Have Sex for Your Health!

By Jennifer Hudock on February 8th, 2010

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If you’re anything like me, swimming through my prime sexual years with the biological clock ticking in the background, you don’t need anymore reasons to have sex. Even if your hormones aren’t pushing you to jump into bed, having sex regularly can do amazing things for your health.

• Emotional Health Benefits

Statistics show that as couples grow more comfortable with one another, they are less likely to set aside time for intimacy with each other. A lack of intimacy and emotional connectivity is relatively common in relationships after the “high” of falling in love with one another begins to wear off. Reinventing your sexual relationship on a regular basis can strengthen and reestablish your bond with one another. Sexual activity and orgasm increase the levels of oxytocin (also known as the “cuddle chemical,”) your brain produces, which will make you feel happier all the way around. I don’t know about you, but I like to feel happy.

• Look Younger

One study in Scotland theorizes that because regular sexual activity increases a woman’s estrogen and DHEA levels, having sex three to four times a week could make you look between seven and twelve years younger. Healthy estrogen and DHEA levels lead to healthy, supple skin and a brighter complexion, shiny hair and brighter eyes.

• Get Fit

The average thirty-minute sexercise session can burn 85 to 200 calories, depending on the rigor of your lovemaking. You also work a variety of muscles, including stomach, pelvic, thigh and glute muscles. While I tend to burn an average of about 250-300 calories walking briskly on the treadmill in the same amount of time, working out from the comfort of my bed is far more exciting than hanging out on the treadmill!

• Boost Your Immune System

Studies show that having sex just one or two times a week has the power to boost your immune system, fighting nasty cold and flu viruses. Now you have a healthy excuse to snuggle up under the blankets with your sweetie during those long, cold months of winter.

• Regulate Your Menstrual Cycle

Endocrinology studies have proven that women who have sex at least once a week, as opposed to women who rarely have intercourse at all, are more likely to experience regular menstrual cycles. These same studies have also shown that increased estrogen levels produced during regular sexual activity has the power to reduce menstrual cramps. If you go back to that note about increased oxytocin levels as well, you’ll be less likely to feel stressed out during PMS. I’m convinced!

Oh, and by the way, having sex now will also maintain your desire to have sex later, so keep the fires burning in the bedroom, and the next time you feel the urge to utter the words, “Not tonight, honey. I have a headache,” reconsider. An active and healthy sex-life holds so many benefits, why on earth would you ever say no?

Of course, I would be irresponsible if I didn’t remind you to practice safe sex. Safe sex practices are also important when maintaining your health, by preventing you from contracting dangerous sexually transmitted diseases and getting pregnant before you’re ready. If you’re worried about drawing away from the intimacy by taking time out to suit up, make birth control methods a fun part of bedroom time.