Sex isn’t just fun — it’s good for you too
Making sure healthy sex is part of sexual health awareness month
Topics like reproductive rights and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rightly get the bulk of attention when discussing sexual health. Women’s access to healthcare and being vigilant STIs are important topics that cannot be over-stressed. It’s also important to consider some of the positive aspects of sex in general. Not only is it fun, brings cute babies into the world, and feels great, sex comes with a whole host of health benefits.
Whether it’s physical, psychological or social, sex for both men and women can create positive health outcomes pertaining to everything from sleep, to cancer, and even mortality. This article will take a look at just a few of the reasons why safe, consensual, sex is more than just a really good time.
Lower risk of prostate cancer
The most common cancer among Canadian men, some research has shown that more frequent sexual activity might reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. A 2004 study that followed up on survey data from 1992 published, referred to in a white paper produced by Planned Parenthood, showed some evidence that more ejaculations was associated with a lower occurrence of prostate cancer. More specifically, men who ejaculated more than 21 times per month experienced prostate cancer less frequently than those who ejaculated less often. And each incremental increase of three ejaculations was associated with a 15 percent lower risk.
Longer life
Sex doesn’t just bring new life in the world, it might keep your current life going longer. A study of 918 middle-aged Welsh men found that men who had two or more orgams per week (at least 100 per year) reduced their mortality risk by as much as 50 percent compared to those who only had sex less often. The research found that death from coronary heart disease — which, along with prostate cancer is a leading cause of death in men — was most positively affected by more frequent orgasms.
More sleep
Two common hormones released after orgasm are oxytocin and endorphins. Endorphins play an important role in pain management, while oxytocin produces feelings of closeness and is thought to play a role in forming social bonds. When these two hormones are in play, it can create relaxed, sleepy sensations that can help with sleep. One study showed that people perceived they had a better night sleep after an orgasm — with a partner or solo.
Fewer Headaches
If you’re one of thousands of unlucky people who suffer from migraine or cluster headaches, sex might offer some relief. One study of over 1000 chronic headache patients found that a majority of those who engaged in sexual activity during a migraine or cluster headache experienced at latest some pain relief. What’s more, 70 percent of migraine patients who engaged in sexual activity reported moderate to complete relief of pain during their attack.
Stronger Immune system
People in romantic relationships who had sex more than once or twice a week had higher levels of the antibody known as immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to a small study of 112 college students. Sex is also thought to help stave off common illnesses like colds and flus. Although, further research on the topic is still needed.
There’s no way around it: sex can have negative consequences. If you’re not getting regular STI checks, using a condom during sex, and taking contraceptive measures, sex can create a whole swatch of physical, emotional and psychological issues. On the other hand, if you are being safe, and having sex in a loving and healthy relationship, sex can be beneficial in a ton of different ways.
So never forget that sex isn’t just fun and a means to an end — it’s good for you too!
