Is Sex Healthy
Sex is and has been a taboo subject for thousands of years in a myriad of cultures. It is a natural part of our biological existence. Organisms as diverse as flowering trees, to fish, to birds, to bacteria, engage in sex. It is the driving force behind evolution and is integrated into our genetic coding; however, sex is looked at with embarrassment, fear, lust, and anger. Few look at it to better understand its role in maintaining optimal mental and physical health. Below are some of the health benefits of sex as seen through the lens of scientific research.
Stress reduction: Stress is a part of our daily lives and a challenge to get around sometimes. A few studies have shown that intercourse after a stressful event reduced blood pressure and overall stress to a greater level than other sexual activities and in comparison to abstinence. The hormone prolactin is released after an orgasm. Prolactin is strongly linked to better rest and sleep, two great stress reducers. Gals, ever wonder why your guy falls almost instantly asleep afterward? In part, oxytocin. Oxytocin, which is released during orgasm, has also been shown to promote good sleep.
Lower blood pressure: As most know, high blood pressure is often a pre-indicator to heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The emotional connection of two partners has been shown to be enough to reduce blood pressure, especially in women. Making love takes this a step further in reducing stress and blood pressure levels. In fact, researchers found that having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half for the men studied, compared with those who had sex less than once a month.
Immune booster: Looking to ward off that cold? It appears that having sex two to three times a week can boost the immune system making individuals more resistant to infection and disease. Groups that had sex once a week or less didn't experience the same higher immunoglobulin increases.
Self-image and self-esteem: There are emotional and mental benefits as well. Connecting with a partner you love and sharing that love through the physical act of sexual intercourse has been shown to increase self-esteem and improve one's overall mood. Sex can reinforce the bond you have with your partner and is one of the most intimate forms of connecting with them, which often results in a happier and healthier relationship. Oxytocin, the love hormone, has been shown to increase one's desire for intimacy, love, and bonding, three critical social components to good emotional health. Post-orgasm releases greater levels of estrogen and testosterone which help give that "glow" often referred to in women's magazines. Couples that have frequent sex are actually guessed to be four to seven years younger than their actual age, likely due to the skin health benefits of the released hormones. For example, estrogen has been shown to promote softer skin and shinier hair.
Reduce pain: Hormones are released by the body almost immediately after sexual intercourse that help to reduce aches and pains. The key hormones at play are oxytocin and endorphins. Endorphins are similar in structure to morphine and in one study half of female migraine sufferers felt relief after sex. So next time you have a minor headache reach for your partner instead of a Tylenol.
