Matino
Moderator
Much has been said about the downsides of sex and so little about the benefits. As much as sex can bring STDs and other ills; it can also provide several benefits that are great for your health. Many however see sex as only a means of pleasure and childbirth. It is therefore worth knowing some of the health benefits of sex.
Immune Boosting
Eating well, getting enough sleep, and getting vaccinated are all important in boosting your immune system. Add regular sex to these and you have a great immune system that defends your body against infective organisms. This is because research has shown that those that are sexually active had a higher blood level of certain antibodies than those that were not so active sexually and these antibodies help you fend off infections.
Bladder control for women
About 30% of women will have urinary incontinence at one time or the other in their lives. This is when a person passes urine without intending to. Studies have shown that women who had sex regularly were less likely to develop urinary incontinence as it helps strengthen their pelvic muscles which is important for bladder control.
Lowers Blood Pressure
People who had more sex have been found to have a lower blood pressure compared to others, ensuring that they stay healthy. One study found that those who regularly had sex had a lower systolic (the numerator in your B.P measurement) compared to those who did not.
Sex is good exercise
It’s been found that on the average, you burn about five calories per minute while having sex. This can be a good source of exercise for those that hardly have time to exercise. The benefits of exercise are quite numerous and sex delivers some of those benefits.
Reduces Risk for Heart Attack
Men who had sex regularly were found to have a 50% lesser risk of developing a heart attack. This is not only because it raises your heart rate which is great; it also keeps your sex hormone, oestrogen and testosterone, in balance which are important hormones and their balance can help avoid conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Better Sleep
You may have noticed that you sleep better after sex. This is because the hormone Prolactin is usually released after an orgasm. This hormone helps with relaxation and the feeling of sleepiness.
Reduces Stress
The arousal associated with sex is great in easing stress. This is because your brain releases some chemicals that help in exciting your entire body. Sex can also help stimulate happiness and boosts self-esteem.
Reduces Pain
Sex can help reduce the feeling of pain. Sex helps release a hormone that usually raises your pain threshold. Sexual stimulation can combat chronic pain such as the pain associated with arthritis.
In conclusion, remember that there is no substitute for safe sex and that abstinence is the only way of avoiding STDs, including HIV, for the unmarried ones. If you must do it, then use a condom.
Photo Credit: ynaija.com
