Can Sex Make You Healthy?

Sex is a part of everyday adult life. Many people have healthy sex lives, whether it be in a couple or just as a single person. Away from just reproduction, sex is also pleasurable, so it can be easy to think that something pleasurable is not actually beneficial to your health. But, are there actually any health benefits to sexual intercourse?

Surprisingly, there are many different health benefits that sex can provide to you. Whilst it is not exactly going to get you ripped and it is not going to get you ready to run a marathon, regular sexual intercourse is going to provide you with some amazing benefits. In this article, we will outline the health benefits of sex as well as how much sex you will need to have to notice a difference. We will also mention some different ways that you can help to boost your sexual performance, not just for your confidence, but also to experience even greater health benefits.

What are the health benefits of sex?

There are many different health benefits that you can attain from having sex, so many in fact that they need to be split into separate sections in order to cover them properly. There are both physical and mental health benefits to intercourse. These include:

Physical Benefits

• Lowering Blood Pressure

When you have sex, you may be helping to reduce your blood pressure. Several studies have been conducted that showed a link between having sex and a reduction in blood pressure. Penetrative sex in particular, as opposed to activities such as oral sex or masturbation, is the main link between a reduction in blood pressure and sex. 

• Strengthening Muscles

Almost any form of physical activity will work different sets of muscles in the body. Sexual activity is no different. Whether you are a smooth mover in the bedroom or whether you are an acrobat between the sheets, your muscles will be getting a workout as you go. Whilst muscles are still being worked, you will not quite get your pump on like you would in a gym, unless you are practising sexual techniques that would be more commonly seen in Cirque du Soleil.

• Reducing Risk of Heart Attacks

Sex, whether it is particularly active or not, is a good cardiovascular workout. Exercising this system will promote better heart health, and thus will lead to a reduced risk of heart attacks. Men especially are at risk of heart conditions, and there are even links between erectile dysfunction and poor heart health. 

• Reducing Risk of Stroke

As with the link between sex and heart health, there is also a link that can be drawn between sexual activity and a reduction in the risk of having a stroke. A stroke is caused by having a blocked artery, or a burst or leaking blood vessel in the brain. Sex is particularly beneficial for preventing strokes in older men. 

Mental Health Benefits

• Improved Sleep

Due to the hormones released during sex, as well as the physical exertion that is required to have full intercourse, you will often experience an increase in not just the quality of your sleep, but also how easy you find it is to fall asleep. Following intercourse, many people will find that they become tired and could easily fall asleep, this is due to the hormones released during intercourse and orgasms. 

• Closer Relationships

Often, people will find that their relationships will be a lot closer after having sex. It would be naive to suggest that all sex is between people in fully-fledged relationships, and most casual sex will be on a one-night basis. Whilst this kind of sex does not result in a relationship, sex between couples does. A study has shown that a hormone known as Oxytocin is released when someone has an orgasm. This hormone is known to be prominent during childbirth and helps an initial bond to be formed between mother and child. Oxytocin is also known as the ‘love hormone.’

• Reducing Anxiety

Many people around the world may experience feelings of anxiety. In recent years, the topic of stress and anxiety, and mental health in general, has become more acceptable to talk about. For lots of people, anxiety will be based on physical dislikes about themselves. When someone has sex, they are showing a physical attraction to the other person. This can go a long way in boosting someone's self-confidence, and thus reducing their anxieties. 

• General Mood Boosts

Many different hormones are released during both intercourse and orgasm. As we previously mentioned, the ‘love hormone’ Oxytocin is released during orgasm, but we also receive a kick from the mood-boosting hormone Serotonin. Serotonin is released during sex and is also one of the main hormones that control sexual attraction.

How often will you need to have sex to notice a physical benefit?

In a 2017 study conducted by the Archive of Sexual Behaviour, it found that couples in ‘healthy’ relationships had sex on average 54 times a year. That is around once a week. For married couples, the number of times was around 51 times a year. So, will having sex once a week make you healthier?

Unfortunately, probably not. As sex does not provide you with the same level of health benefits as say a gym session, having intercourse once a week will not provide you with any major noticeable benefits. However, you will be benefiting from the mental health benefits and some of the physical benefits such as heart health. To really make a physical difference in terms of muscle growth, you will need to have sex around five times a week, for at least 30 minutes. Even then, the benefits will not outweigh those of a gym session.

How can you boost sexual performance?

On average, it will take a man between five to seven minutes to ejaculate during full penetrative sex. As you will need to have sex for much longer in order to experience muscle-based benefits, you may wish to explore ways to improve your performance in the bedroom. 

There are many different products out there that can help with sexual performance. Products such as Powerect Cream and Skins Performance Rings are both known to be linked with increased sexual performance. You should also always look to practice safe sex, no matter how often you will be having it.