Dr. Michael Wayne

How Sex Can Make You Healthier

Sex can be good medicine
Sex can be good medicine
In the last two days, I’ve told you how to increase your sex drive, and discussed the topic of foods that are aphrodisiacs.

Today, I’ll tell you about the health benefits of sex. To get these benefits, you have to have sex on a regular basis.

Fewer colds, less stress, and a healthier heart are just some of the things that are attributed to regular sex of at least once a week.

In regards to colds, according to researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, sex once or twice a week in winter can boost the immune system and reduce the chances of catching colds and flu.

They found it boosted levels of immunoglobulin A or IGA which binds to organisms that invade the body and then activates the immune system to destroy them.

In regards to stress, during sex your body produces dopamine, a substance that fights stress hormones, endorphins, aka “happiness hormones,” and oxytocin, a desire-enhancing hormone secreted by the pituitary gland.

And in regards to heart health – at least for men – research has shown men who indulge in regular lovemaking of at least twice per week are up to 45 per cent less likely to develop life-threatening heart conditions than men who have sex once a month or less.

In another recent study it was found that everyday sex helped men who had issues with fertility – it appears to help with DNA-damaged sperm.

No longer might the slogan "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" be as relevant

Meanwhile, In England, the British Government’s National Health Service has started a campaign aimed at schools, telling students that sex everyday keeps the doctor away.

A National Health Service leaflet is advising school pupils that they have a “right” to an enjoyable sex life and that regular intercourse can be good for their cardiovascular health.

The advice appears in guidance circulated to parents, teachers and youth workers, and is intended to update sex education by telling pupils about the benefits of sexual pleasure. For too long, say its authors, experts have concentrated on the need for “safe sex” and loving relationships while ignoring the main reason that many people have sex, that is, for enjoyment.

Alongside the slogan “an orgasm a day keeps the doctor away”, it says: “Health promotion experts advocate five portions of fruit and veg a day and 30 minutes’ physical activity three times a week. What about sex or masturbation twice a week?”

So much for the British and their reputation of always maintaining a stiff upper lip.

Sex is also a great form of exercise and can help you lose weight. If you have sex three times a week for 15 minutes you’ll burn about 7, 500 calories in a year.

That’s the equivalent of jogging 200 miles. In addition, heavy breathing raises the amount of oxygen in your cells, and the testosterone produced during sex keeps your bones and muscles strong.

Pain can be relieved through sex. During sex, both male and female bodies produce endorphins, hormones that act as painkillers.

One study showed that during sexual stimulation and especially during orgasm, we don’t feel pain.

For men, frequent sex can benefit the prostate gland. Most of the fluid you ejaculate is secreted by the prostate gland. If you stop ejaculating, the fluid stays in the gland, which tends to swell, causing lots of problems.

Regular ejaculation will wash those fluids out and ensure the well-being of your prostate until old age.

Also for men, sex can be of benefit for erectile dysfunction. Fifty per cent of men older than 40 suffer from erectile dysfunctions and all young men fear the moment when they too may have this happen to them.

An erection keeps the blood flowing through the penile arteries, so the tissue stays healthy. Plus, doctors compare an erection to an athletic reflex: the more you train the more capable you are to perform.

And for women, sex can increase fertility, postpone menopause and relieve PMS symptoms.

Exit mobile version