You’re less likely to get a cold… and 11 other reasons having sex is good for your health
Getting active between the sheets isn't just fun, it also improves bladder control and fights the signs of ageing
IT'S been said over and over, having sex keeps the spark alive in a relationship - we've heard it all before.
But did you know that love-making also has hidden health benefits?
Yes, that's right, the more you get down and dirty in the sheets the healthier you are for it.
Here's 12 ways sex is good for your health...
It boosts your immune system
People who have regular sex have higher levels of the good bacteria that defends your body against germs, viruses and other intruders - meaning your'e less likely to catch illnesses like a cold.
Researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of a certain antibody compared to students who had less sex.
It boosts your libido
Forget the saying 'less is more', in this case more is more.
The more you have sex the better it feels and the more you crave it.
For women, having sex ups vaginal lubrication, blood flow and elasticity, which makes things even saucier in the bedroom.
It improves women's bladder control
Having sex is like a work out for your pelvic floor muscles.
These muscles are important for avoiding incontinence, something that affects around 30 per cent of women at some point in their life.
When women have an orgasm it causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.
It lowers blood pressure
There is research that suggests a link between sex and lower blood pressure.
CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness, Joseph J. Pinzone MD said: "There have been many studies. One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure.”
It counts as exercise
Sex burns about 5 calories per minute and bumps your heart rate AND using various muscles.
So get busy! Maybe even clear your schedule to make time for it - as with exercise, consistency maximises the benefits.
Lowers the risk of heart attack
A good sex life is good for your heart.
Besides being a good way to raise your heart rate, sex also helps keep oestrogen and testosterone levels in balance.
During one study, men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.
It relieves pain
Before you reach for a paracetamol, try for an orgasm.
An orgasm releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold - therefore blocking the pain out.
Stimulation without an orgasm can also do the trick.
Research shows vaginal stimulation can block chronic back pain, leg pain, arthritic pain and, even in some cases, headaches.
It could reduce the risk of prostate cancer
Men who ejaculate at least 21 times a month are less likely to get prostate cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Don't worry, boys, you don't need a sexual partner to reap this benefit: sexual intercourse, wet dreams and masturbation were all part of the study.
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It improves sleep
You may find it easier to fall asleep after sex and it's not just because you've worn yourself out.
After an orgasm the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.
It eases stress
Being close to your partner can soothe stress and anxiety.
Touching and hugging releases feel-good hormones and sexual arousal releases a chemical that revs up your brain - pleasures own reward system.
Sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness too.
Sex boosts fertility
If you are trying for a baby, keep your partner's sperm fresh by having sex at least twice a week.
Frequent sex has been found to help balance a woman's hormones while regulating periods, this can further boost chances of conceiving while you and your partner enjoy getting more active between the sheet.
It can fights the signs of ageing
Forget the morning dab of face serums and concealers - sex every other day can dramatically reduce ageing by up to seven years.
As well as an increase in blood circulation and oxygenated blood, an orgasm means a brighter complexion and a rush of endorphins and growth hormones that help heal damage to the skin caused by the sun, smoking and cortisol build up.