According to some research, sex may improve various aspects of people’s well-being and physical health. Several studies on the subject, however, are now out of date, and not all potential benefits apply to everyone.

Scientific research has identified a number of potential benefits of sexual intercourse other than procreation. Some of these benefits include preserving heart health, lowering blood pressure, and increasing immunity.

Sex has been shown to improve moods, relationships, and mental health.

Here, we talk about the possible health benefits of sex, and we focus on the physical rather than the emotional aspects.

 

Aiding with heart health

Partnered sex appears to provide some cardiovascular health benefits, particularly in women.

In 2016, researchers looked into the possible health benefits of having sex with a regular partner.

According to one study, sexually active women have a lower risk of cardiac problems later in life.

High amounts of sexual activity, on the other hand, may raise the risk of cardiovascular events in men, according to the study. This is against most of the previous research, and more research is needed to make sure this risk is real.

Males and females with cardiac conditions should consult a physician to determine how much sex is safe for them. They should also be explicit about how often and how intensely they have sex, as this can affect the heart’s potential strain.

 

Blood pressure reduction:

In the same 2016 study, blood pressure was also examined as one of the measures of heart health. Researchers found that older women who said they had a good time having sex had lower blood pressure.

The authors of the study, on the other hand, did not find the same outcomes in older men.

People with high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), can have less libido and less ability to get and keep an erection because of this.

High blood pressure medications can also lower libido.

 

Erectile dysfunction is caused by a trusted source.

While this does not prove an advantage, it does suggest that blood pressure and sexual health are linked.

When it comes to sexual intercourse, many people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, are concerned about their safety.

While it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor, having intercourse with someone who has high blood pressure is usually safe.

If a person’s hypertension medication is causing sexual problems, they should speak with their doctor, who may be able to prescribe an alternative prescription or dosage to alleviate the problem.

 

Immune system enhancement

Early studies indicated that regular intercourse improved the immune system’s efficacy.

Researchers discovered that those who had frequent sex, defined as one to two times per week, had higher levels of immunoglobin A (IgA) in their bodies than those who did not. IgA is an antibody that is found in mucosal tissue, like salivary glands, noses, and vaginal tissue. IgA is also found in the blood.

It’s crucial to note, however, that this study was published in 2004, and researchers have not followed up on it since. A new study could produce different outcomes.

A recent study looked at the immunological activity of a small group of women to determine if there were any variations between those who were sexually active and those who were not.

 

The study looked at how well their immune systems could destroy different pathogenic microorganisms at different stages of the menstrual cycle.

The authors say more research is needed before they can draw any conclusions about how the groups are different from each other.

 

Lowering the risk of prostate cancer

A 2004 study found that having a high frequency of ejaculation may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but the study didn’t say how.

The study looked at the frequency with which nearly 30,000 men ejaculated at various periods in their lives (trusted source).

According to the findings, men who ejaculated more than 21 times per month had a decreased risk of prostate cancer than men who only ejaculated 4–7 times per month, according to the findings.

In 2016, the researchers extended the study for another ten years so that they could keep looking into the participants’ risk of getting prostate cancer.

This follow-up verified the earlier findings. A lot more men who ejaculated often than men who ejaculated less often had less risk of getting prostate cancer.

 

Stress reduction

Sex can be used as a natural stress reliever. In a 2019 study, the impact of intimacy with a spouse on cortisol levels was investigated. Cortisol is a stress-related steroid hormone that circulates throughout the body.

Researchers discovered that expressions of intimacy, whether sexual or not, helped to bring cortisol levels back into the normal range in both males and females.

Sex causes the production of oxytocin, endorphins, and other “feel-good” hormones, which could explain the stress-relieving impact.

The same hormones that cause sleepiness are also responsible for reducing tension and anxiety. Sex causes oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins to be released throughout the body.

Another hormone known as prolactin begins to circulate after an orgasm. Prolactin is a hormone that promotes emotions of contentment and relaxation.

 

Precautions

While sex can be an enjoyable and potentially healthy activity, it’s important to remember that sex without protection might put your health at risk.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies are risks for those who have sex without utilizing contraception. These risks can be reduced by using a condom or another form of contraception.

If a person has several partners, lowering the number of people with whom they have sexual contact can reduce the risk.

If sex gets painful or results in blood, a person should seek medical help.