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Being sexual - from masturbation to engaging in sex play or intercourse with a partner - can have positive health benefits that you might not expect. Recent studies have revealed some of the ways that sex may benefit your body and mind.
It's a great workout
Like any other form of exercise, sexual intercourse burns fat and calories - about 150 calories an hour. That's more than walking or lifting weights. The effects extend beyond the bedroom. A 2000 study showed that people with active sex lives tend to exercise more often and have better eating habits than people who aren't sexually active.
It can help fight disease
Sex may keep your body fit in other ways, too. A 1999 study found that U.S. college students who had sex once or twice per week had stronger immune systems than their abstinent peers. Scientists have also found that an active sex life may lower the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and strokes.
It can be a natural pain reliever
Before you pop your next painkiller, try having an orgasm. Some women masturbate to relieve menstrual cramps, and a 2001 study found that, for women and men, orgasms can ease migraines faster than any medicine. Hormones released during orgasm act on the brain like natural pain relievers and can help relax tight, sore muscles.
It can reduce tension
You might not feel sexy at the end of a long, hard day - but having an orgasm can relieve stress. One study found that 39 percent of women who masturbate do so to relax. And many people masturbate to fight a night of insomnia - an orgasm may work like a charm to help you fall asleep.
It can help prevent depression and boost self-esteem
Being sexual may work wonders for your mental health, too. For example, having positive sexual experiences with a partner and embracing your sexuality may enhance your self-esteem. Studies have also shown that people with active sex lives report a higher quality of life and have a lower risk of developing depression. And one study showed that women who masturbate have higher self-esteem than those who don't.
It can preserve your sexual health
As with the rest of the body, sexual organs stay healthier when exercised. Research has shown that an active sex life can keep a woman's periods running right on schedule, and orgasms during a period might even prevent endometriosis, a disease of the uterine lining. Regular sexual activity may boost fertility in women and raises sperm count in men. Research has shown that sex during pregnancy is not harmful to a fetus, and it may even reduce the risk of early delivery. And a very recent study suggests that frequent ejaculation in men protects against prostate cancer.
It can help you to live longer
With all these other health benefits, it's not surprising that sex may help you live to a ripe old age. Research has found that an active sex life is one of the factors in predicting long lives for women and men. Remember: make the most of these benefits by practicing safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.
Being sexual - from masturbation to engaging in sex play or intercourse with a partner - can have positive health benefits that you might not expect. Recent studies have revealed some of the ways that sex may benefit your body and mind.
It's a great workout
Like any other form of exercise, sexual intercourse burns fat and calories - about 150 calories an hour. That's more than walking or lifting weights. The effects extend beyond the bedroom. A 2000 study showed that people with active sex lives tend to exercise more often and have better eating habits than people who aren't sexually active.
It can help fight disease
Sex may keep your body fit in other ways, too. A 1999 study found that U.S. college students who had sex once or twice per week had stronger immune systems than their abstinent peers. Scientists have also found that an active sex life may lower the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and strokes.
It can be a natural pain reliever
Before you pop your next painkiller, try having an orgasm. Some women masturbate to relieve menstrual cramps, and a 2001 study found that, for women and men, orgasms can ease migraines faster than any medicine. Hormones released during orgasm act on the brain like natural pain relievers and can help relax tight, sore muscles.
It can reduce tension
You might not feel sexy at the end of a long, hard day - but having an orgasm can relieve stress. One study found that 39 percent of women who masturbate do so to relax. And many people masturbate to fight a night of insomnia - an orgasm may work like a charm to help you fall asleep.
It can help prevent depression and boost self-esteem
Being sexual may work wonders for your mental health, too. For example, having positive sexual experiences with a partner and embracing your sexuality may enhance your self-esteem. Studies have also shown that people with active sex lives report a higher quality of life and have a lower risk of developing depression. And one study showed that women who masturbate have higher self-esteem than those who don't.
It can preserve your sexual health
As with the rest of the body, sexual organs stay healthier when exercised. Research has shown that an active sex life can keep a woman's periods running right on schedule, and orgasms during a period might even prevent endometriosis, a disease of the uterine lining. Regular sexual activity may boost fertility in women and raises sperm count in men. Research has shown that sex during pregnancy is not harmful to a fetus, and it may even reduce the risk of early delivery. And a very recent study suggests that frequent ejaculation in men protects against prostate cancer.
It can help you to live longer
With all these other health benefits, it's not surprising that sex may help you live to a ripe old age. Research has found that an active sex life is one of the factors in predicting long lives for women and men. Remember: make the most of these benefits by practicing safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.