Procreation is one of the basic needs of a human being and is mainly aimed at increasing the progeny. While reproduction is the basic form to multiply a species, sex is an erotic act with the same purpose. Unlike most animals, humans have taken sex to a whole new level. From lingerie to sex toys to pornography to what not!
Sex has more than just pleasure to offer. It can make you look younger and positively affect your life. More importantly, sex can increase lifespan! Now that’s a good reason to have sex. Many health benefits associated with an active sex life that increases longevity are mentioned below.
1. Protects The Heart
Sex improves blood circulation throughout the body, especially to the heart. Frequent sexual activity is directly related to healthier blood vessels and heart function. Researchers have found that having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half among men, compared with those who had sex less than once a month. A healthy heart also has a positive effect in preventing erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that an active sex life is closely correlated with a longer lifespan. One specific study found that sex may lower the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other heart diseases.1
2. Reduces Stress
Oxytocin, a hormone that is released during orgasm, helps calm the nerves. Studies performed on lab rats have shown that oxytocin reverses the effects of cortisol, a stress hormone. Stress is a major cause of heart diseases and can cut short our lives abruptly. Oxytocin has also shown to induce sleep, which is why we achieve a sound sleep after a satisfying sex session. A good night’s sleep not only lowers stress but also increases your lifespan.
3. Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk
Sex, whether performed with your partner or if done solo, seems to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer later in life. Australian researchers published a study in 2003 that found that an increased rate of ejaculation in men between the ages of 20 and 50 had a direct effect on reduced chances of developing prostate cancer.
The study reported that men in their 20s should ejaculate at least once a day. Another similar study by the National Cancer Institute showed that men who ejaculated at least five times a week, whether through sex or masturbation, were less likely to develop prostate cancer.2
4. Improves Immunity
An active sex life translates to better physical health, and healthier people usually are happier too. Studies have shown that having sex once or twice a week is linked with higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, or IgA, which protects you from getting colds, flu, and other infections. One particular study shows that people who have sex at least twice a week had much higher levels of IgA than those who had sex less than once a week. IgA is the first line of defense against many infectious diseases.3
5. Reduces Risk Of Osteoporosis
Bone strength deteriorates as people grow older. This causes the bones to become weak and may even lead to frequent fractures. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects many elderly people and can reduce your lifespan. Sexual activity boosts testosterone and estrogen levels in the body, both of which are crucial in strengthening the bones and muscles. Testosterone is present in both men and women and the physical activity involved in a steamy sex session helps in maintaining healthy and strong bones.
6. Helps In Weight Loss
Heightened sexual activity increases the blood flow throughout the body and gets your heart pumping. Sex is a form of rigorous exercise and is more fun than burning calories at the gym. Although you may not burn as many calories, it sure helps in weight loss. According to a study, a man in his mid-30s might burn around 21 kilocalories during sexual intercourse.4
7. Alleviates Pain
Another intriguing benefit of sex is that it can help overcome pain. Pain and pleasure are felt in certain parts of the brain and sex is a great way to get your mind off the pain. Sexual activity causes the hormone oxytocin to be released in your body, which helps reduce pain. In an experiment conducted on volunteers who inhaled oxytocin vapor and then had their fingers pricked with a needle experienced only half as much pain as others who did not inhale any oxytocin.5
8. Elevates Mood
Sex not only has a beneficial effect on the body but also on the human mind. A good sex session makes you unconditionally happy, which feels more like bliss. This feeling of enhanced happiness lasts long after the sexual activity. A healthy sex life leads to long-term satisfaction with your mental health and enhances your ability to communicate honestly and intimately.
People with an active sex life are less likely to suffer from alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by the inability to express or understand emotions. A healthy sex life also helps maintain a healthy hormone profile, which promotes regular menstrual cycles and decreases negative menopause symptoms.
9. Increases Longevity
The ultimate benefit of an active sexual life is undoubtedly an increased lifespan. Research shows that a healthy sex life can add anywhere between three to seven years to your life. It also keeps your skin looking healthy and makes you look and feel younger. Instead of wasting money on artificial products that claim to make you look younger, jump into bed and take the natural route to slow down the effects of aging.
Active sex life keeps you mentally and physically satisfied and numerous studies show that happy couples live longer. When you experience an orgasm, the levels of the hormone DHEA increases in response to sexual excitement and ejaculation. DHEA boosts your immune system, repairs tissue, and even acts as an antidepressant.
References
