10 Health Reasons to Ramp up your Sex Life
Sex involves our circulatory, nervous and muscular systems and brains, so it's a tune-up and workout of everything that's important." Sadly, it's often the first thing to go when our health is on the blink. "We have the attitude that sex is a luxury item instead of a necessity for wellness. We also think of it as something only for the young and strong, but its effects are a bonus as we age." Still need convincing? Here are 10 health reasons to ramp up your sex life:
1 BETTER HEART HEALTH
Research actually shows that having sex several times a week may cut your risk of a heart attack or stroke in half. Sex releases feel-good hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone and oxytocin. This means more blood moving through the blood vessels.
2 LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE & STRESS
A small Scottish study exposed people to stressful situations and found that those who had regular sexual intercourse responded better to stress than those who engaged in other sexual activities or abstained. A partner's hug can do wonders, too. "Touch releases quantities of oxytocin, so you don't have to orgasm," Dr Morrissey says.
3 REDUCES DEPRESSION
Those feel-good hormones released through touch and orgasm help alleviate depression. However, should you find the depressive feelings out weigh the pleasure, please consult your GP and contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
4 PREVENTS OSTEOPOROSIS
"Men and women who have regular sex have higher testosterone levels, [which] are linked to a lower risk of osteoporosis and bone problems," says Dr Russell. However, more studies are needed.
5 KEEPS COLDS AND FLU AT BAY
Lots of sex means fewer colds and flu, say researchers from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, USA. They found that having sex once or twice a week increased production of the immune-boosting antibody immunoglobulin by a third. A German study found that even masturbation can increase men's white blood cells.
6 MAY REDUCE THE RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER
Several large studies have shown that men in their 20s who ejaculate frequently (about 21 times a month) can reduce their risk of prostate cancer later in life by a third, compared to those who ejaculate five to seven times a month. "It doesn't necessarily have to be intercourse," Dr Russell adds.
7 RELIEVES HEADACHES
Research shows that sex can alleviate an aching noggin. The endorphins and corticosteroids released have an analgaesic effect, alleviating the pain of headaches, arthritis, cramps and body aches. "Endorphins are a natural painkiller," Dr Russell says.
8 IMPROVES SLEEP
Dr Russell prescribes sex for people with sleep problems. "Sex helps people sleep better and is less addictive than things like Valium," he says. Again, it's those powerful oxytocins at work. In turn, sleep boosts mental and physical health.
9 KEEPS YOU FIT
Some experts say that 30 minutes of vigorous sex is comparable to 15 minutes on a treadmill or walking up two flights of stairs, and burns between 360 and 835 kilojoules. Sex works the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and thorax. Your pulse rate doubles from about 70 beats per minute to 150, the same as an athlete mid-stride.
The muscles that stem the flow of urine, reducing leakage and incontinence, are given a workout during sex, says Dr Morrissey. "Orgasm is best because the entire pelvic floor contracts." Flexing your pelvic muscles during sex maximises the benefits and makes sex more pleasurable.