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Today I want to talk about The Benefits of Sex. I’m sure there are a lot more benefits than ones I’m going to talk about here, so these are just a few.  

Physical Benefits of Sex

1. Helps your immune system

That’s right! People who have sex 1-2 times a week have higher levels of certain antibodies compared to those who don’t. So if you have sex at least 1-2 times a week, you’ll probably be sick a lot less. Now, this doesn’t mean you don’t need to do other things to keep your immune system happy. You still need to eat right, be active, and get enough sleep. But a better immune system is an excellent benefit of sex.  

2. It boosts your libido

Having sex more will make the sex better and improve your libido. Having sex often ups vaginal lubrication, blood flow, elasticity in the vagina, all of which makes sex feel better and helps you crave it more.

3. Improve’s women’s bladder control

A strong pelvic floor is important for avoiding incontinence. Good sex is a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. Orgasms also contract those muscles, which strengthens them.  

4. Counts as exercise

Sex is a great form of exercise. It doesn’t replace the cardio needed for the heart, but it does count! Sex increases your heart rate and uses various muscles. According to a statement from the American Heart Association, sexual activity is equivalent to moderate physical activities such as briskly walking or climbing two flights of stairs. Sex uses about five calories per minute while watching TV only burns one calorie per minute. Like exercise, consistency helps maximize the benefits.

5. Lessens Pain

“Before you reach for an aspirin, try for an orgasm.”

Orgasm can block pain. It releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold. Vaginal stimulation can help with back and leg pain, menstrual cramps, arthritic pain, and in some cases, even a headache.”

Haha! No more excuses of “not tonight, dear, I’ve got a headache!” Quite the opposite! I’ve got a headache…let’s have sex to get rid of it!

6. Improves Sleep

After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. 

7. Brain Effects

In the past, studies in rats found that more frequent intercourse was correlated both with better cognitive function and the growth of new brain cells. Researchers are now learning that the same may be true in humans. A 2018 study looking at over 6,000 adults found that having sex more often was associated with better memory performance in adults ages 50 and older.

Emotional Benefits of Sex

1. Eases Stress

Our bodies secrete cortisol and adrenaline as part of the stress response. These are the fight-or-flight hormones and can lead to fatigue, high blood pressure, and much more. Sex can reduce the level of these hormones with effects that can last well into the next day.

Being close to your partner can also soothe stress and anxiety. Touching and hugging can release your body’s natural “feel-good hormones.” Sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness too.

2. Improved mood

There are several chemicals in our bodies released during sex that can affect how we feel. During sex, our brains release endorphins – or “feel good” hormones that can reduce irritability and feelings of depression.

#1: Dopamine

This happy hormone is a neurotransmitter that drives your brain’s reward system. It also drives pleasure-seeking behavior. We get lots of hits of dopamine with sex.

#2: Serotonin

This is mood-boosting neurotransmitter. The most effective and natural way to boost serotonin is by exercising daily, which is one reason why sex is so great for your mood!  

#3: Oxytocin

Both a neurotransmitter and a happy hormone, oxytocin is often called “the love hormone” or the “hug drug.” Researchers from Claremont University in California have done extensive research on its impact on women, linking oxytocin release to life satisfaction levels. Spending time with your spouse cuddling stimulates oxytocin. Nipple stimulation and other sexual activity also release oxytocin. It can create a sense of calmness and contentedness.

3. Builds intimacy

Having sex can build emotional closeness and intimacy. Having regular sex increases your level of commitment and helps you stay connected emotionally. Couples are more likely to stay together when they can express their love in this way. And the divorce rate is significantly higher for couples who don’t have sex regularly.  

When we have sex with our spouse, we are exposing the most vulnerable parts of ourselves But, this comes from the mind first. Being in the right frame of mine to want and have sex. If you are having sex out of obligation or resentment, you are probably not going to being building intimacy.  

4. Increases Happiness

According to a 2015 study, more sex and better quality sex increases happiness. Although, this study also suggested unwanted sex lowers happiness. So again, you need to be in the right frame of mind for the benefit.  

I have personally found that the more sex we have, the happier we are as a couple. We feel closer and connected. It improves every aspect of our lives and our relationship.

5. Improved self-image

Sex can boost self-esteem and lower feelings of security, leading to a more positive attitude.

So those are the physical and emotional benefits. I think a lot of those create relational benefits as well. And I believe in the spiritual benefits of sex too.

An intimate relationship (physical, emotionally, spiritually) is what our Heavenly Father wants for us. He created us with an extraordinary capacity to connect, bond, and fuse with our eternal companions. But making the choice to have sex often to increase your own personal health and enjoyment makes for a good relationship and good sex.

So what are you waiting for? Say Yes To the Sex!

Articles Referenced:

https://www.verywellmind.com/why-to-have-sex-more-often-2300937

https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sex-and-health