10 Health Benefits of Sex
by Gloria Liven
Not only is it fun, it can actually be good for you (if practiced safely in a loving relationship!) Also keep in mind that there are several reasons to not have sex, too. Be smart about your decision.

Sex Boost your Immune System

According to Wilkes University, couples in a relationship who have sex once or twice a week have higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps prevent infection and colds, compared to those who had sex less or more often.

Sex Is a Stress-Reliever & Heart-Protector

Researchers in Scotland tracked men and women under stressful situations; Those that had sex more often had a milder reaction to stress. Another study found that cohabiting couples have lower blood pressure; and in another, hugs were shown to lower blood pressure in women.
People who have more sex are happier and handle stress better, and also get better sleep at night.

Sex boosts both testosterone and estrogen, which not only boost your sex drive, but help to prevent heart disease.
And a study in England found that having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of a fatal heart attack for men by half!

Sex can cure a headache (or other pain)

If a woman has a headache, sex might just be the cure. During sex, endorphins and other chemicals are released, acting as a pain-reliever.

Sex makes you beautiful and young

A study by the Royal Endiburgh Hospital in Scotland found that women who looked 7-12 years younger than their age were the ones having the most sex. Researchers think frequent sex helps keep skin and hair looking younger because it raises a woman's estrogen level.

People who have at least two orgasms a week live longer, too. A hormone called DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is released during sex, and it has healthy benefits like boosting your immune system and even working as an antidepressant.

Sex Burns Calories

Not as much as jogging, but it's a lot more fun. You can burn about 150 calories per half hour. The average lovemaking session lasts 25 minutes, and is done three times a week, burning about 450 calories in the process. Sex also increases your heart rate and blood flow, helping your body remove toxins and pump fresh blood and oxygen to your organs.

Sex Regulates Periods

A study by researchers at Columbia and Stanford have shown that women who have sex weekly have more regular periods than women who have sex occasionally or not at all. One researcher, Cutler, says it's the intimacy that has this effect: "Regular exposure to a loving partner has extraordinary effects on health and well-being."

Sex Reduces risk of Prostate Cancer

Having frequent ejaculations, especially for young men in their twenties, may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Several studies have linked frequent ejaculations with lowered rates of prostate cancer.

Sex strengthens pelvic muscles
Sex, and doing Kegels exercises (contracting your pelvic floor muscles, like you're trying to not pee) strengthens those muscles and can help prevent incontinence later in life. Many people also enjoy more pleasure during sex when doing this.

Sex boosts self-esteem
Having sex with a loving partner can make you feel great about yourself, even if you already have high self-esteem. But beware of loser guys that may have low self-esteem and want to have sex just to boost it.

Sex is bonding
Oxytocin, the love or bonding hormone, is released during touch, and especially during sex and orgasm. It raises feelings of generosity and bonding. It makes you feel connected to your partner and is important for a strong long-term relationship. The intimacy and pleasure of the act also makes couples feel strongly connected.

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