It may not be wrong to say that a healthy sex life can act as an integral part in sustaining and improving the overall quality of life for both men and women1. This is because your sexual health not only impacts your physical well-being but also your emotional health1. It can aptly be said that a satisfying sex life is the foundation of an intimate and healthy relationship in couples1. However, in reality, the health benefits of sex range from improving your heart health to relieving stress. Here are six common health benefits of sex that every person should be aware of!
The health benefits of sex on both men and women have been proven by numerous research studies. Couples who have an active sex life tend to be more fit and happy as compared to those who don’t have an active sex life2. In fact, it can even improve your cognitive function and add years to your life2. A healthy and active sex life can:
1. Protect you from heart diseases
An active sex life can offer protection against cardiovascular disease by lowering the blood pressure and the heart rate. A 2002 study revealed that frequent sexual intercourse in middle-aged men does not increase the risk of stroke3. Another study revealed that older men who experience more orgasms have lower risks of dying from coronary heart disease and also have a healthier heart rate which in turn can lower the risk of death4.
2. Help burn calories
It is a well-known fact that regular exercise can stimulate the production of testosterone, a libido-dependent hormone, which affects sex drive, sexual interest, and sexual function1. However, not many people know that the energy spent during sexual activity can be equal to an endurance training session. A research study has revealed that the mean energy expenditure during sexual activity was 101 kCal or 4.2 kCal/min in men and 69.1 kCal or 3.1 kCal/min in women5. In fact, it was suggested that sexual activity can potentially be considered as a significant exercise5.
3. Relieve stress
Sexual activity can help reduce the level of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) in both men and women4. It also promotes the production of happy hormones (also known as endorphins), which act as a natural mood elevator4. Moreover, orgasm achieved during sexual intercourse also triggers the release of oxytocin, which promotes bonding between the couples and also relieves stress4. In fact, the after-effect of sexual activity also includes elevated mood which may persist for some time after the activity and have a positive impact on overall health4.
The physical act of sex is known to reduce stress the same way as exercise. It also reduces the negative effect of stress by providing emotional support from a healthy sexual relationship between couples4,6.
4. Lower your risk of infections
Not many people are aware that an active sex life can play a key role in the prevention of infections by improving your immune function. A research study published in 20047 reported that the frequency of your sexual activity can boost your immunity. The study categorized people into four groups — none, infrequent (less than once a week), frequent (one to two times a week), and very frequent sexual activity (three or more times per week). The participants in the frequent group (one to two times per week) showed significantly higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) than the other three groups irrespective of the duration of the relationship and their sexual satisfaction7. IgA is one of the most common types of immunoglobulins (antibodies) which play a vital role in protection against antigens8.
5. Help you sleep better
Sleep problems are quite common across the world. Several studies have shown that a good sex life can aid in better quality sleep due to the action of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin9. Post sexual intercourse, the level of the hormone oxytocin increases which is known to reduce the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and improve the quality of sleep in both men and women9. Moreover, prolactin which is known to be related to both quality of orgasm and sexual satisfaction also promotes sleep due to its hormonal action9.
6. Increase your life expectancy
The last but the most crucial health benefit of sex is its effect on the overall well-being and the quality of life in both men and women10. The reason for this is the positive impact of a healthy and happy sexual relationship on reducing stress and boosting immunity. Moreover, sexual activity also causes the release of healthy chemicals in the body which not only help in positive bonding between couples but also strengthens the relationship10. Overall, a frequent sexual activity can not only improve sexual performance but also the general quality of life along with increasing lifespan.
Consult A Sexual Health Specialist Now. Click Here!
Disclaimer: Issued in public interest by Pfizer Upjohn.
Your doctor is the best resource for medical advice and information. The health information contained herein is provided for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a medical practitioner and/or medical advice.
While due care and caution has been taken to ensure that this content is free from mistakes or omissions, Pfizer makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied; as to accuracy, completeness of the contents or any actions taken basis the content and will not be liable for any damages, adverse events, and personal liability arising therefrom.
PP-VIA-IND-0208 dated 3/8/2020
References:
1. Jiannine LM. An investigation of the relationship between physical fitness, self-concept, and sexual functioning. J Educ Health Promot. 2018 May 3;7-57.
2. Wellings K, Palmer MJ, Machiyama K, et al. Changes in, and factors associated with, frequency of sex in Britain: evidence from three National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal). BMJ. 2019 May 7;365-l1525.
3. Ebrahim S, May M, Ben Shlomo Y, et al. Sexual intercourse and risk of ischaemic stroke and coronary heart disease: the Caerphilly study. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2002 Feb;56(2):99-102.
4. Liu H, Waite LJ, Shen S, et al. Is Sex Good for Your Health? A National Study on Partnered Sexuality and Cardiovascular Risk among Older Men and Women. J Health Soc Behav. 2016 Sep;57(3):276-96.
5. Frappier J, Toupin I, Levy JJ, et al. Energy Expenditure during Sexual Activity in Young Healthy Couples. PLoS ONE. 2013 Oct; 8(10): e79342.
6. Ditzen B, Germann J, Meuwly, et al. Intimacy as Related to Cortisol Reactivity and Recovery in Couples Undergoing Psychosocial Stress. Psychosom Med. 2019 Jan;81(1):16-25.
7. Charnetski CJ, Brennan FX. Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Psychol Rep. 2004;94(3 Pt 1):839-844.
8. Hansen IS, Baeten DLP, den Dunnen J. The inflammatory function of human IgA. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2019 Mar;76(6):1041-1055.
9. Lastella M, O’Mullan C, Paterson JL, et al. Sex and Sleep: Perceptions of Sex as a Sleep Promoting Behavior in the General Adult Population. Front Public Health. 2019 Mar;7-33.
10. Adaikan PG. AB59. Can sexual health contribute to longevity? Transl Androl Urol. 2014 Sep;3(Suppl 1):AB59.