Why do people have sex? Benefits of sexual intercourse revealed

THERE many reasons why people have sex, although the majority of us do it “for fun”.

Sometimes men and women's reasons for wanting sex differ, with blokes focusing on attraction, while women admit to being spurred on by emotion and love interests.

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1) Why do people have sex?

There are many reasons why people have sex, but a few themes have developed over the years.

Physical gratification

First and foremost, people often have sex simply because it feels good. This can be for pleasure or simply tension relief - or physical desirability when you find your partner attractive.

Emotional reasons

Many romantic people express their love and commitment to one another through physical intimacy. Sex can be a way to establish a secure, deep bond.

Insecurity

Some people may have sex as a way of boosting your self-esteem and confidence.

Duty

Sadly it can also because of duty or feeling pressure from obligation.

To achieve goals

Others may have sex because of what it helps them to gain, be it status or power.

Revenge

And some people have sex as a means of revenge.

Procreation

For less self-centred reasons, people can have intercourse with the end goal of having a baby.

Utilitarian

Some people see sex as a way to gain an advantage in a relationship.

Mate guarding

found that people have sex to "ward off poachers" or competition.

2) What are the differences between why men and woman have sex?

Researchers quizzed more than 4,500 people and found three reasons for sex among the top four for both men and women.

They were because it’s fun, because it feels good and for a desire to experience physical pleasure.

But other motivations varied significantly, the scientists from Ghent University Hospital in Belgium found.

The long list of reasons included boosting self-esteem, boredom, revenge, duty and to burn calories.

Study leader Dr Elia Wyverkens said: “Men tend to endorse reasons centring on visual sexual cues.

"In contrast, women are looking for expressions of love and commitment.”

What are the health benefits of having sexual intercourse?

Based on a study from the 2020, 57.7% couples admit to having sex weekly or more.

Lets face it, if you didn't feel the benefits of having a healthy sex-life then people wouldn't be doing it so much.

According to obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Sherry Ross, sex is a natural painkiller and can even combat insomnia.

Other health benefits include, burning calories, boosting the immune system and even fighting the signs of ageing.

Dr Ross outlines the nine ways that sex has been scientifically proven to boosts people's health and wellbeing.

• Prevents incontinence

According to Dr Ross, Kegel exercises during sex can strengthen your pelvic floor and improve bladder control, particularly for women suffering from urinary incontinence, which is common after childbirth.

• Is a natural pain killer

Tracking your menstrual cycle and scheduling in an orgasm before your first period could prevent menstrual cramping.

• Combats insomnia

After an orgasm, endorphins and the hormone prolactin are released, which relax the body and mind and are proven to promote sleep.

• Boosts fertility

Women who have sex when they're not ovulating create an environment in their wombs that make it more hospitable for growing embryos.

This is due to orgasms activating the immune system, which then prepares women for even the possibility of pregnancy.

• Improves mental health

Skin-to-skin contact has been scientifically proven to release oxytocin.

This 'cuddle hormone' can reduce anxiety while promoting feelings of closeness.

• Prevents wrinkles

UK-based neuropsychologist Dr David Weeks questioned more than 3,500 people about their sex lives over 10 years.

Results revealed those who have regular sex look up to seven years younger than people who do not get intimate two-to-three times a week.

Dr Weeks puts this down to the release of endorphins which boost circulation as well as the production of human growth hormones, which promote skin elasticity.

• Boosts immune system

Women with healthy sex lives produce higher levels of antibodies, which fight off infections.

Sex also helps lower your blood pressure and lowers your risk of heart attacks.

• Burns calories

On average, women burn 69.1 calories when they have sex for just under 25 minutes.

What's more, if you are on top, in a squat position or having an orgasm, you'll burn significantly more.

• Makes you smarter

The natural release of oxytocin, and 'the happy hormone' dopamine has been scientifically linked to improved cognitive function.