BENGALURU: Healthy sex life has some incredible health benefits. Unfortunately not many people are aware of the fact that apart from the pleasure that sex provides, many studies have proved that it brings about physical, mental and psychological balance. A good sex life has several positive health benefits that should not be ignored.
It is found that adults who made love the first thing in the morning were not only more upbeat for the rest of the day, but they also maintained a stronger immune system. Listed below are some of the key health benefits associated with sex.
Prevents heart attack
Research has proved that regular sex can ward off heart attacks up to a great extent. Women who had two orgasms a week were up to 30% less likely to have heart disease than those who did didn’t have an orgasm.
Boosts your fertility
Frequent ejaculations improve sperm DNA that is essential for a healthy baby. Sperm quality is best when ejaculations are less than 48 hours and deteriorated if the duration was more than 10 days.
Lengthens your life
A study carried out in Australia found people who climaxed at least three times a week had a 50% lower chance of dying for any medical reason than those who only climaxed once a month.
Lowers your blood pressure
Frequent sex reduces stress and thus keeps blood pressure in check.
Sex and Fitness
Ten minutes of vigorous sex burns up to 300 calories. Different positions result in toned and flexible muscles.
Strengthens your bones
Regular sex can boost oestrogen levels in post-menopausal women; it can offer some protection against the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis that is triggered by a lack of oestrogen.
Cuts your risk of prostate cancer
Men who enjoy regular sex life in their 50s are at lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This is because sex clears the prostate of toxins that could otherwise linger and trigger cancerous changes.
Disease-proofs your body
Having high levels of the natural steroid DHEA, known as “the anti-ageing hormone”, is the key for a fitter body. During sex, DHEA is secreted throughout the body, and after an orgasm, the level in the bloodstream soars to five times its normal amount.
Look younger
Clinical neuropsychologists believe that older men and women with an active love life looked five to seven years younger than their actual age.
Fights colds and flu
Sex once or twice a week has been found to raise your body’s levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, or IgA, which can protect you from colds and flu.
Eases those
nasty period cramps
Many women say period pain diminishes if they do have sex during a cramp attack.
Helps lower your
risk of incontinence
Good sex is a great workout for a woman’s pelvic floor muscles' the muscles that control orgasms' and also stem the flow of urine, reducing leakage and incontinence.
Smooths out your wrinkles
The hormone estrogen is pumped out during sex, which can have a plumping effect on the skin, helping to smooth out those fine lines. This is especially useful following the menopause, when a woman’s skin can become drier and more wrinkled.
Gives you an all-over
healthy glow
Vigorous sex pumps higher levels of oxygen around the body, increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin, and pushes newer, fresher skin cells to the surface, making skin look healthier.
Effect on depression
Sexually active women in long-term relationships are also less likely to feel depressed than women who go without sex.
Cures Pain
Scientific evidence says sex can help shift pain! This is because making love causes a surge in the “love” hormone oxytocin, plus other feel-good endorphins, which can ease pain.
Beats insomnia
The oxytocin released when you orgasm promotes relaxation and sleepiness. So there is actually a genuine excuse for him to fall asleep so quickly after sex.
— Dr. Vasan S S,
Chairman & Director Manipal Fertility