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Does Sex Provide Health Benefits?
~4.4 mins read
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Sex may give a boost to certain aspects of people's well-being and physical health, some research suggests. However, several studies on the subject are now outdated, and not all potential benefits apply to everyone.
Scientific research has highlighted several possible benefits besides procreation that come with sexual intercourse. These pluses include preserving heart health in some people, reducing blood pressure, and boosting immunity.
Sex can also improve mood, relationships, and mental well-being.
In this article, we look at the possible health benefits of sex and highlight relevant research, focusing on the physical rather than emotional aspects.
Helping heart health
Share on PinterestPartnered sex may be benefical for cardiovascular health.
Partnered sex appears to have some protective effect on cardiovascular health, especially in women.
A 2016 study looked at the potential health benefits of sexual activity with a regular partner.
This research found that sexually active women have a lower risk of cardiac events later in life.
However, the study also concluded that high levels of sexual activity might increase the risk of cardiovascular events in men. This conclusion contradicts most earlier research, and further studies are necessary to verify this risk.
Males and females with heart problems should ask a doctor about how much sex is safe for them. They should also be specific about the regularity and intensity with which they have sex, as this may affect the potential strain on the heart.
Reducing blood pressure
The same 2016 study also measured blood pressure as one of the markers of heart health. The researchers found that older women who expressed satisfaction with their sex lives were less likely to have high blood pressure.
However, the study authors did not find the same results in older men.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure can affect both libido and a man's ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Medication for high blood pressure can also reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction.
While this does not confirm a benefit, it may show a link between blood pressure and sexual health.
Many people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, have safety concerns when it comes to sexual intercourse.
While it is always important to speak with a doctor, it is usually safe for people with high blood pressure to have sex.
If hypertension medication is causing sexual difficulties, a person can talk to their doctor who may be able to prescribe a different medication or dosage to relieve the adverse effects.
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Boosting the immune system
Share on PinterestResearch is inconclusive about whether regular sex can boost the immune system.
Some early research found that regular sex increased the effectiveness of the immune system.
Researchers found that people who had frequent sex, which they defined as one to two times per week, had more immunoglobin A (IgA) in their system than others. IgA is an antibody that lives in the mucosal tissue, such as the salivary glands, nose, and vaginal tissue.
However, it is important to recognize that this study appeared in 2004, and researchers have not repeated it since. A new study might yield different results.
A more recent study looked at a small group of women to see if there were differences between the immune activity of those who were sexually active and those who are not.
The study examined their immune system's ability to kill different infectious pathogens at various points in the menstrual cycle.
While the results suggest that there might be some differences between the groups, the authors say more research is necessary before drawing any conclusions.
Reducing prostate cancer risk
An early study, again from 2004, found that high frequency of ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The study investigated almost 30,000 males, looking at how often they ejaculated at different points in their life.
They concluded that those who ejaculated more than 21 times per month had a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who only ejaculated 4–7 times per month.
In 2016, the researchers extended this study for an additional 10 years to continue their research on the participants' risk for developing prostate cancer.
This follow-up confirmed the initial findings. The males who ejaculated most frequently had a lower risk for prostate cancer those who ejaculated less often.
Relieving stress
Sex can serve as a natural way to relieve stress. A 2019 study looked at the effect that intimacy with a partner had on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that circulates the body in response to stress.
The researchers found that expressions of intimacy, whether sexual or not, helped to bring cortisol levels in both males and female back within normal range.
Sex triggers the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and other "feel-good" hormones, which may be responsible for this stress reducing effect.
Here, learn more about stress.
Improving sleep
Hormones released during sex may improve sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation suggest that sexual activity has hormonal benefits for sleep.
The same hormones that reduce stress and anxiety are also responsible for inducing sleepiness. Sex leads to the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins throughout the body.
After a person has an orgasm, another hormone called prolactin starts to circulate. Prolactin induces feelings of satisfaction and relaxation.
Precautions
While sex can be a pleasurable and potentially healthful activity, it is essential to remember that sex without protection can pose a risk to overall health.
People who have sex without using contraceptives have a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. Using a condom or other contraceptive method can reduce the risk of these outcomes.
If a person has multiple partners, they can bring down the risk by reducing the number of people with whom they have sexual contact.
If sex becomes painful or causes bleeding, a person should talk to a healthcare professional.
Scientific research has highlighted several possible benefits besides procreation that come with sexual intercourse. These pluses include preserving heart health in some people, reducing blood pressure, and boosting immunity.
Sex can also improve mood, relationships, and mental well-being.
In this article, we look at the possible health benefits of sex and highlight relevant research, focusing on the physical rather than emotional aspects.
Helping heart health
Share on PinterestPartnered sex may be benefical for cardiovascular health.
Partnered sex appears to have some protective effect on cardiovascular health, especially in women.
A 2016 study looked at the potential health benefits of sexual activity with a regular partner.
This research found that sexually active women have a lower risk of cardiac events later in life.
However, the study also concluded that high levels of sexual activity might increase the risk of cardiovascular events in men. This conclusion contradicts most earlier research, and further studies are necessary to verify this risk.
Males and females with heart problems should ask a doctor about how much sex is safe for them. They should also be specific about the regularity and intensity with which they have sex, as this may affect the potential strain on the heart.
Reducing blood pressure
The same 2016 study also measured blood pressure as one of the markers of heart health. The researchers found that older women who expressed satisfaction with their sex lives were less likely to have high blood pressure.
However, the study authors did not find the same results in older men.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure can affect both libido and a man's ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Medication for high blood pressure can also reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction.
While this does not confirm a benefit, it may show a link between blood pressure and sexual health.
Many people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, have safety concerns when it comes to sexual intercourse.
While it is always important to speak with a doctor, it is usually safe for people with high blood pressure to have sex.
If hypertension medication is causing sexual difficulties, a person can talk to their doctor who may be able to prescribe a different medication or dosage to relieve the adverse effects.
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTER
Stay in the know. Get our free daily newsletter
Expect in-depth, science-backed toplines of our best stories every day. Tap in and keep your curiosity satisfied.
Enter your email
SIGN UP NOW
Your privacy is important to us
Boosting the immune system
Share on PinterestResearch is inconclusive about whether regular sex can boost the immune system.
Some early research found that regular sex increased the effectiveness of the immune system.
Researchers found that people who had frequent sex, which they defined as one to two times per week, had more immunoglobin A (IgA) in their system than others. IgA is an antibody that lives in the mucosal tissue, such as the salivary glands, nose, and vaginal tissue.
However, it is important to recognize that this study appeared in 2004, and researchers have not repeated it since. A new study might yield different results.
A more recent study looked at a small group of women to see if there were differences between the immune activity of those who were sexually active and those who are not.
The study examined their immune system's ability to kill different infectious pathogens at various points in the menstrual cycle.
While the results suggest that there might be some differences between the groups, the authors say more research is necessary before drawing any conclusions.
Reducing prostate cancer risk
An early study, again from 2004, found that high frequency of ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The study investigated almost 30,000 males, looking at how often they ejaculated at different points in their life.
They concluded that those who ejaculated more than 21 times per month had a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who only ejaculated 4–7 times per month.
In 2016, the researchers extended this study for an additional 10 years to continue their research on the participants' risk for developing prostate cancer.
This follow-up confirmed the initial findings. The males who ejaculated most frequently had a lower risk for prostate cancer those who ejaculated less often.
Relieving stress
Sex can serve as a natural way to relieve stress. A 2019 study looked at the effect that intimacy with a partner had on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that circulates the body in response to stress.
The researchers found that expressions of intimacy, whether sexual or not, helped to bring cortisol levels in both males and female back within normal range.
Sex triggers the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and other "feel-good" hormones, which may be responsible for this stress reducing effect.
Here, learn more about stress.
Improving sleep
Hormones released during sex may improve sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation suggest that sexual activity has hormonal benefits for sleep.
The same hormones that reduce stress and anxiety are also responsible for inducing sleepiness. Sex leads to the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins throughout the body.
After a person has an orgasm, another hormone called prolactin starts to circulate. Prolactin induces feelings of satisfaction and relaxation.
Precautions
While sex can be a pleasurable and potentially healthful activity, it is essential to remember that sex without protection can pose a risk to overall health.
People who have sex without using contraceptives have a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. Using a condom or other contraceptive method can reduce the risk of these outcomes.
If a person has multiple partners, they can bring down the risk by reducing the number of people with whom they have sexual contact.
If sex becomes painful or causes bleeding, a person should talk to a healthcare professional.
profile/4586Capturenn.PNG
Sandy
Important Of Sex Matters In Marriage
~4.5 mins read
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Married couples who have sex regularly live longer, have better heart health, enjoy a deeper connection, and can let go of annoyances easier.
Psychologist Paul Eastwick of the University of Texas at Austin says, “Passion is best defined as a combination of sexual connection and attachment longing.” I like his definition. Many experts believe passionate monogamy is impossible, boring, and dull. Passion is supposed to provide a high, much like a drug, and you can’t stay intoxicated forever with the same person. Several evolutionary biologists say men in particular are programmed to spread their seed around, assuring the survival of the species. Most want us to believe romantic love cannot be sustained and once it has died, it is gone. Let it go, get over it, and move on.
Such nonsense has disrupted our ability to think straight on this topic. God made us for permanent, solid, and secure attachments. There will be disruptions; romantic love is a series of connections and disconnections. But instead of moving away from one another and believing romantic love is dead, we need to move in, heal the traumatic or hurtful breech, and repair our love through empathic listening, attunement to the needs of our spouse, and touch.
Just being together
We are going to miss each other as husband and wife on occasion, but it doesn’t mean we should find excuses to neglect our sexual relationship. This part of a marital union is important. It has more value than we have assigned it. We can treat it casually and think it is supposed to happen like in the movies: automatic desire, instant arousal, spontaneous orgasm. That is silly. We have to work at anything worth having. Don’t neglect this part of your relationship, even if it hasn’t been great.
I think God thinks it is great when we make an effort to make love to our partner even if fireworks don’t happen; there is still goodness happening. Just being together is good. Caressing, kissing, holding, cuddling, playing, and fondling are all good.
We need to take the focus off of having intercourse and an orgasm and put the value on giving each other pleasure. Pleasure is underrated. Pleasure for your body and giving your spouse pleasure is worthy of our time and effort. God wants you to have the feel-good hormones released in your body to make marriage easier. It’s like a free mini-vacation—why wouldn’t you go?
If your spouse doesn’t want sex
What if my spouse doesn’t like making love? Great question. There is a reason someone doesn’t like sex. Instead of personalizing it and making it about yourself, why not explore with your spouse what they don’t like. Be empathetic, listen, ask good questions. Maybe she or he feels pressured. Maybe she feels misunderstood or taken for granted. Or maybe he feels like he is supposed to be a sexual machine.
Men, especially after your wife has a baby, you have to tune into her more, not less. I know it’s hard. Husbands can feel they have been replaced with this little person who is having a love affair with your woman, or maybe your wife is having postpartum depression. It’s not easy; be patient and sensitive. God has provided a beautiful opportunity to mature you into a sensitive partner to the woman He has given you.
Be present with her; ask her what she needs and how you can support her. Tell her you miss being sexually close with her and what that means to you, but reassure her you will wait until she is ready. Connect with her emotionally. It’s really tempting after children come for the husband to just work more hours because he feels neglected. Move in toward her, not away.
Sexy takes on new meaning for a woman once she has children. Helping her with the kids is the sexiest thing you can do. I remember watching Ron playing with the boys and thinking, Wow, that man is the sexiest thing on the earth and I can’t wait to get him alone after those kids of ours go to bed! I am telling you, woo her by helping her.
Pursue him
Women, I want to caution you, it’s so easy to judge a man and think all he wants is sex; or the other extreme, he never wants me anymore. Get into your own solid self and pursue him sexually. Men want to be wanted as much as a woman wants to be wanted.
No one wants to be judged for his or her sexual desires or lack of desire. If you don’t want him pawing at you then give him reassurance that he is desirable by pursuing him. In the Song of Solomon it is the woman who opens the book by saying, “Kiss me—full on the mouth! Yes! For your love is better than wine, headier than your aromatic oils” (Song of Sol. 1:2).
If you carefully read this book about marital sexual love and desire, you will find she frequently pursues him. She openly desires him. She allows herself to soak in and receive sexual pleasure.
Married couples who have sex regularly live longer, have better heart health, enjoy a deeper connection, and can let go of annoyances easier. I’m sure someday in heaven, God will give us a million more reasons why He made sex for husband and wife to enjoy and why it was so good for us.
Push yourself a little
So here is my encouragement to you: Do it. Do it often, as often as is fun. Push yourself a little. Get your groove on. Find your mojo. Don’t let this beautiful thing God made die. That’s a sad, long, painful death. Fight for it. Don’t give up on it. Don’t be passive or aggressive about it. Do whatever you have to do to make this work for you both. Talk. Become sexual friends. Turn him on. Turn her on. Get help. Give it your best and your all. Be courageous. Go for it.
Seriously, your marriage will be more fun, richer, deeper, sexier, much more connected if you do! It’s the only thing you have that is all yours. It’s your private heaven on earth. Make out on the couch, in the shower, in the car. Be sexual with each other. Make it all it can be. There are no limits, only the ones you put on it
Psychologist Paul Eastwick of the University of Texas at Austin says, “Passion is best defined as a combination of sexual connection and attachment longing.” I like his definition. Many experts believe passionate monogamy is impossible, boring, and dull. Passion is supposed to provide a high, much like a drug, and you can’t stay intoxicated forever with the same person. Several evolutionary biologists say men in particular are programmed to spread their seed around, assuring the survival of the species. Most want us to believe romantic love cannot be sustained and once it has died, it is gone. Let it go, get over it, and move on.
Such nonsense has disrupted our ability to think straight on this topic. God made us for permanent, solid, and secure attachments. There will be disruptions; romantic love is a series of connections and disconnections. But instead of moving away from one another and believing romantic love is dead, we need to move in, heal the traumatic or hurtful breech, and repair our love through empathic listening, attunement to the needs of our spouse, and touch.
Just being together
We are going to miss each other as husband and wife on occasion, but it doesn’t mean we should find excuses to neglect our sexual relationship. This part of a marital union is important. It has more value than we have assigned it. We can treat it casually and think it is supposed to happen like in the movies: automatic desire, instant arousal, spontaneous orgasm. That is silly. We have to work at anything worth having. Don’t neglect this part of your relationship, even if it hasn’t been great.
I think God thinks it is great when we make an effort to make love to our partner even if fireworks don’t happen; there is still goodness happening. Just being together is good. Caressing, kissing, holding, cuddling, playing, and fondling are all good.
We need to take the focus off of having intercourse and an orgasm and put the value on giving each other pleasure. Pleasure is underrated. Pleasure for your body and giving your spouse pleasure is worthy of our time and effort. God wants you to have the feel-good hormones released in your body to make marriage easier. It’s like a free mini-vacation—why wouldn’t you go?
If your spouse doesn’t want sex
What if my spouse doesn’t like making love? Great question. There is a reason someone doesn’t like sex. Instead of personalizing it and making it about yourself, why not explore with your spouse what they don’t like. Be empathetic, listen, ask good questions. Maybe she or he feels pressured. Maybe she feels misunderstood or taken for granted. Or maybe he feels like he is supposed to be a sexual machine.
Men, especially after your wife has a baby, you have to tune into her more, not less. I know it’s hard. Husbands can feel they have been replaced with this little person who is having a love affair with your woman, or maybe your wife is having postpartum depression. It’s not easy; be patient and sensitive. God has provided a beautiful opportunity to mature you into a sensitive partner to the woman He has given you.
Be present with her; ask her what she needs and how you can support her. Tell her you miss being sexually close with her and what that means to you, but reassure her you will wait until she is ready. Connect with her emotionally. It’s really tempting after children come for the husband to just work more hours because he feels neglected. Move in toward her, not away.
Sexy takes on new meaning for a woman once she has children. Helping her with the kids is the sexiest thing you can do. I remember watching Ron playing with the boys and thinking, Wow, that man is the sexiest thing on the earth and I can’t wait to get him alone after those kids of ours go to bed! I am telling you, woo her by helping her.
Pursue him
Women, I want to caution you, it’s so easy to judge a man and think all he wants is sex; or the other extreme, he never wants me anymore. Get into your own solid self and pursue him sexually. Men want to be wanted as much as a woman wants to be wanted.
No one wants to be judged for his or her sexual desires or lack of desire. If you don’t want him pawing at you then give him reassurance that he is desirable by pursuing him. In the Song of Solomon it is the woman who opens the book by saying, “Kiss me—full on the mouth! Yes! For your love is better than wine, headier than your aromatic oils” (Song of Sol. 1:2).
If you carefully read this book about marital sexual love and desire, you will find she frequently pursues him. She openly desires him. She allows herself to soak in and receive sexual pleasure.
Married couples who have sex regularly live longer, have better heart health, enjoy a deeper connection, and can let go of annoyances easier. I’m sure someday in heaven, God will give us a million more reasons why He made sex for husband and wife to enjoy and why it was so good for us.
Push yourself a little
So here is my encouragement to you: Do it. Do it often, as often as is fun. Push yourself a little. Get your groove on. Find your mojo. Don’t let this beautiful thing God made die. That’s a sad, long, painful death. Fight for it. Don’t give up on it. Don’t be passive or aggressive about it. Do whatever you have to do to make this work for you both. Talk. Become sexual friends. Turn him on. Turn her on. Get help. Give it your best and your all. Be courageous. Go for it.
Seriously, your marriage will be more fun, richer, deeper, sexier, much more connected if you do! It’s the only thing you have that is all yours. It’s your private heaven on earth. Make out on the couch, in the shower, in the car. Be sexual with each other. Make it all it can be. There are no limits, only the ones you put on it
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