The benefits of sex are not only to fulfill biological needs, but can also reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease. However, the benefits of sexual activity can certainly be obtained if you have safe sex.
There are various ways you can do to express affection to your partner, including by having sex. In addition to being able to build intimacy, the benefits of sex can also affect physical, psychological conditions, and social life.
10 benefits of sex for a healthier body – Alodokter
Various benefits of sex for Health
The following are the various benefits of sex for health that you and your partner can get:
- Burning calories
Sexual intercourse is one of the forms of fun sports. This activity is equivalent to moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or going up and down stairs, so it is beneficial in burning calories.
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 if you want to have the benefits of sex in the form of ideal body weight. Because the calories burned during exercise tend to be more.
- Reduces the risk of developing heart disease
Sexual stimulation and orgasm can make the heart rate increase. In addition, sex can also help maintain the balance of estrogen and testosterone hormone levels in the body, thus making heart health maintained.
The benefits of sex are also reinforced by studies that state that having sex 2 times a week or more lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease.
- Keeping blood pressure normal
Physical touch, such as holding hands and hugging, can lower blood pressure. A study also states that people who rarely engage in sexual activity or rarely experience orgasm have a higher risk of developing hypertension. - Relieves stress
Sexual stimulation can trigger the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that control mood. Thus, you and your partner can feel the benefits of sex in the form of being more relaxed and relieving stress. - Increase endurance
Couples who have sexual intercourse 1 or 2 times a week generally have higher amounts of immunoglobulin antibodies (IgA) than couples who do not do it regularly.
However, you are still encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and sufficient rest time so that the body’s endurance is maintained.
- Reduces the risk of prostate cancer
One of the benefits of sex that is no less important is lowering the risk of prostate cancer. A study states that men who ejaculate more often have a smaller risk of prostate cancer. - Increase sex drive
Having sex regularly can increase libido, both in men and women. In Women, regular sexual intercourse can increase blood flow, elasticity, and lubrication in the vagina.
While in men, the benefits of sex in the form of increased sexual performance can occur when sex is done regularly. Thus, the intimacy between you and your partner can increase.
- Relieves pain
In addition to relieving stress, endorphins produced during sexual intercourse can also relieve pain, both caused by headaches and back pain.
A study also states that the benefits of sex can relieve cramps caused by menstruation. However, having sex during menstruation needs to be done carefully because it can increase the risk of health problems.
- Improve sleep quality
After orgasm, the body releases the hormone prolactin which can bring drowsiness and make the body more relaxed. That is the reason a person is easier to get sleepy and fall asleep after sexual intercourse. - Improve relationship quality
Having sex can increase levels of the hormone oxytocin which can increase bonding and intimacy between you and your partner. Oxytocin levels will increase with the frequency of touch during sexual intercourse.
In addition, the benefits of sex can also increase your communication, trust, and empathy towards your partner.
To get the benefits of sex for physical and mental health are very diverse, make sure you and your partner practice safe sex by not changing partners and using condoms during sexual intercourse. Thus, the risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases can be minimized.
If you and your partner want to know more about the benefits of sex or experience obstacles that can affect your intimacy and your partner, do not hesitate to consult a doctor to find out the cause and get appropriate treatment.