Having sex is not just to fulfill biological needs. There are various other sex benefits that can be obtained if done regularly and safely. In fact, this activity can also reduce the risk of certain diseases.
There are various ways you can do to express affection to your partner, including by having sex. Besides being able to build intimacy between you and your partner, the benefits of sex can also affect your physical, psychological, and social life.
Various Benefits of Sex for Health
The following are the various health benefits of sex that you and your partner can get:
1. Burn calories
Sexual intercourse is one form of exercise that is fun. This activity is equivalent to light exercise, such as brisk walking or climbing stairs. In addition, sex movements can also tighten the abdominal and pelvic muscles.
Not only that, a study shows that having sex can burn at least 4 calories per minute in men and 3 calories per minute in women. However, you still need to exercise regularly to maintain your health and fitness.
2. Maintain heart health
Sexual stimulation and orgasm make the heart rate increase. This is reinforced by a study which states that men who have sex twice a week or more, have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke.
3. Maintain normal blood pressure
Physical touch, such as holding hands and hugging, can lower blood pressure. A study also states that those who rarely engage in sexual activity or rarely have an orgasm have a higher risk of developing hypertension.
4. Relieve stress
Sexual stimulation can trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that control mood. Thus, you and your partner can feel more relaxed and of course help relieve stress.
5. Boost body endurance
Couples who have sex once or twice a week generally have higher levels of immunoglobulin antibodies (IgA) than couples who don't do it regularly.
However, you are still encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest time so that your immune system is maintained.
6. Reducing the risk of prostate cancer
One of the benefits of sex that is no less important is to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A study states that men who ejaculate more often have a lower risk of prostate cancer.
7. Increase sex drive
Having sex regularly can increase libido, both in men and women. In women, regular sex can increase blood flow, elasticity, and lubrication of the vagina.
Meanwhile, in men, sexual performance can increase if sex is done regularly. Thus, the intimacy between you and your partner can increase.
8. Relieves pain
In addition to relieving stress, the endorphins produced during sexual intercourse can also relieve pain, whether caused by headaches or backaches.
A study also states that sex can relieve menstrual cramps. However, having sex during menstruation needs to be done carefully because it can increase the risk of health problems.
9. Improve sleep quality
After orgasm, the body releases the hormone prolactin which can make you feel sleepy and make the body more relaxed. That's the reason a person is easier to sleep and fall asleep after sexual intercourse.
10. Improve relationship quality
Having sex can increase levels of the hormone oxytocin which can increase the bond and intimacy between you and your partner. Oxytocin levels will increase with the high frequency of touch during sexual intercourse.
In addition, a good sexual relationship can increase your communication, trust, and empathy with your partner.
The benefits of sex for physical and mental health are very diverse. However, make sure you and your partner continue to practice safe sex to prevent health problems that can occur.
If you and your partner want to know more about the benefits of sex or experience problems that can affect your intimacy with your partner, don't hesitate to consult a doctor to find out the cause and get the right treatment.
