Key Takeaways:
- Sexual intimacy enhances the emotional connection with your partner, improves your mood, and reduces stress and anxiety.
- It is also associated with various physical benefits, such as improved heart health, a stronger immune system, reduced risk of cancer, and pain relief.
- Intimacy improves the overall quality of life by promoting better sleep, increasing self-esteem, and reducing the risk of depression.
What better way to show your love to your partner than spending quality time together. This article explores the science-backed health benefits of sexual intimacy that will inspire you to get in the mood. From improving heart health to reducing stress and boosting immunity, sex has numerous physical and mental benefits enlisted below:
1) Burns calories being a form of exercise: 30 minutes of moderate sexual activity can burn around 300 calories which is the same as walking at a moderate pace for more than an hour. Always remember to use a condom for protection against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
2) Optimal cardiac protection: As, sexual activity is considered cardio, it increases blood flow to the heart. It may also safeguard against hypertension(increased blood pressure) and severe heart diseases to some extent. Orgasm triggers oxytocin, which promotes heart health by reducing stress. If you already have some cardiac problems or are recovering from a heart attack, consult with your cardiologist before engaging in any sexual activity.
3) Stress buster: Quality sexual activity boosts dopamine, endorphin and oxytocin secretion. All these ‘feel-good’ hormones enhance mood and reduce the burden of stress and depression. Spontaneous nonverbal intimacy can reduce stress and depression by controlling the cortisol level hike after a busy schedule day.
4) Relationship catalyst: Sex increases togetherness, love, satisfaction, respect, and affection by triggering the release of neurotransmitters. Use contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
5) Better mood and mental well-being: Orgasm improves mental health for both men and women. Research shows that people who frequently engage in sexual activity have lower chances of developing schizophrenia, psychosis and other neurotic disorders later in life.
6) Boosts immunity and Increases life expectancy: Add sex in your longevity prescription along with quitting smoking, eating well and regular activity. Sexual intercourse increases immunoglobin A (IgA) levels in salivary glands and the vagina. This could boost immunity and help ward off minor illnesses.
7) Relieves pain: Quality time spent with your partner between the sheets pumps the secretion of natural analgesic endorphin which can ease some kinds of pain such as that arthritis pain or menstrual cramps.
8) Maintains pelvic function: Sexual activity also positively impacts the pelvic floor’s structure and function. Orgasm strengthens the pelvic muscle and also maintains vaginal function by increasing the blood flow to the nether regions.
9) Induces sleep: Sex and sleep are closely interlinked. Orgasm increases calm and encourages one to sleep longer and improves sleep outcomes including quality and duration of sleep.
10) Lowers the risk of cancer: Frequent sexual activity (3000 times in a lifetime) reportedly reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men. It is also suggested that women who have frequent sexual intercourse are three times less likely to develop breast cancer than their counterparts.
Precaution is the key: Safe sex using contraceptives protect from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Any kind of unprotected sex can increase the risk of syphilis, HIV or in some cases infertility also. Use latex condoms and water-based lubricants to keep yourself protected. Reduce the number of sexual partners and contact a sexual health expert in case of any concerns.
This article is written by Ankur Majumdar and medically reviewed by Dr Malancha Mukherjee on 13/2/2023
