David Samadi, MD - Blog | Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer & Generic Health Articles by Dr. David Samadi - SamadiMD.com|

View Original

10 health-related reasons to have more sex

1.    Sex increases your libido

The more you have sex, the more you will want it, and the better it will be for you and your partner. For women, having more sex increases vaginal lubrication, blood flow, and elasticity. All of these make sex feel better and make it more desirable.

2.    Sex is exercise

Sex is an excellent form of physical exercise. It may not be as optimal as getting a proper workout in the gym, but it still helps. During sex, we burn about five calories per minute. It also increases your heart rate and uses muscles that we don’t regularly use. Having sex on a regular basis can be a great addition to your regular workout routine.

3.    Sex improves quality of sleep

Sex helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. After having an orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released. Prolactin makes you feel relaxed and sleepy.

4.    Sex lowers heart attack risk

Having sex on the regular is good for your heart. It is an excellent way to increase heart rate, as well as help keep estrogen and testosterone levels in balance. If you have a low heart rate or your estrogen and testosterone levels are out of whack, you may be at risk for serious health conditions like heart disease or osteoporosis. Research has shown that men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.

5.    Sex helps keep your immune system active

People who have sex have higher levels of immunity, which is what protects our bodies against germs, bacteria, viruses, and disease. A previous research study on college students found that those who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of certain antibodies compared to students who had sex less often. Other ways to keep your immune system healthy include eating right, staying physically active, getting a good amount of sleep, staying up to date on vaccinations, and using protection (condoms) when having sex.

6.    Sex lowers blood pressure

Research has found that there is a link between sex and lower blood pressure. Previous studies show that sexual intercourse lowered systolic blood pressure.

7.    Sex helps reduce stress

Having sex reduces stress and anxiety. Being intimate releases natural feel-good hormones that makes you feel happy and calm.

8.    Sex decreases pain

Having an orgasm inhibits pain. Even just being stimulated sexually can reduce pain.

9.    Sex improves bladder control (for women)

Sex helps strengthen women’s pelvic floor muscles, which is important for avoiding incontinence. Incontinence will affect about 30 percent of women at some time in their lives.

10.  Sex may decrease risk for prostate cancer

A prior research study showed that men who ejaculated at least 21 times a month were less likely to develop prostate cancer. This doesn’t mean you need to have a sex partner – whether it be sexual intercourse, nocturnal emission, or masturbation, all are beneficial.