Stronger Immune System:
There’s some evidence that sexual activity and orgasms may help your body mount a stronger immune response. This may help you fight off infection and inflammation more easily.
For example, a 2021 study found that people who had sex more than three times per month were less likely to contract a serious case of COVID-19 than participants who had sex less often. This may be because sex has been linked to increased concentrations of leukocytes (white blood cells) and immunoglobulin (antibodies), both of which help the body stave off disease.
Lower Blood Pressure:
While the act of sex can temporarily increase your heart rate and b, it may lead to a lower risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the long run. Researchers believe this may happen because sex boosts endorphins–mood-boosting hormones that relieve pain and stress. One study found that women in long-term, sexually satisfying relationships had a significantly lower risk of uncontrolled hypertension, which suggests that the quality of sex plays a role.
Reduced Anxiety:
Having sex on a regular basis may also work to prevent the onset of anxiety disorders and manage existing anxiety symptoms. Research indicates that sexual frequency, orgasms, sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction are all linked to a lower risk of mood and anxiety disorders as well as self-reported levels of anxiety.
This is likely due to a combination of physical factors–such as the natural boost in testosterone that goes along with sexual intercourse–and emotional factors, such as higher relationship quality and the stress-relieving impact of a supportive partner.
Stronger Pelvic Muscles:
Repeatedly contracting and relaxing your pelvic muscles during sex works to strengthen your pelvic floor. Stronger pelvic muscles are linked to a number of health benefits for women, such as improved bladder control and the prevention of pelvic floor prolapse. In turn, strengthening your pelvic floor can improve your sexual satisfaction and functioning, as it’s associated with more orgasms, greater arousal, and less pain during intercourse.
Prevention of Vaginal Atrophy:
Vaginal atrophy, also known as vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), is a condition that affects many women after they go through menopause. Due to thinning of the vaginal walls, it causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, burning, itching, pain during sex. Sexual arousal and intercourse increase vaginal lubrication and blood flow to the vagina, both of which can help to relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
Reduced Chronic Pain:
The endorphins released during sex act as natural analgesics, meaning they provide pain relief. Endorphins are released both during orgasms and when you’re sexually aroused. Sexual activity may help to relieve some symptoms of chronic pain-related conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia.
