Sex is an integral part of adult life, and it is enjoyed by many individuals, whether in a committed relationship or as single individuals. While sex is primarily associated with pleasure and intimacy, it may be surprising to learn that it also offers various health benefits. Although it won’t transform your physique or prepare you for a marathon, engaging in regular sexual intercourse can provide remarkable advantages.
In this article, we will explore the diverse health benefits associated with sex. We will delve into both the physical and mental aspects, highlighting how sexual activity can contribute to your overall well-being. Additionally, we will discuss the frequency of sex required to observe these benefits and provide suggestions on enhancing sexual performance, not only for increased confidence but also for maximizing the health benefits you can experience.
What are the health benefits of sexual intercourse?
Sexual intercourse offers a wide range of health benefits, which are so numerous that they warrant separate sections to ensure comprehensive coverage. These benefits encompass both physical and mental aspects of health. Some of the notable benefits include:
Physical Benefits
Lowering Blood Pressure
Engaging in sexual activity has been associated with a reduction in blood pressure, as indicated by various studies. Specifically, penetrative sex has shown a stronger link to lower blood pressure compared to activities like oral sex or masturbation.
Strengthening Muscles
Sexual activity involves the engagement of different muscle groups in the body, similar to other forms of physical exercise. Whether you’re a smooth mover or an acrobat in the bedroom, your muscles will be worked out. However, it’s important to note that sexual activity may not provide the same intensity as a gym workout, unless you’re practicing advanced techniques akin to Cirque du Soleil.
Reducing Risk of Heart Attacks
Sex, regardless of its intensity, provides a cardiovascular workout that promotes heart health and lowers the risk of heart attacks. Men, in particular, are susceptible to heart conditions, and there is a correlation between erectile dysfunction and poor heart health.
Reducing Risk of Stroke
Similar to the relationship between sex and heart health, engaging in sexual activity has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke. Strokes occur when there is a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Sexual activity is particularly beneficial in preventing strokes in older men.
Mental Health Benefits
Improved Sleep
The release of hormones during sex, coupled with physical exertion, can lead to improved sleep quality and easier sleep initiation. Many individuals find themselves feeling tired and ready to sleep after intercourse due to the hormonal effects.
Closer Relationships
Engaging in sex often strengthens emotional bonds and fosters closer relationships. While casual sex may not necessarily result in a relationship, sex between committed couples promotes the release of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone.” This hormone plays a significant role in bonding, akin to the initial bond between mother and child during childbirth.
Reducing Anxiety
Sexual activity can contribute to reduced anxiety by boosting self-confidence. It signifies a physical attraction and acceptance between partners, addressing some individuals’ anxieties related to physical self-image.
General Mood Boosts
Various hormones are released during intercourse and orgasm, including oxytocin and serotonin. Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” and serotonin, a mood-boosting hormone, contribute to positive emotions and overall well-being.
How frequently is sex needed to notice physical benefits?
According to a 2017 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, couples in “healthy” relationships engaged in sexual activity an average of 54 times per year, approximately once a week. For married couples, the average frequency was around 51 times per year. Therefore, having sex once a week may contribute to reaping physical benefits.
However, simply having intercourse once a week is unlikely to provide significant noticeable physical benefits comparable to a dedicated gym session. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy the mental health benefits and some aspects of physical benefits like improved heart health. To truly make a noticeable difference in terms of muscle growth, engaging in sexual activity around five times a week, lasting for at least 30 minutes each time, would be required. Even then, the benefits may not outweigh those achieved through a dedicated gym session.
If you want to enhance your sexual performance, considering that the average duration for ejaculation during full penetrative sex is five to seven minutes, you may explore methods to prolong your performance in the bedroom.
You can also explore more about Dapoxetine products available on MedsBase which help men with premature ejacuation problem to last longer in bed.
Dapoxetine is a medication commonly used to treat premature ejaculation (PE), a condition characterized by the inability to control ejaculation during sexual activity. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps delay ejaculation. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication to ensure it is appropriate for individual circumstances and to discuss potential side effects or interactions.
You should also always look to practice safe sex, no matter how often you will be having it.