Do you want to:
- Enjoy exercising?
- Boost your immune system?
- Reduce your risk of heart disease?
- Reduce your risk of prostate cancer?
- Clear up your complexion?
- Lower your blood pressure…and more?
Having sex on a regular basis just may be your answer!
Sex therapist, Sandra L. Caron, Ph.D., a professor of family relations and human sexuality at the University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development in Orono, says, “There have been lots of studies describing the health benefits of sex.”
We agree that there is a plethora of information out there regarding the varied benefits of sex on physical and psychological health.
But we’ve identified several benefits that speak to us and we’d like to share them with you.
- Sex is a good form of exercise.
Findings in the June 2018 Journal of PLOS ONE (a peer-reviewed publication) showed that men burn 100 calories during the average sex session, while women burn about 69 calories. Plus, as a form of exercise, sex can help calm you down! - Sex boosts your immune system.
With a sexual frequency of 1– 2 times a week, according to Psychological Reports, June 2004, you can improve your immune system. “Sexually active people take fewer sick days,” according to Yvonne K. Fulbright, Ph.D. a sexual health expert. People who have sex have higher levels of what defends your body against germs, viruses, and other intruders. - Sex is good for your heart.
In the Journal of Cardiology, January 2010, it was reported that men (age 50 and over) who had sex twice a week had a 45% reduced risk of heart disease! Your heart’s response to sex is like walking up 2 flights of stairs. - Sex lowers your blood pressure.
Sex in your later years may reduce blood pressure – at least for women! The Journal of Health and Social Behavior studied women between the ages of 57 – 85 and reported they were less likely to have hypertension! Also, a Scottish study published in the Journal of Biological Psychology found that sexual activity prevents increases in blood pressure during stressful events. - Sex may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Frequent ejaculation may protect your prostate from cancer. A study published in December 2016 in the journal European Urology found that men who ejaculate more than 21 times per month, compared with those who do so 4 to 7 times per month, were 20% less likely to develop prostate cancer! - Sex reduces stress.
Sex can help relieve stress by raising your endorphins and other hormones that boost mood. A Scottish study published in the Journal of Biological Psychology found that sexual activity prevents increases in blood pressure during stressful events. While this effect was more pronounced in people who had sex with penetration, nonpenetrative sex and masturbation can also help you stay serene. - Sex helps you sleep better.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, orgasms release the hormone prolactin, which can help you feel sleepy and relaxed. You and your spouse may nap after a satisfying session — and wake up feeling refreshed. - Sex helps relieve pain.
In a study produced by PLOS One, whose research was performed at Stanford University in California, anesthesiologists showed participants photos of their romantic partners or photos of attractive strangers. They found that looking at their romantic partners significantly dulled the experience of pain. - Sex puts you in a happier mood and builds stronger relationships.
You’ll have a more positive outlook after sex. In March 2017, the Journal of Psychological Science examined newlywed couples who kept a two-week sexual diary. Researchers found that partners were satisfied for a full 48 hours after sexual activity. Why?There are biochemical factors like neurotransmitters that may be released during healthy sex to the mood enhancers contained in semen itself. - Sex helps you have younger-looking skin.
“Sex even helps you look younger,” says sex therapist, Caron. That glow can be attributed to a combination of stress relief, better mood, and the flush of blood under your skin that’s a natural part of the arousal process.
In summary, sex could be a positive boost to your long-term health and make your life much more fun!
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