There are few free and safe pastimes that can make you feel euphoric, promote a more intimate relationship with your partner and
boast physical and mental benefits. One of those pastimes? Sex! In
fact, it's so good for you, someone would make a fortune if they bottled
it up and sold it over the counter at CVS.
If you're enjoying a regular sex life, which Dr. Sherry Ross, OB/GYN and women's health expert, defines as having sex one to two times a week, you're increasing your chances of living a healthier and happier life.
"There
are very few things better in life for your heart, body, and soul then
consensual sex," Ross says. "Emotionally, sex is comforting, calming,
relieves stress, reduces anxiety, and boosts your confidence and overall
sense of well-being. It's also thought that regular sex allows women
and men to look younger and live longer."
Sound too good to be true? Read this, then schedule some time with your partner.
1. It Gives You a Workout
No
offense to the gym, but I'll take breaking a sweat between the sheets
over killing time on the elliptical any day of the week. In a study of
21 heterosexual couples from the University of Quebec at Montreal,
published in PLOS ONE, women
burned an average of 69.1 calories when they had sex for an average of
slightly less than 25 minutes. The participants, on average, were about
22 and a half years old, but make no mistake that sex can burn calories,
and that number will go up if you get on top, assume a squat position
during sex, and have an orgasm. "The act of sexual intimacy can be a great workout and counts as such for many as their daily exercise regimen," Ross says.
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2. Sex Improves Your Immune System
If
you feel a cold coming on, one of the best things you can do (... after
taking your vitamin C) is proposition your partner for a little action. Researchers
have found that women who have healthy sex lives also have higher
levels of antibodies that help fend off illness. "Regular sex makes for a
stronger immune system, fighting off common illnesses such as colds and
having less sick days from work," Ross says. "Sex also helps lower your
blood pressure and lowers your risk of heart attacks."
3. Sex Can Help Your Bladder
Struggling with incontinence post-baby?
Try getting in bed (and do some Kegels during sex). "If women
incorporate Kegel exercises during sex, it helps strengthen the pelvic
floor, improves bladder control, and heightens you and your partner's
orgasms," Ross says.
4. Orgasms > Advil
There are a million and one reasons you should have regular orgasms, starting with they feel incredible.
But, from a medical standpoint, the intensely pleasurable feeling you
get when your genital muscles contract can actually obviate your need
for OTC pain medication.
"Orgasms
are helpful in reducing any pain you may be experiencing, such as
menstrual cramps, headaches, and joint pain," Ross says. If you track
your menstrual cycles and are prone to PMS, having orgasms before your
first menstrual cramp strikes could be the ultimate form of preventative
care.
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5. Sex Can Help You Fall Asleep
A
combination of endorphins and the hormone prolactin that are released
during sex and, while you have an orgasm, work together to whisk you
away to dreamland better than any lullaby. These hormones relax your
body and mind and create a tense-free environment that promotes better
sleep. "An orgasm is a natural sleeping pill," Ross says.
6. Sex On Non-Fertile Days Can Boost Your Chances of Getting Pregnant
This one seems obvious, doesn't it? But if you're trying to get
pregnant, research shows it's just as important to have sex on those
days of the month when you aren't fertile. Researchers
at the Kinsey Institute and Indiana University found that, because sex
helps strengthen women's immune systems, it creates conditions in the
uterus that are more hospitable to a growing embryo — something that
wasn't observed in women who weren't as sexually active.
"We're
actually seeing the immune system responding to a social behavior:
sexual activity," said Tierney Lorenz, a visiting research scientist at
the Kinsey Institute. "The sexually active women's immune systems were
preparing in advance to the mere possibility of pregnancy."
7. It Will Crush Your Anxiety and Stress
Had a bad day at the office? Having a horribly stressful month in
general? It may be tempting to hit happy hour, but a hot round of sex is
going to do a lot more for your mood and overall mental well-being.
"Skin-to-skin
contact can release oxytocin, nicknamed the 'cuddle hormone,' which can
decrease anxiety and promotes feelings of closeness," says sex
therapist Vanessa Marin. "Sex can make couples feel more relaxed and connected."
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