Scientific studies have identified a number of potential advantages of sexual activity beyond reproduction. Does sex provide health benefits is to discuss today. These benefits include lowering blood pressure, increasing immunity, and maintaining heart health in certain individuals.
Additionally, having sex can enhance relationships, mental health, and mood.
Not everyone can benefit from all possible benefits, though, and some research on the issue are now out of date.
In this piece, we examine the potential health advantages of sexual activity and discuss pertinent studies, emphasizing the physical rather than the emotional parts of it.
Helping Heart Health
Partner sex appears to have some protective effects on cardiovascular health, especially for women. An investigation into the possible health advantages of regular sex with a partner was conducted in 2016.
According to this study, women who engage in sexual activity are less likely to experience cardiac problems in later life.
Does Sex Provide Health Benefits?
But the study also found that males who engage in high levels of sexual activity may be more susceptible to cardiovascular problems. Additional research is required to confirm this risk, as this result runs counter to the majority of previous evidence.
A doctor should be consulted by both men and women with heart issues to determine how much sex is safe for them. Additionally, as this may influence the possible cardiac strain, they should be explicit about the frequency and intensity of their intercourse.
Reducing Blood Pressure
The study discovered that elderly women with high blood pressure were less likely to indicate pleasure with their sexual life.
The authors of the study did not discover the same outcomes in older men, though.
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that a man’s libido and capacity to get and sustain an erection can both be impacted by high blood pressure.
High blood pressure medication can also lower libido and result in erectile dysfunction.
This suggests a connection between blood pressure and sexual health even though it does not prove a benefit.
Many individuals who suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure, worry about their safety during sexual activity.
It is normally safe for persons with high blood pressure to have sex, though it is always advisable to consult a physician.
A person should speak with their doctor if taking a hypertension medication is making them feel uncomfortable during sexual activities. The doctor might be able to recommend an alternative drug or dosage to minimize the side effects.
Boosting The Immune System
Early studies revealed that having sex on a frequent basis improved the immune system’s efficiency.
Researchers discovered that individuals who engaged in sexual activity one to two times a week had higher levels of immunoglobin A (IgA) in their bodies than those who did not. The mucosal tissue of the nose, salivary glands, and vagina is home to the antibody IgA.
It is crucial to note that this study was published in 2004 and has not since been reproduced by other researchers. Different findings could come from a new study.
A more recent study examined a small sample of women to determine whether immunological activity differed between those who engage in sexual activity and those who do not.
The study looked at how well their immune system handled many pathogenic diseases at different stages of the menstrual cycle.
Although the data imply that there may be some differences between the groups, the authors state that additional research is required before any conclusions can be made.
Reducing Prostate Cancer Risk
A 2004 study indicated that ejaculating frequently could lower the risk of prostate cancer.
The study examined the frequency of ejaculation in over 30,000 male participants at various stages of their lives.
They came to the conclusion that males who ejaculated more than 21 times a month were less likely to get prostate cancer than those who ejaculated only 4-6 times a month.
In order to continue examining the participants’ risk of developing prostate cancer, the researchers decided to prolong this study for an extra ten years in 2016.
This investigation supported the preliminary results. Prostate cancer risk was lower in men who ejaculated more frequently than in those who did not.
Relieving Stress
Stress can naturally be reduced through sex. A 2019 study examined the relationship between cortisol levels and closeness with a partner. The body releases the steroid hormone cortisol in reaction to stress.
The researchers discovered that displays of intimacy, whether or not they were sexual, assisted in restoring both male and female cortisol levels to normal ranges.
This stress-relieving effect may be attributed to the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and other “feel-good” chemicals during sexual activity.
Improving Sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation, having sex can improve sleep quality due to hormones.
The chemicals that promote sleepiness are also in charge of lowering tension and anxiety. Dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin are released throughout the body during sexual activity.
Another hormone called prolactin begins to circulate in the body following an orgasmic episode. Relaxation and a sense of fulfillment are brought on by prolactin.
Precautions
Even while having sex can be enjoyable and even healthy, it’s important to keep in mind that having sex unprotected might be dangerous for your general health. Does sex provide health benefits is to answer by yes.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies are risks for people who engage in sexual activity without utilizing contraception. The chance of these consequences can be decreased by using a condom or another form of contraception.
Reducing the number of people with whom a person has sexual contact can help lower the risk if they have several partners.
See a medical expert if having sex gets uncomfortable or results in bleeding.