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.

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.

Sex helps boost your immune system. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.