Obviously, sex is supposed to feel good, but aside from providing intimacy (and hopefully, plenty of orgasms) there’s a whole bunch of reasons why sex is good for health. Some of them you’ll probably already be familiar with – all that cardio is great exercise – but others may come as an unexpected bonus.
We spoke to GP, Dr Alexis Missick, from UK Meds, to uncover all the ways sex is good for health.
1. It’s great exercise
As we’ve already covered, sex is as much a workout sesh as it is a make-out sesh. “Burning approximately five calories a minute, sex works not only to get your heart rate up but it also uses and strengthens a number of different muscles throughout your body,” says Dr Alexis.
2. It strengthens your immune system
Turns out, a boink a day can keep the doctor away. “Studies have shown that people who have sex once or twice a week have higher levels of certain antibodies,” says Dr Alexis. One 2021 study found that sex helped to limit the onset of Covid in people who had sex more than three times a month, while another study conducted by Wilkes University found that participants who had sex three or more times a week had more of the antibody immunoglobulin A in their saliva, which boosts the body’s ability to defend itself against some viruses and bacteria. “Antibodies are an important part of our immune system as they help to fight off infection and illness,” notes Dr Alexis.
3. Orgasms work as a painkiller
Forget ibuprofen, orgasms can provide the body with its own natural painkiller. “When you orgasm, your body produces endorphins; hormones that block pain signals to the brain, effectively relieving whatever ails you,” explains Dr Alexis. A 2013 study found that sexual activity can lead to partial or complete pain relief for patients who suffer from migraines and cluster headaches.
4. It lowers blood pressure
A high blood pressure can lead to many wider health problems over time, such as heart attacks and strokes but “studies have found that sexual intercourse can actually lower your systolic blood pressure (the number at the top),” says Dr Alexis.
5. Sex is good for your vaginal health
This may sound counterintuitive, since sometimes vaginal sex can lead to irritation, but it can bring some great benefits too. “Sex can trigger a number of vaginal problems for women (UTI’s, BV, thrush), but ultimately, sex is good for your vaginal health,” confirms Dr Alexis. “Your vagina is self-cleaning and self-lubricating; functions that are maintained through good blood flow and healthy tissues (which you can thank sex or masturbation for),” she says.
6. It eases stress and anxiety
Not only is sex good for your body, it’s good for your mind, too. “30 active parts of the brain are involved in orgasm,” notes Dr Alexis. “Like the part involved in the release of oxytocin and dopamine,” she adds. “These neurotransmitters work as ‘feel good’ hormones, which can help to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as increase self-esteem and happiness. They can also make you feel closer to your partner and strengthen the feeling of intimacy,” she says.
7. A healthy sex life means a strong pelvic floor
How many of us set aside time to do pelvic floor exercises? Sex delivers a free sesh. “Sex actually acts as a pelvic floor exercise in itself, as orgasm causes the muscles to contract. This strengthening exercise is important for avoiding urinary incontinence, which affects around 30% of women at some point in their lives,” says Dr Alexis.
8. It’s good for your heart
Aside from making your heart warm, sex can make your heart healthier. “A number of studies have explored the effects of sex on your cardiovascular health and have found that those having sex at least twice a week are 50% less likely to die of fatal heart disease,” says Dr Alexis.
9. More sex boosts your libido
Sex is a muscle that you use or loose. “It’s a pretty simple formula when you boil it down; the more you have sex, the more you want sex. If you’re having regular sex then it will not only up your libido, but it will also make the sex better,” explains Dr Alexis.
For more from GLAMOUR’s Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
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