Having sexual intercourse or “sex” is an activity that helps strengthen the relationship between couples, allowing them to spend time together and reach the peak of sexual pleasure.
But did you know that scientifically, sex has more benefits for the body than you might think? It offers many health benefits, including stress reduction, improving quality of life, and potentially lowering the risk of various diseases such as prostate cancer and heart disease.
For those who still view sex as something bad or obscene, that is an outdated belief. If you are a person of the 5G era, it’s time to change that mindset since research reports from many institutions indicate that sex is only beneficial. As for those who might call you obsessed with this topic, let them be, because the benefits of sex are numerous as follows.
1. Sexual intercourse helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Research shows that men who reach orgasm more than 21 times per month have a 20 percent lower risk of prostate cancer compared to men who reach orgasm only 4-7 times per month. However, further research is needed to confirm whether frequent orgasms truly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
2. Sexual intercourse helps maintain heart health. Sex has positive effects on the heart, similar to other forms of exercise. Studies have found that men who have sex at least twice a week have a lower risk of heart disease and vascular diseases such as stroke and ischemic heart disease compared to those who have sex only once a month or less.
One study reports that sex can be considered a good form of exercise because during about 25 minutes of sexual activity, men can burn approximately 4 calories per minute.
Women burn about 3 calories per minute, and for those worried that sex might affect the heart, the American Heart Association states that people without heart problems and those who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity—such as brisk walking, aerobic exercise, cycling, and moderate swimming—can safely have sex as usual.
3. Sexual intercourse helps improve sleep quality. It is known that when reaching orgasm, the body releases endorphins and oxytocin (the love and bonding hormone), which may help calm the mind and improve sleep. Adequate rest strengthens the immune system, promotes longevity, and provides energy for daily activities.
4. Sexual intercourse helps reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Our bodies release endorphins and various hormones that make us feel good during sex, which also helps calm the mind.
One study found that sexual activity helps prevent high blood pressure during stress, and most research in this area indicates that intercourse reduces stress levels effectively, especially with penetration. However, non-penetrative sex and masturbation can also have similar benefits.
5. Sexual intercourse helps increase lifespan. According to research published in the British Medical Journal, men who have sex at least twice a week live longer than those who have sex less frequently. This is likely true because scientifically, sex causes the brain to release oxytocin, dopamine, endorphins,
and other hormones that relax the brain and mind, acting as stress therapy and reducing the risk of various serious diseases, which aligns with reasons for a longer life.
6. Sexual intercourse helps improve beauty and skin condition. This benefit might seem unbelievable, but research shows that sex improves beauty and skin health for both women and men because during sex, both genders release large amounts of sex hormones (men = testosterone, women = estrogen) and it also stimulates blood circulation.
It is clear that having sex every day is good for the body because it helps the body burn calories like exercise and brings happiness as the brain releases several hormones during sex.
It also helps strengthen your relationship with your partner. However, sexual activity should consider many factors for both you and your partner, such as mood and fatigue, sexual health, and appropriate time and place for sex. In summary, having sex frequently is fine, but not excessively to the point of obsession or neglecting other responsibilities, and always consider the health of yourself and your partner.
