The Health Benefits of Sex... as If You Needed More Reasons
Daily, we take part in activities that strain both our mental and physical health. From our jobs to the food we put on our plate, everything can come into question. There is a glimmer of hope, however, that we might not expect. The physical relationship we have with our partner, including the effects of being sexually active, are immensely beneficial.
We often hear about the risks associated with having sex, but never about the health risks of not being sexually active. Of course, practising safe sex and being well-educated on the dangers of developing STIs is critical, but today, we’re offering a more positive outlook.
What are the health benefits of sex? Let’s take a look!
Lowers blood pressure
Many studies have arrived at the same conclusion: sex lowers blood pressure. This extends beyond your normal day-to-day diastolic reading, but also during what would be high-stress situations. Lowered blood pressure also works in reverse, improving your sex life by reducing stress and cultivating a deeper intimacy with your partner. Talk about the health benefits of sex!
Improves heart health
When having sex at least two times a week, men are 45% less likely to develop heart disease than those that have sex once a month or less. Just like any cardio routine — jogging, cycling, or jumping rope — having sex is an incredible workout, strengthening both the heart and the blood vessels.
Reduced risk of heart disease
Just as there is an overall improvement in heart health, so too is there an improvement in one’s risk for heart disease. That is, the chance of developing it decreases. This isn’t to say that those who are not sexually active will develop heart disease (and that it’s one of the health risks of not being sexually active), but rather, having sex regularly will help keep you thriving well into old age.
Can improve your memory
Though not one of the health benefits of sex you see right away, long-term, adults between the ages of 50 and 90 years old are more likely to have improved memories (including a decreased chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease) and overall cognitive functioning when they are sexually active. This is why sex is good for us at any age!
Improves your sleep schedule
Thanks to a release of oxytocin and endorphins (the ‘feel-good hormones’) after an orgasm, people will often feel sleepy and, as a result, have a better night’s sleep after having sex. This doesn’t even take into consideration the improvement of your physical relationship with your partner, which will flourish with extra cuddle time in bed, reduced stress, and increased energy.
Helps keep you in shape
As you can imagine, one of the effects of being sexually active is that it keeps you more fit. Sex burns about five calories per minute, making a quickie burn about the same as a 30-minute jog. We don’t know about you, but sex is up much higher on our list of favourite physical activities, compared to any other workout.
Elevates your self-esteem
Though not necessarily one of the health risks of not being sexually active, self-esteem is tied in many ways to sexual intercourse and our attraction to our partner. Having someone appreciate our bodies act as a boost to both self-esteem and body image, elevating our mood, confidence, and well-being. This also holds true for casual oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
May reduce symptoms of depression
Both men and women can benefit from improved symptoms relating to depression, with satisfaction in having sex relating to an improvement in mental health. Studies show that this is related solely to intercourse with a partner though, and not to masturbation. If you were looking for a reason to foster a physical relationship with someone, this could be the sign you’ve been searching for!
Could help you live longer
By boosting your well-being in every way, it’s no surprise that the health benefits of sex include extending your longevity. Thanks to a decrease in heart disease and blood pressure, less chance of developing prostate and breast cancers, and reduced physical and emotional pains (thanks to the aforementioned release of oxytocin and endorphins), having sex allows us to feel like we are always on top of our physical game.
With the health benefits of sex being so evident, it’s difficult to deny ourselves the pleasures of having sex. After all, it’s arguably for our own benefit and longevity. At least, that’s what we’ll argue when we find ourselves spending the whole weekend in bed with our partner!
What health benefits of a physical relationship are most important to you? Do the feel-good or health-related effects of being sexually active matter more to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
