The Benefits of a Healthy Sex Life

by Becky Knight, MPH

We all know that sex is a form of exercise, burning as many as four calories a minute, and that all exercise is good for us. Similar to the effects of any good workout, when we get aroused, our blood pumps at a faster rate. That fresh supply of blood pumping through our body gives our organs a healthy dose of oxygen and rids the body of toxins and waste.

You also get a rush of endorphins after sex, aka the “runners high.” Endorphins, hormone-like chemicals akin to morphine, promote a sense of well-being and alleviate the pain of headaches and migraines, arthritis, and even PMS.

And then there is that lovely hormone oxytocin. Just before orgasm, oxytocin levels surge to five times their normal level. Oxytocin does wonderful things for us. It increases bonding, trust and generosity. It also increases our sense of empathy. It’s the same hormone that is released when a woman breast-feeds her child.

One thing that I found especially interesting is that men benefit most when they’re having regular sex, either alone or with a partner. For instance, men need 3-5 ejaculations a week in order to significantly reduce their chance of a heart attack, stroke, or prostate cancer. What some women may complain of as a “high sex drive” is maybe just his body’s way of keeping him alive!

Of course, it’s not just physical health that is improved by a good sex life. Having a good sex life reaps emotional and spiritual rewards as well. Thankfully, the more sex you have, the longer you’re likely to live — and the longer you’re able to enjoy sex!

Becky Knight, MPH, works as a Sex and Relationships Coach at Sensovi Institute, where she is also the director of Education and Programs.  To learn more about Becky visiting her web site Living Sexuality.