10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

 Sex isn't just about pleasure or intimacy; it can also offer some unexpected health benefits. From enhancing your immune system to improving your sleep, here are 10 surprising advantages of maintaining a healthy sex life.

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

**Sex Relieves Stress**  

When you're under stress, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that, in excessive amounts, can leave you feeling tense and exhausted. Engaging in sex triggers the release of endorphins—feel-good hormones that elevate your mood and help bring cortisol levels back to normal. Additionally, sex promotes the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which enhances feelings of relaxation and connection with your partner, further reducing stress.

**Sex Helps You Sleep**  

During sex, particularly at orgasm, your body releases prolactin, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating sleep. The increase in prolactin is largely responsible for the drowsy, relaxed sensation that follows sex, making it easier to fall asleep and leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

**Sex Boosts Your Immune System**  

Sex can enhance your immune system by increasing the production of antibodies that defend against infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV). Research from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania discovered that college students who engaged in sex three or more times a week had higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A in their saliva, which helps the body fight off certain viruses and bacteria. Additionally, a 2021 study found a connection between regular sex and improved resistance to the COVID-19 virus.

Furthermore, quality sleep is crucial for a strong immune system, and since sex is linked to better sleep, maintaining a regular sexual activity can contribute to overall immune health.

**Sex Offers Natural Pain Relief**  

The same feel-good hormones that alleviate stress also serve as natural pain relievers. During sex, your body releases endorphins, which interact with pain receptors in the brain to block pain signals.

A 2013 survey by the University of Münster revealed that individuals suffering from migraine attacks or cluster headaches often experienced relief from their symptoms after sex.

**Sex Supports Menstrual Health**  

If you experience menstrual cramps, sex might help alleviate the discomfort. Cramps occur when the uterus contracts to shed its lining. Although orgasms also cause uterine contractions, they are followed by a release that can help reduce tension. If period sex isn't appealing to you, masturbation can offer similar benefits.

Some studies suggest that regular sex may help balance reproductive hormones like estrogen and support consistent ovulation in women with normal menstrual cycles who aren't using hormonal birth control.

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

**Sex Benefits Your Mental Health**  

During sex, your body releases hormones such as endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine. These hormones help reduce stress, improve mood, and deepen emotional connections with your partner, all of which contribute to better mental health. Research even indicates that regular sexual activity is associated with lower rates of depression. In a survey of 16,000 US adults, those who had sex at least once a week reported feeling as happy as if they had earned $50,000 annually.

**Sex Strengthens Your Pelvic Floor**  

Orgasms naturally cause your pelvic floor muscles to contract and relax, giving them a beneficial workout. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and uterus (for women) or prostate (for men). They also play a role during sex: for people with vaginas, a relaxed pelvic floor can enhance arousal and make orgasms easier to achieve; for people with penises, these muscles help control erections and ejaculation. Strengthening these muscles can improve sexual pleasure and provide better bladder control, reducing the risk of incontinence as you age.

**Sex May Improve Heart Health**  

Sex can benefit your heart in several ways. It increases your heart rate, which boosts circulation and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Research suggests that, for younger, healthy men, regular sexual activity might be associated with a reduced risk of developing heart problems later in life.

For women, a study found that the quality of sexual experiences, rather than the frequency of sex, was linked to a lower risk of heart issues. Additionally, a 2020 study indicated that heart attack patients who engaged in sex at least once a week had a 10 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand this connection, and individual health factors likely play a significant role.

**Sex May Prevent Prostate Cancer**  

Emerging evidence suggests that frequent ejaculation may lower the risk of prostate cancer in men. Ejaculation helps clear fluid and cells from the prostate, potentially removing toxins or harmful substances that could increase cancer risk. While findings vary on the optimal frequency, a 2016 study indicated that men in their 20s and 40s who ejaculated at least 21 times per month had up to a 20 percent reduced risk of prostate cancer.

**Takeaways**  

Regular sex offers numerous health benefits that can enhance your overall well-being. To maximize these benefits, consider making sex a regular part of your routine, whether with a partner or through self-care practices like masturbation. Doing so can improve your physical health and contribute to a happier, healthier life.

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

**Sex FAQs**

**Why is sex so good for the body?**  

Sex triggers the release of hormones that positively impact health, including improved blood circulation, enhanced immune function, and better sleep quality.

**How is sex beneficial to a man?**  

Sex supports heart health, which is crucial for men due to their higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular sexual activity may help reduce the risk of heart-related issues.

**Is sex safe during periods?**  

Yes, sex during periods is generally safe and can actually help alleviate cramps and some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for many people.