We tend to think that sex is only about pleasure. But it has many other benefits, including physical, psychological, and emotional.
Sex can help you lose weight, improve your heart health, relieve pain, and reduce stress.
How often should you have sex in order to reap the benefits?
The psychologist Kia Rai Prewitt, Ph.D. explains the benefits of sex.
Does having sex make you healthier?
A healthy sexual life has many benefits.
Dr. Prewitt says, “We tend to think that sex is only about pleasure, intimacy or reproduction.” Many people are unaware of the many benefits that sex has.
Dr. Prewitt believes that you need to have sex once or twice per week in order to reap the benefits of sex.
If you’re not in a relationship, masturbation can produce the same result.
Dr. Prewitt says, “You can discover things about yourself — what feels good and what doesn’t.” It can help relieve stress.
You don’t have to worry if you find it difficult to experience an orgasm, which is common among women.
Dr. Prewitt says that a healthy sexual life can improve your self-confidence, self-esteem and ability to enjoy pleasure. It also helps you connect with your partner, and develop emotion intimacy.
What are the differences between women and men in terms of benefits?
Sex can help women who are assigned female at birth ( AFAB ) to work their pelvic muscle. This can help with urinary control and incontinence.
Dr. Prewitt explains that the more sex a woman has, the better it is for vaginal lubrication. This is especially true if she experiences pain when sexing.
Orgasming or ejaculating is often beneficial for men or those who are assigned male at birth.
Dr. Prewitt says that Studies show it can reduce the risk of Prostate Cancer. “That’s true whether you’re masturbating with your partner or not.”
The benefits of a healthy sexual life
How can sex enhance your life? Here are a few ways.
Burns calories
According to ‘s research, sex can be considered a moderate form of exercise. It burns around 150 calories per hour. Don’t abandon your gym membership.
The American Heart Association recommends adults to engage in moderate aerobic exercise at least 150 minutes a week, in addition to muscle strengthening activities like weight training at least two times a week in order to maintain good health.
Dr. Prewitt says that sex also helps strengthen muscles all over your body.
She says that depending on how creative people are, they might use different muscles. It can definitely be a type of exercises.
Heart health is important
According to a study, women who have frequent sex are less likely to suffer a cardiovascular disease later in life.
Dr. Prewitt says that sex improves endurance. Like those who exercise, people who regularly have sex tend to be more aware of their heart health. They are eating better.”
Contrary to earlier research, the same study also warns that men who have frequent sex may be at greater risk for cardiovascular disease.
“Men who are experiencing symptoms of heart disease should speak with their doctor to discuss their risk of a heartattack during sex.” advises Dr. Prewitt.
Immune system booster
Researchers have found that people who sex once or twice a week tend to have higher levels of immunoglobulin A in their saliva. The antibody can protect against HPV and help prevent illnesses.
When you experience an orgasm, oxytocin is released by your body.
Dr. Prewitt says that this can help you fall asleep. “And getting enough or good -quality sleep can help boost your immunity because your body is getting the rest it needs to recover.”
Reduces pain
During sexual activity, the body releases endorphins. These endorphins are your body’s natural painkiller.
Research suggests that sex can also reduce pain in migraine sufferers and headache sufferers.
This can also be used to help relieve pain experienced during sexual activity.
Dr. Prewitt says that regular sexual activity helps build the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn reduces pain.
Relieves stress
Your body’s primary stress hormone is cortisol. Your cortisol level increases when you are in a stress situation.
But Research has shown that cortisol levels drop back to normal for those who are sexually intimate or have sex with their partner.
Cortisol can be reduced by the oxytocin, endorphins and other hormones released during sexual activity.
Dr. Prewitt says that there are many other ways to experience happiness or joy that don’t involve sex. If you are unable to engage in sexual activity with your partner, you can still feel a connection by spending time together doing things you both enjoy. It is also good for your mental health to have relationships with people you can trust and who will support you.
Remember to use a contraceptive method or condom to ensure safe sex. Unprotected sex increases the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections as well as unplanned pregnancy.
Dr. Prewitt suggests that you speak to your primary health care provider or mental health specialist if you find sexual intimacy uncomfortable.
If you want to enjoy a long-lasting relationship with your sex and body, a healthy relationship is important.
“Sexuality, like everything else in life, is normal,” says Dr. Prewitt. People have different experiences and comfort levels with sex. The important thing to remember is that sex is a part of human life.
