"Having sex regularly can do more than make you feel closer to your partner—it can actually make you physically healthier," says Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University. Check out a few of the surprising benefits you can reap from great sex.
Less Stress
Research from the University of the West of Scotland reveals that people who had intercourse at least once over two weeks were better able to manage stressful situations such as public speaking, says study author and psychology professor Stuart Brody, Ph.D. That's because endorphins and oxytocin are released during sex, and these feel-good hormones activate pleasure centres in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation and help stave off anxiety and depression, says WH advisor Laura Berman, Ph.D., an assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at North western University. You don't have to climax to net the effects, but you'll get the biggest surge of soothing hormones if you have an orgasm.
Being close to your partner can soothe stress and anxiety.
Ambardar says touching and hugging can release your body's natural “feel-good hormone.” Sexual arousal releases a brain chemical that revs up your brain’s pleasure and reward system.
Sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness, too, Ambardar says. It’s not only a prescription for a healthy life, but a happy one.
Top of Form
The same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and body, priming you for slumber, says Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin and co-author of Why Women Have Sex. Plus, during orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released.
"Prolactin levels are naturally higher when we sleep, which suggests a strong relationship between the two," she says. But if you're wild in the sack, take note: Highly active sex can make you feel more energized than sleepy.
Sex should never be a catnap, but if you want to use knocking boots as a sleep aid, skip the acrobatics and opt for a subdued session.
“Sex is a really great form of exercise,” Pinzone says. It won’t replace the treadmill, but it counts for something.
Sex uses about five calories per minute, four more calories than watching TV. It gives you a one-two punch: It bumps up your heart rate and uses various muscles.
So get busy! You may even want to clear your schedule to make time for it on a regular basis. “Like with exercise, consistency helps maximize the benefits,” Pinzone says.
Minimized Pain
The surge of hormones released after an orgasm can help ease any annoying ache, whether it's a strained back or a head pounder, says Meston. A study conducted at the Headache Clinic at Southern Illinois University found that half of female migraine sufferers reported relief after climaxing. "The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain," says Meston. Have a migraine but your man isn't around? Self-medicate by treating yourself with some solo sex. As long as you hit your peak, masturbating will have the same soothing effect.
The surge of hormones released after an orgasm can help ease any annoying ache, whether it's a strained back or a head pounder, says Meston. A study conducted at the Headache Clinic at Southern Illinois University found that half of female migraine sufferers reported relief after climaxing. "The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain," says Meston. Have a migraine but your man isn't around? Self-medicate by treating yourself with some solo sex. As long as you hit your peak, masturbating will have the same soothing effect.
Before you reach for an aspirin, try for an orgasm.
“Orgasm can block pain,” says Barry R. Komisaruk, PhD, a distinguished service professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. It releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold.
Stimulation without orgasm can also do the trick. “We’ve found that vaginal stimulation can block chronic back and leg pain, and many women have told us that genital self-stimulation can reduce menstrual cramps, arthritic pain, and in some cases even headache,” Komisaruk says.
Fewer Colds
People who have sex were found to have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. These antibodies help combat diseases and keep the body safe from colds and flu.
People who have sex were found to have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. These antibodies help combat diseases and keep the body safe from colds and flu.
A Youthful Glow
In a study conducted at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, a panel of judges viewed participants through a one-way mirror and guessed their ages. Those who were enjoying lots of sex with a steady partner—four times a week, on average—were perceived to be seven to 12 years younger than their actual age. Regular sex promotes the release of hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, which can keep the body looking young and vital; estrogen has also been shown to promote soft skin and shiny hair, says Meston.
Lighter Periods (with Fewer Cramps)
"When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts and, in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds," explains Meston. The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster, she adds.
"When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts and, in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds," explains Meston. The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster, she adds.
Going horizontal while menstruating has also been shown to help decrease the risk for endometriosis, a common condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing pelvic pain and sex that hurts, according to researchers at Yale University School of Medicine.
Sex during your period may not sound too appealing, but don't stress over making a mess. Just lay down a dark-coloured towel and stick to missionary; when you're lying down, your flow tends to be lighter, says WH advisor Michelle Callahan, Ph.D.
A More Toned Bod
Sex counts as cardio! A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories, depending on the length of the session (obviously a quickie will be less strenuous than an all-night pleasure fest), says Meston. In fact, cardiologists consider sexual activity comparable to a modest work out on a treadmill, according to a study published in The American Journal of Cardiology.
Sex counts as cardio! A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories, depending on the length of the session (obviously a quickie will be less strenuous than an all-night pleasure fest), says Meston. In fact, cardiologists consider sexual activity comparable to a modest work out on a treadmill, according to a study published in The American Journal of Cardiology.
Not only will your manhood get a workout, you'll also squeeze in some shaping: "Your abs and the muscles in your back butt, and thighs get a good workout as you thrust during sex," says Hutcherson.
Helps Keep Your Immune System Vibrating
“Sexually active people take fewer sick days,” says Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD a sexual health expert.
People who have sex have higher levels of what defends your body against germs, viruses, and other intruders. Researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of the a certain antibody compared to students who had sex less often.
You should still do all the other things that make your immune system happy, such as:
· Eat right.
· Stay active.
· Get enough sleep.
· Keep up with your vaccinations.
· Use a condom if you don’t know both of your STD.
Boosts Your Libido
Longing for a more lively sex life? “Having sex will make sex better and will improve your libido,” says Lauren Streicher, MD. She is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
For women, having sex ups vaginal lubrication, blood flow, and elasticity, she says, all of which make sex feel better and help you crave more of it.
Improves Women’s Bladder Control
A strong pelvic floor is important for avoiding incontinence, something that will affect about 30% of women at some point in their lives.
Good sex is like a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When you have an orgasm, it causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Research suggests a link between sex and lower blood pressure, says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD. He is CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness,“There have been many studies,” he says. “One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically lowered systolic blood pressure.” That's the first number on your blood pressure test.
Lowers Risk of Heart Attack
A good sex life is good for your heart. Besides being a great way to raise your heart rate, sex helps keep your oestrogen and testosterone levels in balance.
“When either one of those is low you begin to get lots of problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease,” Pinzone says.
Having sex more often may help. During one study, men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.
May Inhibit The Risk of Prostate Cancer
Going for the pleasure may help ward off prostate cancer.
Men who ejaculated frequently (at least 21 times a month) were less likely to get prostate cancer during one study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
It's not clear whether sex was the only reason that mattered in that study. Lots of factors affect cancer risk. But more sex won’t hurt.
Improves Sleep
You may nod off more quickly after sex, and for good reason.
“After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness" after sex, says Sheenie Ambardar, MD. She is a psychiatrist in West Hollywood, Calif.
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