When you have sex, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
For example, a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that people who had sex had lower stress levels compared to those who didn’t have sex.
2. Boosts your immune system Having sex can boost your immune system by increasing the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in your body. IgA is an antibody that helps protect against infections and illnesses.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that people who had sex at least once a week had higher levels of IgA than those who didn’t have sex as frequently.
3. Improves heart health Sex is also good for your heart. It can help lower your blood pressure, which can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
For example, a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had sex at least twice a week had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to men who had sex less frequently.
4. Helps you sleep better Having sex can also help you sleep better. After orgasm, your body releases the hormone prolactin, which can make you feel relaxed and sleepy.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that women who masturbated before bed had better sleep quality than those who didn’t.
5. Relieves pain Sex can also help relieve pain, including menstrual cramps, headaches, and even arthritis pain. During sex, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
For example, a study published in the Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine found that sexual activity helped reduce the perception of pain in rats.
6. Boosts self-esteem Having sex can also boost your self-esteem and confidence. It can make you feel more attractive and desirable, which can have a positive effect on your overall well-being.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that people who had more frequent and satisfying sexual experiences had higher levels of self-esteem.
7. Improves intimacy and connection Sex can also improve intimacy and connection between partners. It can help strengthen emotional bonds and improve communication.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that couples who had more frequent sex reported higher levels of intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
8. Burns calories Sex is also a great form of exercise. It can help you burn calories and improve your overall fitness level.
For instance, a study published in PLOS One found that men burned an average of 101 calories during sex, while women burned an average of 69 calories.
9. Increases longevity Sex can even help you live longer. Studies have shown that people who have sex more frequently tend to live longer than those who have sex less often.
For example, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that men who had more frequent orgasms had a lower risk of mortality compared to those who had fewer orgasms.
10. Boosts creativity Finally, having sex can boost your creativity. Studies have shown that sexual activity can stimulate the release of hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which can improve your mood and enhance your creativity.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people who thought about sex before taking a creativity test performed better than those who didn’t.