Most people have sex to enjoy it and get closer to each other as a couple, but there are also several wellness reasons why sex is good for you. Not only is sexual pleasure fun; it’s also necessary for your wellbeing. According to Hilda Hutcherson, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Columbia University and author of Pleasure: A Woman’s Guide to Getting the Sex You Want, Need, and Deserve, ‘Having sex regularly can do more than make you feel closer to your partner—it can actually make you physically healthier.’ So what are the health benefits of sex?
Sexual health expert Hope Gillette explains, ‘The health benefits of sex are related to how sex affects the body. For example, sexual intercourse boosts levels of the hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin is considered to be the “love hormone,” as it promotes feelings of trust and intimacy. But oxytocin also does some other interesting things in the body–like boosting endorphins, which are the body’s natural defence against pain. Other health benefits of sex include: lower risk of prostate cancer due to more frequent ejaculation, stronger pelvic floor muscles, which can help prevent incontinence in both women and men, improved sleep patterns thanks to increases in oxytocin and prolactin levels and lower levels of stress and thus lower blood pressure.’
However, the health benefits of sex don’t end there. Here are a few more:
- Improved immune system from a production boost of the antibody immunoglobulin A.
- Improved heart health: studies indicate sex two or more times a week can cut a man’s fatal heart attack risk in half.
- Improved self-esteem through partner gratification.
- Slowed aging through the release of the hormones estrogen and testosterone, which can promote soft skin and shining hair.
- Decreased length of menstrual cycle: having sex during a woman’s menstrual cycle can cause pelvic floor contractions that can speed up the elimination of blood and tissue.
- Toned muscles from holding positions. Hutcherson details, ‘Your abs and the muscles in your back, butt, and thighs get a good workout as you thrust during sex. Looks like you have a pretty good reason to skip spin class on Sunday morning and work up a sweat in bed.’
While this is all good to know, you may not be reaping the benefits of your sexual escapades like you should be. Luckily, there are some things you can try to improve the secondary benefits of intimacy:
1. Don’t Let Minor Pain Get in the Way: Gillette suggests you ‘seriously consider having sex when [you] have a headache or muscle ache. The endorphins from sex can often improve minor issues, just make sure you aren’t getting a headache because of sex.’
2. Experiment with Your Muscle Control: ‘Don’t be shy about doing Kegel exercises during sex,’ says Gillette. ‘It can add to the pleasure as well as improve your bladder control.’
3. Sleep Better After More Passive Sex: Gillette explains, ‘Energetic sex can often make you feel more awake than tired, so if you’re hoping sex will help you sleep, take a more passive role. Or, if you want to be in total control, masturbate on your own to induce a climax.’
4. Don’t be Afraid of Sex During Your Period: ‘This is particularly true for women who have the painful condition endometriosis,’ says Gillette. ‘Sex during the menstrual cycle can help reduce the risk and occurrence of this medical issue.’
5. Mix Things Up: Gillette asserts, ‘The best thing about sex is that it is fun, but if you’re in a long-term relationship you need to keep that spark so sex doesn’t become a chore. Try new positions, new locations, or role playing to spice things up.’