Health Benefits of Having Sex

in Dating & Sex Health & Fitness by Bravo — December 14, 2009 |

So you’re getting hot and heavy with your partner, I’m sure the last thing on your mind is how sex improves your health, and boosts your immune system. Good sex offers these 2 health benefits of much more.

Joy Davidson, PhD, a New York psychologist and sex therapist says, “the idea that we are vital, sexual creatures is still looked at in some cases with disgust or in other cases a bit of embarrassment. So to really take a look at how our sexuality adds to our life and enhances our life and our health, both physical and psychological, is eye-opening for many people.” The health benefits of sex are backed up with scientific scrutiny, so practice safe sex, and live abundantly.

Cures Headaches

Next time your girlfriend complains about her headache, and doesn’t want to have sex, remind her about it relieves pain and stress. Whenever you engage in sexual activity the hormone oxytocin is produced and distributed across your body. Due to this secretion, endorphins are released within your body, improving your mood and reducing pain naturally.

When someone is aroused, oxytocin levels not only increase, but they are the reason that orgasms come about. These increasing oxytocin levels can relieve pain; diminish headaches, cramps, and aid in body recovery.

Reduces Stress, Sleep Better

Studies have revealed that people with healthy sexual lifestyles feel more at ease and handle stress better. When you have an orgasm, an intense wave of relaxation overcomes your body, that’s why a lot of people sleep after climax. A healthy amount of sex helps you sleep better, and gives you a feeling of refreshment and energy throughout the day.

Boosts Immunity

Having sex on a regular basis can mean better physical health. Having sex a couple times a week releases higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA., which protects you against colds and other infections. Scientists at Wilkes University took saliva, which contains IgA, from 112 college students who reported the frequency of sex they had. Those who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of IgA than those who reported being abstinent, having sex less than once a week.

In addition, the hormone DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is released every time you have an orgasm. DHEA keeps skin healthy, improves cognition, boosts your immune system, and even acts as an antidepressant. So keep the orgasms coming, and reap the benefits of a strong mind, body and soul.

Boost Self Esteem

Gina Ogden, PhD, a sex therapist in Cambridge, Mass says, “One of the reasons people say they have sex is to feel good about themselves. Great sex begins with self-esteem, and it raises it. If the sex is loving, connected, and what you want, it raises it.” Even people with strong self-esteem feel even better after having sex.

Improves Intimacy

Are you having intimacy problems with your partner? Studies have shown that having sex increases levels of the hormone oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which promotes bond and trust with your partner. Oxytocin also promotes generosity, so next time you’re feeling generous in the bedroom, thank oxytocin.

Burns Calories

Sex is a form of exercise burning upwards of 85 calories per 30 minutes. You may think 85 calories, big deal? If you’re sexually active on a monthly basis, you could have 30-50 half-hour sessions. Let’s average that to 40, and you could burn 3,400 calories in one month, which is nearly equal to 1 pound of weight. In addition to promoting weight loss, sex increases our heart rate and blood flow. Healthy doses of oxygen replenish the body, cleansing our systems of old wasteful products. This is the most pleasurable way to lose weight, improve health, and live longer if you ask me.

Sex Works Magic

The psychological and physical benefits of sex are undeniable. Sex boosts your immune system, reduces stress, fights off diseases, replenishes your body, and much more. Feel better about yourself with healthy doses of sex on a regular basis.

Resources:
WebMD – 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex
Askmen – Love Answers

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Author: Bravo

Bravo enjoys long sensual walks on the beach, romantic candle lit dinners, and the finest bottles of wine and vodka... not! First of all, he'd rather be caught in Las Vegas on a weekend excursion, yes drinking vodka but not conservatively. Spontaneous is the name of the game, not planning anything and just living life with uncertainty is what he's all about. When he's not writing for Muff Slap he is either in the yoga studio practicing his downward dog, kayaking in the San Diego bay, or running a marathon away from, trailing husbands.