Health benefits of having regular sex with your spouse
In some climes, sex is not an open discussion; however, between partners, it ought to be an open discussion.
Do you want a glowing complexion? Do you want to boost your mood and cut your risk of cancer, heart disease and other health hazards? The answers are in between the bedsheet with your spouse.
According to Sandra Caron — sex therapist and professor of family relations and human sexuality at the University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development in Orono — there have been lots of studies describing the health benefits of sex, most of which relate to achieving orgasm.
Here are six advantages attached to having coitus with your partner according to Everydayhealth.com.
Improved heart health
Just like any physical activity, healthy sex is good for your heart.
A study published in January 2015 in the American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had sex twice weekly or more had less risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke or heart attack than those who had sex once a month or less.
For those who worry that the exertion involved in sex is a threat to the heart, the American Heart Association’s Scientific Statement on Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease says that having sex is safe for people who can exercise with no heart problems in the range of three to five metabolic equivalents (METs).
METs are a measure of the energy (calories) expended during activity. Exercising at three METs is about the same as walking at a moderate pace, while five METs are like a low impact aerobic workout.
Having sex can actually be considered a rather good form of exercise. A small study published in October 2013 in the journal PLoS One showed that men burned an average of four calories a minute during sex sessions that averaged 25 minutes, and women burned off three calories. That’s a lot more fun than toiling away on a treadmill.
Relieves pain from menstrual cramps
Just looking at your partner — or even a photo of your partner — can help ease pain.
In another study published in PLoS One that was performed at Stanford University in California, anesthesiologists showed participants photos of their romantic partners or photos of attractive strangers or asked them to engage in a word game. They found that looking at romantic partners significantly dulled the experience of pain.
So, even though you might think pain is a barrier to sex, consider this a sex benefit worth the time and effort: Take a moment to really look at your lover.
Other studies have found that women may get some relief from menstrual cramps through a good orgasm.
Possible reduction of prostate cancer risk
A study published in December 2016 in the journal ‘European Urology’ found that men who ejaculate more than 21 times per month were 20 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer, compared with those who do so four to seven times per month.
While more research is needed to confirm this link, it appears that men who ejaculate regularly may reduce their risk of prostate cancer.
Better sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation, orgasms release the hormone prolactin, which can help you feel sleepy and relaxed. So, don’t be too surprised if you and your partner doze off shortly after a satisfying session and wake up feeling refreshed.
This sleep connection also works in reverse. According to a study published in May 2015 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, getting enough shut-eye can improve your sexual response and may increase the chance that you’ll engage regularly in sex.
Researchers discovered that when women slept for longer periods of time, they reported greater sexual desire the next day.
Happier mood and a stronger relationship
It’s no wonder you get a more positive outlook after sex. There are biochemical rationales for experiencing improved mood as a sex benefit from the neurotransmitters that may be released during healthy sex to the mood enhancers contained in semen itself.
According to Dr Caron, there’s a lot to be said simply for the mood-boosting effect of having a nice connection with somebody that you trust and care about.
Plus, your frisky play may result in a serious afterglow that can, in turn, help you bond better with your partner, according to a report published in March 2017 in the journal Psychological Science.
The study, which examined newlywed couples who kept a two-week sexual diary, found that partners were satisfied for a full 48 hours after sexual activity.
Those who were lucky enough to experience this afterglow went on to report more happiness in their relationship several months later.
Glowing, younger-looking skin
That fabled “morning after” glow? It’s not just your imagination; you really do look better after having sex.
“Sex even helps you look younger,” says Caron. That glow can be attributed to a combination of stress relief, better mood, and the flush of blood under your skin which is a natural part of the arousal process. Enjoying a healthy sex life is one of the great joys in life. Knowing intimacy could be a boon for your long-term health as well as make it that much more pleasurable.
