10 reasons why sex is good for you
Having sex is a blast – now that is stating the obvious. What’s less obvious is the fact that a roll in the hay is actually good for your health. Don’t believe us? Then take it from Dr. Foong Tsin Uin.
As a GP from the International Medical Clinic (IMC) who has trained with the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare in the UK, Dr. Foong has the best interests (and sexual health) of her patients at heart. So whether you’re a young ‘un with a voracious sexual appetite or a patient in your twilight years, let her set you straight about the ah-mazing health benefits of sex.
1. Better than Prozac
You may already know this: more sex equals more reasons to smile. Why? Because orgasms release a rush of endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin (aka the ‘love hormone’), which reduce the risk of depression.
2. Cirque Du So-laid
Trying out different positions in the Kama Sutra may seem like a chore but trust us, your body will eventually thank you for it. All that bending, twisting, and back flipping will give you the balance and flexibility that’d rival any circus contortionist. (Psst…we have a free Kama Sutra book for our readers!)
3. No more “accidents”
According to Dr. Foong, urinary incontinence affects about 30% of women at some point in their lifetime. But the good news is that sex is great for strengthening pelvic floor muscles, which in turn, will help minimise the risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction for men.
Need more help in strengthening those muscles (the fun way)? Honeycombers’ recommends Smart Kegel Balls – which not only improves your pelvic muscle strength but adds intensity during the deed – think 50 Shades of Grey! We have a 30% special trial offer for our readers, so there’s no excuse!
4. A roll in the hay keeps the doctor away
Hard to believe, but it’s true. “Sex is one way of keeping your immune system ticking over nicely,” says Dr. Foong. A study conducted by scientists at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that the students who had sex once or twice a week had 30% more of the antigen immunoglobulin A (an antibody which protects your body against colds and flu) than students who had sex less often (or not at all).
5. Pain relief
Tough luck, ladies: your “Not tonight, babe. I’ve got a headache” get-out-of-sex card isn’t gonna cut it anymore. Orgasms actually numb the pain of headaches and migraines, thanks to the rush of endorphins that closely resemble morphine.
6. Burn, baby, burn
Get off the treadmill and hop into bed, stat! Sex burns about five calories per minute …that means an hour of nooky equals 300 (!) calories burnt. And the best part: according to Dr. Foong, sex counts as part of your exercise regime if you are consistent with it.
7. Stress-buster
Feeling the pressure from your slave-driving boss? All you need is love. Sex triggers your body to release natural feel-good chemicals that ease stress. “Even a simple touch or hug can release these hormones. So even without sex, intimacy can also help relieve stress,” says Dr. Foong.
8. Get busy to get gorgeous
Expensive face creams and painful Botox jabs might all be for nought. It’s been reported (by The Telegraph, no less) that regular sex can make both men and women look five to seven years younger. How? It’s all thanks to the release of the human growth hormones like estrogen and testosterone during intercourse, which makes skin look more elastic and hair look more shiny.
9. Catch better zzzs
You know that infuriating habit men have of immediately dozing off after sex? Turns out, there’s some actual science to that. “The prolactin hormone is released after orgasms, which is responsible for feelings of relaxation and sleepiness,” says Dr. Foong. So forget about spooning and go to sleep already.
10. Faux glow no more
By pumping oxygen around the body and boosting blood circulation, sex gives you that healthy, flushed glow that no amount of NARS Orgasm blush can recreate.
So go ahead and have some sex – it’s good for you and it’s doctor’s orders! Don’t have a partner? Fret not; you can reap all the benefits of sex even when solo. Take it from our friends at Little Hussy.
And don’t worry if you feel like you’re not having enough sex: “There’s no magic number of times you should be doing it,” says Dr. Foong, “It’s quality as much as quantity that counts!”
Thanks Dr. Foong!