Psychotherapist, Ph.D. in Holistic Health
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Did you know that what happens between the sheets may be your ticket to a longer, healthier life?
Sex isn’t just about pleasure; it’s a key ingredient to living your most vibrant life. Think of it as the ultimate form of self-expression—a way to tap into your confidence, explore your desires, and boost your overall wellness.
Are you wondering how you can start reaping these benefits? It’s easier than you think—start by simply prioritizing time for yourself and your partner.
Incorporating regular sexual activity with a partner or masturbation can do wonders for your mental and physical health. But don’t just take our word for it, we come with receipts!
Science backs up the fact that regular sexual activity, whether with a partner or by yourself, can boost your mood and immune system and improve heart health. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or thriving on your own, take this as your sign to indulge in those feel-good moments.
In addition to these benefits of sex for men, women, and non-binary people, incorporating regular sexual activity into your routine can be seen as a vital form of self-care that’s essential for making you feel better both mentally and physically.
Beyond the physical benefits, the benefits of sex in a relationship include fostering emotional intimacy and strengthening the bond between partners. Therefore, sex isn’t just an act of pleasure—it’s a powerful way to enhance your overall health and intimacy in your partnership!
Let’s break down exactly how having sex with a partner or solo improves your health:
Your immune system is like your body’s personal security team, keeping sickness at bay. And guess what? Regular sex can help strengthen that defense system, which makes you more resilient to illness.
It turns out that getting frisky isn’t just fun—it’s also good for your health. Research has revealed that people who enjoy regular sex have higher levels of IgA, a superhero antibody that helps keep colds and other illnesses at bay, which makes regular sex a powerful ally for staying healthy (1).
Are you looking for a natural way to soothe those chronic aches and pains? Consider the power of sex, as research has shown that the body’s release of endorphins during sex serves as a potent pain reliever (2).
Studies have also shown that menstrual cramps and headaches ease up as well. The hormone oxytocin, which floods your system during orgasm, adds to this effect, helping you feel more at ease and relaxed (3).
It may be surprising, but studies have shown that the more you engage in sex, the more your desire for it can grow, but having regular sexual activity can help maintain or even boost your libido (4). The reason for this is that sex naturally elevates testosterone levels, the hormone that drives sexual desire.
Therefore, if you’ve noticed a dip in your sex drive, a simple way to reignite it could be to reintroduce regular intimacy into your life, whether with a partner or solo.
Read More: How To Increase Sexual Stamina And Function Naturally
Sex can play a significant role in boosting your mental well-being. One 2020 study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that the surge of serotonin and dopamine during intimate moments can ease symptoms of depression (5). Who knew that a little bedroom fun could double as a mood booster?
Other studies have shown a reduction in depression and anxiety and a reduction in stress during challenging times. The sex benefits for the brain are substantial (6), so engaging in sex can be a holistic boost for your mental health by deepening psychological connections and releasing natural mood-enhancing chemicals that help you feel your best (4).
Remember, your mind and body are deeply connected, and regular sex is a beautiful way to nurture both.
Sex isn’t just about pleasure—it’s about keeping your heart in tip-top shape too. Much like hitting the gym, getting busy in the bedroom gets your heart pumping, which is great for your cardiovascular health.
Your heart loves a good workout, and we’re not just talking about the gym! Regular sex keeps your heart happy and healthy. Studies have shown that regular sex for any gender can lower your risk of heart disease, including hypertension and heart attacks (7). Think of it as cardio with extra perks!
But wait, there’s more! The advantages extend well beyond heart health—getting it on more often is correlated with sharper mental health, steadier heart rates, and even a lower overall mortality risk. Now, that’s some serious motivation to spice things up in the bedroom!
Prostate cancer is a big concern for men’s health, but frequent ejaculation—through sex or masturbation—may significantly lower the risk.
A Harvard ejaculation study reveals that men who ejaculate over 21 times a month have a lower likelihood of developing prostate cancer compared to those who do it less frequently (8). That’s right—your body rewards you for enjoying life!
Having trouble catching those Zzz’s? A little bedroom action could be your secret weapon. After orgasm, your body releases prolactin, a hormone that naturally helps you unwind and feel sleepy.
This makes it easier to drift off and ensures you get a deeper, more refreshing sleep, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (9).
Regular sexual activity can be the key to stronger bladder control. The pelvic floor muscles, which play a vital role in bladder management, get naturally strengthened during intercourse.
The Urology Care Foundation has found that by maintaining a healthy sex life, you’re also taking a proactive step to prevent incontinence and other bladder issues, regardless of gender (10).
In today’s high-pressure world, finding ways to unwind is essential, and sex may just be your secret weapon! During sexual activity, your body releases oxytocin and endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that naturally lower cortisol, the stress hormone.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has reported that keeping up with a regular sex life doesn’t just spice things up—it’s a secret weapon for stress relief and overall wellness (11). With benefits such as reduced anxiety and a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, it’s clear that pleasure and health really do go hand in hand!
According to a 2019 study, if you’re on a baby-making mission, frequent sex can be your secret weapon (12). It enhances sperm quality and helps regulate those all-important hormones and menstrual cycles.
Therefore, regular intimacy can strengthen your emotional connection and increase your chances of hearing the pitter-patter of little feet.
Read More: 8 Forms Of Self-Care To Make You Feel Better
Regular sexual activity can actually boost men’s stamina in bed, helping them last longer and enjoy more control over ejaculation. Just as hitting the gym can improve your physical fitness, frequent sex or masturbation fine-tunes your body’s responses, which makes you more attuned to the sensations that come with arousal, helping to better regulate arousal, improve stamina, and delay ejaculation.
In addition, the confidence you gain from regular sexual encounters can help alleviate performance anxiety, a key factor in premature ejaculation. So, by making sex a consistent part of your routine, you may notice an improvement in your performance.
Your skin’s new best friend? Regular sexual activity is the answer, according to a 2023 study on the impact of sex on skin (13). The increased blood flow you experience during intimate moments delivers oxygen and nutrients straight to your skin, promoting a natural, luminous glow that’s hard to ignore.
And who doesn’t want glowing skin? Those post-sex hormones like estrogen and collagen are like a beauty treatment from within, giving your skin that firm, youthful glow.
Engaging in sexual activity triggers the release of these hormones, which are essential for keeping your skin firm and radiant. These hormones work together to maintain skin elasticity, smoothing out wrinkles, and giving you that youthful glow.
The endorphin rush you get from sex doesn’t just make you happier—it helps calm stress levels, which reduces those pesky stress-induced acne flare-ups. So, enjoy the glow-up that comes with a good time!
Sex toys can also address specific sexual health issues. For example, vibrators and dilators can help with conditions such as vaginal pain, menopausal symptoms, and low libido, while penis pumps and rings can help with erectile dysfunction and other male sexual health concerns.
A study by Alexandra Dubinskaya, MD, of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, at the American Urological Association found that regular use of sex toys can also promote general health benefits (14). In addition, they have been found to be associated with stress relief, better sleep, and improved immune function.
There’s no magic number when it comes to how often you should have sex. What’s healthy really depends on you and your unique situation. However, studies have indicated that getting intimate once or twice a week can boost your overall health (15).
However, above all, the key is to listen to your body and your emotional needs. The goal is to keep sex a positive, satisfying part of your life.
There’s no magic hour or day when it comes to enjoying the benefits of sex—it’s all about what works best for you and your partner. Timing can hinge on various factors such as energy levels, daily routines, and those all-important hormonal fluctuations.
For example, if you’ve ever wondered why morning sex feels so satisfying, it’s all about your hormones. Research has shown that testosterone, the hormone that significantly influences your sex drive, is highest after a good night’s sleep (16). This hormonal peak is one reason why morning intimacy can be so appealing.
Ultimately, the best time is whenever you and your partner feel most in tune, making any time the right time for connection.
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It’s common for individuals and couples to face phases where their sex life slows down; that’s just a normal part of life’s ebb and flow (17). Are you wondering what may be influencing how often you’re getting sexual? Here’s the scoop:
Your overall well-being and the medications you take can dramatically influence your sexual health. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause may lower your libido. Likewise, low testosterone or taking antidepressants can contribute to a reduced sex drive.
It’s essential to balance the benefits of sexual activity with an understanding of the potential disadvantages of sex, such as the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STDs).
With age comes wisdom, but it’s also common to see a decrease in how often you’re having sex. These changes are often due to the gradual shifts in your health and hormones as the years go by.
In long-term relationships, it’s easy to fall into the same old routines. However, keeping communication open about what you need in bed is the key to maintaining a passionate and satisfying connection.
Balancing work, family, and the hustle of daily life can leave you feeling exhausted. Carving out time for date nights and focusing on your relationship is the key to keeping the connection strong and vibrant.
If you’re hitting pause on your sex life, it doesn’t mean your overall health is at risk. However, for some people, going without sex for a while can lead to increased stress levels and a dip in libido.
The reason, according to the Mayo Clinic? Your body may reduce the production of mood-boosting hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, which usually help you feel good (18).
Sex has plenty of perks, but it’s also important to be aware of the potential side effects of lack of sex for females, males, and non-binary people, such as vaginal dryness, erectile challenges.
These changes often stem from reduced blood flow and decreased stimulation in those oh-so-sensitive areas, reminding us that our bodies need regular care and attention, whether we’re getting busy or not.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that sexual health is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your overall well-being. As life changes, so too may your sexual health, but don’t forget the bigger picture. Prioritizing self-care and fostering emotional connections can do wonders for keeping your life balanced and healthy.
After the high of intimacy, the experience doesn’t need to end. Enhance your connection with sexual aftercare—a vital time to wind down together. This involves taking a moment to clean up, cuddle, and reflect on the experience, deepening your bond and ensuring both partners feel added emotional bonding and security with each other.
Elevate your intimate connection by weaving in some playful humor and light conversation. When you pair that with cuddling and nurturing touch, you’re not just adding physical pleasure—you’re deepening the emotional bond too.
You should also keep in mind that It’s not uncommon to feel a wave of sadness or vulnerability after sex, a phenomenon that is known as “postcoital dysphoria” (19). Understanding that this is a common experience for some can be comforting, and offering emotional support can make a significant difference in helping to ease those feelings.
Post-intimacy, your sexual hygiene routine is the key to keeping urinary tract infections (UTIs) at bay. UTIs can sneak in when bacteria enter the urethra (yes, where urine exits). A simple yet effective step? Stay hydrated! Sipping on water gives you an energy boost and also helps flush out any lingering bacteria by encouraging urination. Your body will thank you.
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In addition, you may find it helpful to give any sex toys you use a little extra love by cleaning them properly to keep everything safe and enjoyable.
After sex, it’s important to inspect the condom for any signs of breakage or slippage. This simple step ensures the condom did its job protecting you during intercourse. If you spot something off and there was vaginal penetration, it’s smart to consider emergency contraception to be extra cautious.
Now you’ve got the inside track: you know that sex is about more than just pleasure—it’s a vital part of a healthy life. Whether you’re sharing it with a partner or indulging solo, regular sexual activity can have a big impact on your well-being.
As you explore the many health benefits of regular sexual activity, it’s also important to consider the signs of mature sexuality—a key indicator that your sexual relationship is physically beneficial, emotionally fulfilling, and deeply connected. Making intimacy a regular habit isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about living your best life.
Take control of your health by prioritizing intimacy today—your body and mind will thank you!
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