Benefits of Sex – Both Physically and Mentally

benefits of sex

Sex is a natural and enjoyable part of life, and it has many benefits for both physical and mental health. It can improve your mood, reduce stress, and even boost your immune system.

In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of sex and why it’s essential to prioritize intimacy in your life.

The Physical Benefits of Sex

First and foremost, sex is an excellent way to stay physically healthy. It can help you burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and even reduce pain. Let’s take a closer look at some of the physical benefits of sex:

Burns Calories

One study found that sex can burn up to 85 calories in just one 30-minute session. While it’s not a substitute for a full workout, it’s still an excellent way to boost your metabolism and stay in shape.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Sex is an aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping. It can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, one study found that men who had sex two or more times per week had a lower risk of heart disease than those who had sex less often.

Reduces Pain

Sex releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help reduce headaches, cramps, and other types of pain. Additionally, the hormone oxytocin, which is released during sex, can help relieve pain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

The Mental Benefits of Sex

In addition to the physical benefits, sex can also have a significant impact on mental health. It can improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost self-esteem. Let’s take a closer look at some of the mental benefits of sex:

Improves Mood

Sex releases feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and oxytocin, which can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, sex can provide a sense of connection and intimacy, which can also improve overall mental health.

Reduces Stress

Sex is an excellent way to reduce stress and tension. The physical act of sex can help relax the body and release tension, while the emotional connection can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Boosts Self-Esteem

Sex can help boost self-esteem by promoting feelings of acceptance and desirability. When we engage in sexual activity with a partner, it can make us feel attractive and wanted, which can have a positive impact on self-esteem.

The Benefits of Sex for Relationships

Sex can also have a significant impact on relationships. It can promote intimacy, strengthen emotional bonds, and even increase trust. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of sex for relationships:

Promotes Intimacy

Sex is an intimate act that can promote emotional closeness and bonding between partners. It can help strengthen the emotional connection and provide a sense of security and safety.

Strengthens Emotional Bonds

Sex releases hormones, such as oxytocin, which can help strengthen emotional bonds between partners. Additionally, the act of sex itself can promote feelings of closeness and connection, which can help strengthen the relationship.

Increases Trust

Engaging in sexual activity with a partner can help build trust and foster a sense of vulnerability. When we share our bodies with someone, it can help us feel more comfortable and trusting with that person.

Benefits of Sex specific to Men

  1. Improved Prostate Health: Regular ejaculation through sex can help to improve prostate health in men. It can reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other prostate-related problems.
  2. Increased Testosterone Levels: Sexual activity can lead to an increase in testosterone levels in men, which can help to improve muscle mass and bone density.
  3. Reduced Risk of Erectile Dysfunction: Regular sexual activity can help to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction in men by improving blood flow to the penis.
  4. Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer: Men who ejaculate frequently through sex or masturbation are less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Benefits of Sex specific to Women

  1. Stronger Pelvic Floor Muscles: Sexual activity can help to strengthen pelvic floor muscles in women, which can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and improve sexual function.
  2. Reduced Menstrual Cramps: The release of endorphins during sex can help to reduce menstrual cramps and other menstrual-related symptoms.
  3. Improved Vaginal Lubrication: Sexual activity can help to increase vaginal lubrication in women, which can reduce discomfort and pain during sex.
  4. Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer: Women who have more frequent sex have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
  5. Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis: Regular sexual activity can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women by improving bone density.

Sex Abstinence

Abstinence refers to the choice to refrain from engaging in sexual activity. While sexual activity can have many benefits, abstinence is a valid choice for some individuals, and there are also potential benefits to abstaining from sex.

One of the primary reasons individuals choose abstinence is to prevent unintended pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Abstinence is the only surefire way to prevent these outcomes, as even with contraceptive use, there is still a risk of pregnancy or STI transmission.

Abstinence can also be a choice made for personal or religious reasons. For some individuals, sexual activity may not align with their personal values or beliefs. Choosing abstinence can help them maintain a sense of integrity and self-respect.

It is important to note that abstinence does not mean a lack of sexual education or awareness. Education about sexual health and safety is still essential, regardless of one’s decision to engage in sexual activity. Abstinence should also not be seen as a permanent choice and individuals may choose to become sexually active at a later point in their lives.

Ultimately, the decision to practice abstinence or engage in sexual activity is a personal one that should be made with careful consideration and respect for oneself and others.

Key Takeaways

After exploring the many benefits of sex, there are several key takeaways that are worth keeping in mind. Here are some of the most important things to remember:

  1. Sex is a natural and enjoyable part of life that can have many benefits for both physical and mental health.
  2. Sex can burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, reduce pain, improve mood, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, promote intimacy, strengthen emotional bonds, and increase trust.
  3. It’s important to prioritize intimacy in your life, whether you’re in a committed relationship or enjoying casual sex. This means making time for sex and taking steps to enhance your sexual experiences.
  4. Communication is key when it comes to sex. It’s important to communicate your needs and desires with your partner and to be open to their needs and desires as well.
  5. Safe sex practices are essential for protecting both your physical and mental health. This means using protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy.
  6. It’s important to seek help if you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction or other issues related to sex. This can include talking to a healthcare provider or therapist.
  7. Finally, it’s important to remember that everyone’s sexual experiences and preferences are different. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy sex, as long as it’s safe and consensual.

On the other hand, sex also has its demerits as well. Unprotected sex has been known to cause health related problems such as gonorrhea, syphilis and AIDS.

22 thoughts on “Benefits of Sex – Both Physically and Mentally”

  1. None of these can be listed as ‘facts’ because there are no sources given to back up these claims. But take this phrase: ‘Recent studies show that a 20 minute sexual intercourse is equal to 1Km run.’ How do you know? What are these ‘recent studies’ and where can one find them? It is just as easy to say ‘Recent studies show that 20 minutes of vigorous sexual intercourse reduces arterial plaque by 4%.’ I just made that up. But it looks real, doesn’t it? That’s why every thing stated as a ‘fact’ needs to be given a source.

    I also take exception to the phrase ‘Sex contributes to a healthy union between man and wife.’ What about a woman and her wife? A man and his husband?

    For some couples, unfortunately, sex is an arena in which abuse and rape takes place (http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32701) Saying that sex ‘… boosts self-confidence and self-esteem’ may be true for many, but for quite a few it is not true.

    Sex can be great, don’t get me wrong. But this article should clarify that the sex being mentioned is consensual, mutually agreeable sex.

    And quote your sources.

    Reply
    • I don’t question the validity of the claimed results. It’s not a stretch to imagine thet threw receptacles on subjects and monitored the exercise, which is what it is, exercise, thus easily monitorable and scientifically provable. Man and wife, I agree. That’s an insinuation that jumped out at me too. Sex can be between any two living, actually i take that back(necrophelia), any two things, nevermind man and wife. That’s actually where it happens the least! Anyway, lastly they did say, “sex” not “rape”, clearly two different things, clearly not insinuating the other. Details, details…

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      • I don’t think man and man, and woman and woman will get the same results as man and woman. The sexual desires are satisfied when man and woman cohabitate. When man and man or woman and woman engage in sexual intercourse there is no real satisfaction. There is an unnatural obsession outside of man and woman having sex. That is why gays have so many partners. They never really feel the satisfaction felt in a man and woman sexual relationship. When man is satisfied by a woman there is total bliss. And when it is in the marriage bed it is really good.

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        • To my own understanding, sex is that union between man and woman. And I ‘ve so far failed to find a name to the union of Man to man or woman to woman. They really defit my understanding by doing so

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    • Somebody please delete dumbass’ comment aka ELBSeattle’s comment. No one gives a shit about you fruits, sicko! Go get electroshock therapy that’ll set you STRAIGHT! HAHAHA!

      Reply
      • there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of scientific cynicism, “ELBSeattle” is just highlighting the importance of references and citations, showing how easy it is to be lied to on the internet

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  2. Hang on, hang on.
    Unprotected sex does not cause health related problems like gonorrhea, syphilis, and AIDS.
    You can certainly catch those diseases from unprotected sex but they are not caused by it.

    Reply
    • this is true. love ur accuteness. i also was able to add about 10 more benefits in like 10 seconds lol. tnx 4 your brilliance cuz U did just shine!

      Reply
  3. sex gives highest pleasure to man. one reaches highest concentration in sex play. it relives one from anxiety, tension, and one reaches relaxed state. one should consciously enjoy sex to get rid of sexual obsession. sex is just like any other senses being used to enjoy life in various dimension. one need not treat it as something above as it is part of life. sex starvation is create mental and psychological problems. better avoid over emotional inclinations to see it as only a physical friction.

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  4. so how do u really feel? lol. Seriously, does that include like people who par take in bi-racial or orgies or “anything” outside the “norm”? Like who judges waht’s normal? Normal for who? Relative to what? You get my point? It’s not good 4 u to B so judgemental on “anything”. After all, “mental” is in that word…just sayin.

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  5. This is the most unprofessionally written article I have ever come accross.
    Nothing you have written can be validated, try sources next time and actual research and statistics.

    Reply
  6. Though sexually inactive due to light stroke,poor blood circulation,I wish I could regain my sex life,info on sex benefits realy had an impact on medical awareness issues.Please stepup the good work.A.M.From South Africa

    Reply
  7. Pleasure and benefits of sex relies on the fact that in which age you are doing this activity. Its quite natural that sex desire gets diminish by the passage of time, specifically after 30’s. Health benefits of sex can also be enjoyed only in certain ages. what about the sex benefits for a heart patient? So every thing is relative, cannot generalize the things like this.

    Reply

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