Sex can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. It can be exciting and fun, a secretive, taboo subject, or a way to communicate love. But through all of the things that you may associate with sex, benefits to your health may not be on the list.
However, there are a variety of ways in which sex can be beneficial to your health (for both men and women); your physical health, mental health and emotional health too.
1. It’s a great exercise
Do you find that you dread going to the gym? Well, sex may be an exercise that you can get on board with. Burning approximately five calories a minute, sex works not only to get your heart rate up, but it also uses and strengthens several different muscles throughout your body.
2. It strengthens your immune system
Studies have shown that people who have sex once or twice a week have higher levels of a specific antibody. Antibodies are an essential part of our immune system as they help to fight off infection and illness. So more sex = fewer sick days.
3. Orgasms work as a painkiller
If you’re not feeling like having sex due to a headache or stomach ache, then sex may be exactly what you need. When you orgasm, your body produces endorphins, hormones that block pain signals to the brain, effectively relieving whatever ails you.
4. It lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure can increase your risk of several health problems in the long run, such as a heart attack and stroke. Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level is not only important, but it could be made a lot easier thanks to having sex. Studies have found that sexual intercourse can lower your systolic blood pressure (the number at the top).
5. Sex is suitable for your vaginal health
Even though sex can trigger some vaginal problems for women (UTIs, BV, thrush), it’s good to know that ultimately, sex is good for your vaginal health. Your vagina is self-cleaning and self-lubricating; functions that are maintained through good blood flow and healthy tissues (which you can thank sex or masturbation for).
6. It eases stress and anxiety
When you have sex, it’s not just your body that’s working overtime. A lot is going on in your brain, too; in fact, 30 active parts of the brain are involved in orgasm, like the part involved in the release of oxytocin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters work as ‘feel-good’ hormones, which can help to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as increase self-esteem and happiness. They can also make you feel closer to your partner and strengthen the feeling of intimacy.
7. A healthy sex life means a strong pelvic floor
Women often hear about pelvic floor exercises, particularly those who have had children. Sex acts as a pelvic floor exercise in itself, as orgasm causes the muscles to contract. This strengthening exercise is essential for avoiding urinary incontinence, which affects around 30% of women at some point in their lives.
8. It’s good for your heart
Never mind how sex may be suitable for your heart in terms of love, intimacy and emotions; sex is quite literally good for your heart. Several studies have explored the effects of sex on your cardiovascular health and have found that those having sex at least twice a week are 50% less likely to die of fatal heart disease!
9. More sex boosts your libido
It’s a pretty simple formula when you boil it down; the more you have sex, the more you want sex. If you need medication for erectile dysfunction to help you enjoy sex, you can buy Viagra online. If you’re having regular sex, then it will not only boost your libido, but it will also make the sex better!
Written by VavaViolet Magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Sophie Blackman.
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