8 Health Benefits of Sex 

We all know that sex is incredibly fun and pleasurable, but did you know that there are actually health benefits associated with sex, too? 

While some benefits you can reap are short-term, others have long lasting implications. So, engaging in sex regularly should be a part of your routine, like going to the gym or scheduling regular check-ups with your doctor would be. This is for your health, of course, not just for the fact that it’s fun and feels amazing.

Here are some health benefits of sex, based on scientific studies:

• Eases stress

While this might not be news to you, sex can have great effects on your stress and anxiety. Having sex and reaching orgasm, or even just intimate physical touch, releases your body’s “feel good” hormone and endorphins, elevating mood immediately. 

• Improves sleep

Have you ever dozed off after sex or felt very relaxed? This happens for a reason, and it’s not just because you engaged in a very physical activity. Many hormones are released with orgasm, like the feel good hormones mentioned above, including a hormone called prolactin that is responsible for the feelings of sleepiness and relaxation. 

• It counts as exercise 

Get the same benefits of exercise without having to hit the gym? Sign us up! It’s not quite the same as a hardcore gym session, but sex can burn about 5 calories per minute and it increases your heart rate. Depending on the position, you’re also working different muscle groups, so it could help you tone up. 

• Heightened immune system

Studies have shown that people who have sex regularly have stronger immune systems to defend against germs and viruses. In fact, one study of college students found that those who had sex once or twice per week had higher levels of certain antibodies linked to immune health than students who did not have sex regularly. 

• Lowers blood pressure 

The relationship between sex and blood pressure have been studied quite a bit, with one important study showing that sexual intercourse specifically lowered systolic blood pressure in participants. 

• Reduces heart attack risk 

Heart health is obviously one of the most important parts of our longevity and wellbeing. When we have sex, our estrogen and testosterone levels are balanced. Off-balance hormone levels can contribute to many medical conditions, including heart disease. That means sex is great for our hearts — and not just our romantic hearts!

• Helps women with bladder control 

For people with vaginas, a strong pelvic floor is the key to preventing incontinence as they age. Lucky for them, sex is basically one big pelvic floor workout, especially when you reach orgasm. 

• May reduce the risk of prostate cancer

While this one hasn’t been proven definitively, one medical study found that men who ejaculated frequently were less likely to develop prostate cancer. The best news here? Ejaculation, in this sense, doesn’t require a partner to reap the benefits!