6 Health Benefits of Sex

Sex not only feels great, it’s also benefits your overall health and well being, and supports women’s intimate wellness. People who have frequent sex are happier and more connected with their partner — and, as it turns out, they are healthier in mind and body. If you need more reasons to ramp it up in the bedroom, here’s what we know.

Sex is good for your heart 

Regular sex increases your heart rate and also helps to regulate your sex hormones. Studies show that those who have sex two or more times per week reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 45%. More frequent sex can also increase blood flow to your genitals, which improves sexual satisfaction, increases arousal, and also increases the intensity of orgasms. 

Sex burns calories

Though it’s not the same as a rigorous gym session, sex can be considered a form of exercise. A small study shows that on average men burn four calories a minute, while women burn three calories a minute during a sexual encounter. We don’t know about you, but that seems a lot more fun than sweating through an aerobics class. 

Sex reduces stress levels

That afterglow you experience from sex is causes by an increase in endorphin levels, and other feel-good hormones. Many people experience a euphoric sense after sex, which helps to reduce stress and calm the nerves. One study found that regular sexual activity also helps reduce blood pressure, even during events that may normally cause stress. Regular sexual activity also increases natural levels of serotonin, a hormone know to balance your mood and fight depression. 

Sex improves sleep quality 

When you orgasm, you release significant amounts of prolactin, a hormone that makes you feel relaxed and induces sleep. This is good news for women who experience insomnia during menopause. On the flip side, when you get better sleep you are more likely to want more sex. Seems like a winning situation on all accounts. 

Sex improves libido

The more you have sex, the more you’ll want it. Frequent sexual activity improves your libido and increases vaginal lubrication. Regular vaginal intercourse also increases blood flow to your gentials, and helps improve elasticity so sex feels better — and you have stronger orgasms. 

Sex supports healthy immune function

Engaging in regular sexual activity can improve immune function, enhancing your chance of fighting of germs, viruses, and other pesky intruders. One study found that those who had sex at least once a week showed higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that fights off bacteria and viruses. 

Sex improves brain health 

Studies show that women who remain sexually active as they age had better cognitive functioning, including memory and recall. Frequent sex may support the brain by reducing your risk of cognitive decline related to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Jumpstart your sex life 

Having sex at least once per week does wonders for your physical, emotional, and intimate health. If you wonder whether you can have the same enjoyable sex life you had when you first fell in love, the answer is certainly. But you may need to reframe your ideas around sex and intimacy. 

Keep open lines of communication with your partner about your desires and needs. Women who are menopausal may need additional support with intimacy, including extra foreplay, lubrication products, and less vaginal penetration. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy sex and bonding that benefit you just the same. Joylux’s vFit device offers red light therapy benefits that can help to improve sexual function & lubrication, making sex more comfortable after menopause. Learn more about the vFit device here, or check out our women’s intimate wellness blog.