You might blush a little when we mention the word “sex,” and it might even turn you red! As a society we are bombarded with images of sex on television, in the movies and online. It would be logical to assume we would be more comfortable in discussing the topic. With full disclosure we will look into sex as an important part of being healthy. This concept is nothing new. Humans are wired to seek out sex because it is innate for us to procreate and the body actually needs it. Our cave-dwelling ancestors understood this as a biological imperative. People have been the same for over 100,000 years and it was anatomically for them and the same holds true for humans today.
If you are not convinced by our ancestors that sex is good. We can look at the health benefits of sex to try to convince you. Overall, sex is a powerful force beyond pleasure. The act can lower the blood pressure, help the heart, help with joint pain, reduce the risks of prostate cancer and can improve sleep. Sex has few side-effects, and that equates to happiness and fun. You only need to have intercourse at least 2 times a week to reap the awards. What a prescription for our well-being! Here are the amazing health benefits of having sex, but don't take our word for it! Researchers are always uncovering how important intimacy is for people.
Helps with pain.
Sex increases oxytocin and this stimulates endorphins. It comes from the natural opiates in the brain during sex. Corticosteroids and endorphins are released during sex to help relieve pain. "Once this happens chronic pain like arthritis, PMS and headaches could be impacted and altered," “The Doctors” shared. Also when you have an orgasm it can release 5 times the oxytocin. This results in the nerve endings becoming dull and the pain is alleviated. Sharing displays of affection like hugging and kissing will release those feel-good hormones as well. The excuse that you have a headache to get out of sex, loses some validity.
It may extend lives.
Science is starting to back the benefits of sex. They found that there was an increase in death among men who refrained from sexual intercourse. The British Medical Journal found that having sex more than once a week can reduce the amount of heart attacks that men had. Research concluded that organisms trigger a release of the hormone DHEA and this helps with circulation. Queens University in Belfast surveyed 1,000 men in their middle age for a decade and found that men who had a good sex life lived twice as long as men who did not.
It reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
Many factors play a role in getting cancer, but having sex could reduce the risks of developing prostate cancer. Research found that men who engaged in sexual activity were 20 percent less likely to get prostate cancer. The Science of Orgasms is a book that was published in the 1970s. The authors found that the mortally risk was 50 percent “lower among men who had frequent orgasms (two or more per week), even when controlling for other factors such as age and smoking.” This is a decent percent as prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer to impact men and is the second leading cause of death behind lung cancer according to the American Cancer Society.
Reduces incontinence.
Having sex is an overall good workout for women as it helps strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. The stem that controls urine flow becomes stronger and this reduces the risks of incontinence while you are young and later on in life. Doing Kegel exercises will help the muscles below the bladder become stronger by contracting and relaxing the muscles. To do this exercise start to tighten the muscles used to stop urinating. Then, squeeze those muscles for 4 seconds and release them for 4 seconds. It is recommended to do Kegel exercises 3 times a week until you can reach the maximum of 10 seconds. Between sex and using Kegel exercises, women can reduce the risks of incontinence.
May lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure can be detrimental and lead to heart failure and stokes in men and women. “Orgasms in women stimulate the release of the hormone oxytocin, which has a direct effect on lowering blood pressure,” Everyday Health explained. Not only is the hormone linked to health, but overall, sex is a good cardiovascular workout for the heart. If your heart is healthy, you will have more sex. The cycle is a win for all couples.
It may help you sleep.
Regular sex can help people sleep better at night. There is calmness after sex that makes people drift to sleep after an orgasm. The reason is that the hormone prolactin is released, which tends to give you that sleepiness. Because of this people reported that they were able to handle stress better as well. For the ladies, the news gets even better. If you are having a hard time sleeping, sex can increase estrogen levels through the body and this will enhance rapid eye movement sleep. REMS is the final stage of sleep and offers a deeper sleep state.
It is a great exercise.
You can burn 200 calories in 30 minutes having sex. Men can burn 100 calories in the average sex session, while women expend about 69 calories. But don’t give up your gym membership just yet. The average time for sex on average is 6 minutes and should not replace a workout in the gym. Why? The New England Medical Journal found that 6 minutes only burns 20 calories. Since everyone is different, that might differ. Amp up your sex life or keep hitting the fitness center.
That was not so bad, was it? Sex is part of life and we don’t need to ashamed of it, especially with the health benefits that are offered. Sex boosts self-esteem, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and could reduce the risks of certain cancers. Having a loving committed relationship will maximize these benefits. Now there are no excuses to make.
