What are the health benefits of sexual intercourse?

Sexual activity not only brings pleasure and happiness to people, but it can also offer surprising health benefits. Sex can help improve both your physical and mental health, aid in better sleep, and even contribute to a longer life. Let’s explore the health benefits of sex through the following article.

1. What are the health benefits of sexual intercourse?

Sexual activity is a major concern for many people across different ages and genders. Many wonder whether regular sexual activity has any benefits or what role sex plays in overall health. Below are some of the health benefits of sexual activity:

1.1 Sex reduces stress

Cortisol is a hormone released by your body when you’re stressed. However, too much cortisol can leave you feeling exhausted. Sex triggers the release of endorphins—feel-good hormones that can lift your mood and help return cortisol levels to normal.

Oxytocin—a hormone that helps you feel relaxed, more connected to your partner, and reduces stress levels—is also released during sexual activity.

1.2 Sex helps you sleep better

Sexual activity increases the secretion of prolactin—a hormone that plays a role in regulating sleep. The feelings of drowsiness and relaxation that often occur after sex are thanks to the rise in prolactin levels. This not only helps you fall asleep more easily but also supports deeper and more restful sleep.

1.3 Sex boosts your immune system

Sexual activity can strengthen your immune system by increasing the production of antibodies that protect against infections, including the human papillomavirus (HPV). A small study found that college students who had sex three or more times per week had higher levels of immunoglobulin A antibodies in their saliva. These antibodies help improve the body’s ability to fight off certain viruses and bacteria.

In addition to sexual activity, getting enough sleep every night and having quality sleep are among the best things you can do to enhance your immune system. Since sex is linked to better sleep, regular sexual activity may help improve your overall immune health.

1.4 Natural Pain Relief

When discussing the benefits of regular sexual activity or the significance of sex for health, it’s essential to mention its pain-relieving effects. The mechanism behind pain relief after sexual activity involves feel-good hormones that help your body manage stress and reduce pain naturally. During sexual intercourse, your body is flooded with endorphins, which interact with pain receptors in the brain by blocking the transmission of pain signals.
A 2013 survey conducted by the University of Münster found that for people with migraines or cluster headaches, sex helped alleviate their symptoms.

1.5 Menstrual Health Improvement

During menstruation, your uterus contracts to shed the uterine lining, which can cause cramps. Sexual activity may help relieve the pain if you regularly experience menstrual cramps. Some studies suggest that in women with normal menstrual cycles who do not use hormonal contraception, regular sexual intercourse may help balance reproductive hormones such as estrogen and support regular ovulation.

1.6 Sex Benefits Your Mental Health

Many people wonder if sex has any significance for mental health. The answer is yes. Feel-good hormones like endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine are released during sexual activity. Sex helps enhance emotional closeness with your partner, reduce stress, improve mood, and boost mental well-being.
Some studies even suggest that the rate of depression may be lower in individuals who engage in regular sexual activity. In a survey of 16,000 adults in the U.S., respondents reported that having sex at least once a week made them feel happier.

1.7 Sex Strengthens Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

When you reach orgasm, your pelvic floor muscles naturally contract and relax, giving them a gentle workout. These muscles support the function of the prostate (in men), bladder, bowels, and uterus (in women). They also play a role during sexual activity. Being able to relax the pelvic floor can increase arousal and make it easier for women to reach orgasm. Meanwhile, pelvic floor muscles help men control erection and ejaculation. Strengthening these muscles also helps improve bladder control, reducing the risk of incontinence as you age.

1.8 Sex Can Improve Cardiovascular Health

Sexual activity can help improve your cardiovascular health. Your heart rate increases, and your blood circulation is enhanced during sex, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Some studies suggest that younger, healthy men who have regular sex may have a lower risk of heart disease as they age.
For women, one study found that the quality of their sexual experiences, rather than the frequency of sex, was linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular health issues. Another study in 2020 discovered that heart attack patients who had sex at least once a week had a 10% lower risk of dying from heart disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand this connection, and individual health may also play a role.

1.9 Preventing Prostate Cancer

There is growing evidence that frequent ejaculation may lower the risk of prostate cancer in men. When you ejaculate, your body can eliminate potential toxins or harmful substances that could increase the risk of cancer by expelling fluid and cells from the prostate. Although studies differ on the ideal frequency of sexual activity, a 2016 study found that men in their 20s and 40s who ejaculated at least 21 times per month could reduce their risk of prostate cancer by up to 20%.

2. How to Have Healthy Sexual Activity?

In addition to understanding the health benefits of regular sexual activity, many people are also concerned with how to maintain a healthy sex life. Here are four key tips for achieving healthy sexual activity:

2.1. Don’t Obsess Over Frequency

When you fixate on how often you “should” be having sex, you’re creating unnecessary pressure. The frequency of sexual activity depends on both your desires and the satisfaction of your partner, and it can fluctuate throughout your relationship. There’s no specific number you need to hit to have a healthy sex life. What’s more important is the intimacy and fulfillment you experience during sexual activity.
However, if your sexual desire is very low or if painful sex prevents you from engaging regularly, consider consulting a doctor or specialist who can help address these issues.

2.2. Be Open to Trying New Positions

Trying new positions is a great way to switch things up or reignite excitement in the bedroom if your sex life is starting to feel monotonous. In some cases, experimenting with different positions can lead to more intense orgasms. The most important thing is to communicate and respect your partner’s feelings about what they enjoy and what makes them feel comfortable, which will help you make choices that enhance your experience.

2.3. Open and Honest Communication

If you don’t communicate with your partner, how will they know what satisfies you? And in turn, how can you understand what excites them?
Couples who communicate openly and comfortably are often the ones who have the most fulfilling sex lives. Therefore, talking with your partner is key to creating mutual understanding, which fosters intimacy and can lead to great sexual experiences.

2.4. Schedule Sex If Necessary

You might be a busy person with work, family, and other concerns, making it hard to find time for sexual activity. That’s why scheduling sex can be beneficial. Remember, sex doesn’t always have to be spontaneous. While some may argue that scheduling sex is unromantic, it provides an opportunity to prioritize intimacy with your partner.
Making time for sex can help strengthen your relationship and ensure that physical closeness remains a priority, even amid a hectic life.

3. Key Considerations for Healthy Sexual Relationships

Sexual activity provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Therefore, engaging in healthy sexual practices is essential for a happier, healthier life. To maintain a healthy sex life, consider the following points:

• Open Discussion: Communicate openly with your partner about desires, needs, and boundaries. This helps you understand each other’s feelings and thoughts, contributing to harmony in your sexual relationship.
• Use Protection: Utilize protection, such as condoms, to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and avoid unwanted pregnancies.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about your body, physiology, and issues related to sexual health to better care for yourself and your partner.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Frequently check your physical and sexual health to detect any issues early and take timely action. Proactively caring for your health is key to enjoying a fulfilling sex life and ensuring overall well-being.

Through this article, you’ve gained insight into the health benefits of sexual activity. You may have noticed that regular sex contributes positively to both your physical and mental health. Therefore, make sex a regular part of your routine. By doing so, you not only enhance your physical health but also have the potential to establish a happier and healthier life.

References:medicalnewstoday.com, webmd.com, health.clevelandclinic.org, chapelhillobgyn.com