What A Sexless Marriage Does To Our Health

Marriage is a life-long commitment and your spouse can have a major effect on your overall physical, mental and emotional health and vice versa.  Sex has a profound effect on our overall health and happiness. The why behind this stems from the hormones that are released such as oxytocin (dubbed the 'love hormone') serotonin and endorphins. Sex combats mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and thus leading to a happier us. Even after being together for many years, it is important for both people to view sex as a very core and important part of their overall relationship. Here's why. 

Sexual arousal usually begins in the brain. This arousal is both sexual and emotional, rooted in feelings of lust for your partner as well as love and affection.  For both men and women, one of the chief components of sexual arousal is increased blood flow to the genital area causing increased sensitivity and stiffness.

For both sexes, heart rate and blood pressure increases, and breathing intensifies. In addition, there is a surge of sex hormones like testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol which contribute to the sexual response. 

Obviously sex is a physical act, but don't underestimate its role in deep, emotional connection. Most newlyweds have a healthy sex life starting out in their marriage but let other things get in the way such as money, kids and our social lives. This lack of physical intimacy can create a very real strain on what was believed to be a healthy marriage. 

The worst part of a sexless marriage is that it makes both partners feel unattractive and unloved. 

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.