Health Benefits of Sex

Add an orgasm to your regular workout routine!

Sex is good for you.

No, really, it is! Our instinct for sex goes beyond the procreation of pleasure—it’s an innate part of human psychology and physiology. Regular sex or masturbation has demonstrable positive effects on our brains and bodies.  

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive sexual stimulation can improve heart health, reduce stress, and even strengthen your immune system. This is good news for everybody, not just people in sexual relationships. But, for the most part, you will receive the same benefits of sex by masturbating. 

We already know that good sex is a great way to decompress, but why is that? When you have sex, your brain releases mood-boosting chemicals: dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin. These so-called “happiness chemicals” can help soothe your anxiety by dropping your cortisol levels, which is the chemical largely responsible for stress and anxiety. And it’s the production of these same chemicals that help you relax and enjoy a deeper and more peaceful sleep.

Additionally, according to Dr. Kira-Rai Prewitt, sex can raise self-esteem and confidence in your body and sexuality. As we’ve discussed in other blog posts, sexual confidence is a learned skill. If practice makes perfect, then that same principle applies to sex. Familiarizing yourself with what you enjoy, what makes you feel your best, and even what you feel like and how you look can help you gain a better understanding of yourself and help you build a better relationship with your body and sexuality.

Sex doesn’t just have a positive impact on your mental health—it’s also an excellent way to boost your physical health.

And for women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) people, sex has the added benefit of strengthening a very important set of muscles. Your pelvic floor supports your bowel, bladder, uterus, and vagina. These muscles keep everything in place and in working order. Weak pelvic floors are prone to organ prolapse, vaginal prolapse, and incontinence. But an easy way to maintain and improve your pelvic floor health is through regular sexual activity. 

Menopause.org wrote: “Regular vaginal sexual activity is important for vaginal health after menopause because it stimulates blood flow, helps keep your vaginal muscles toned, and maintains your vagina’s length and stretchiness.”

Speaking of workouts, sexual activity is a fun way to improve heart health and burn a few extra calories. A study from the National Institute of Health found that regular sex is equivalent to a brisk walk. Both activities elevate your heart rate and engage a wide variety of muscle groups throughout your body. 

Another NIH study found that in older women and AFAB people, regular positive sexual activity seemed to increase protection against cardiovascular complications later in life. However, this same study found that vigorous sexual activity could put men and AMAB people at increased risk of a cardiovascular event. As always, it’s best to speak with your doctor about your health concerns and ensure you’re prepared for anything that might put your health at risk.

However you choose to practice positive sex, your mind and body will thank you. 

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