Sex, no longer just an amazing pleasure boost or the means to create a child, with research supporting its plethora of healing powers, we know that having sex actually has many amazing health and wellness benefits. From boosting your immune system to lowering your blood pressure, sex can keep you healthy while kindling the red-hot flame in your bedroom.
Some researchers have actually promoted sexual medication, that is, a prescription for sex. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine (2010) discusses the amazing health benefits of sex and its alternative treatment benefits. The study examined peer-reviewed material to conclude whether or not sex is an effective healing activity.
The researchers found that sex is not only a natural remedy for your mind, but also for your body. The study concluded, “The health benefits associated with specifically penile–vaginal intercourse should inform a new evidence-based approach to sexual medicine, sex education, and a broad range of medical and psychological consultations.”
Sex as medicine sounds a little too good, or easy, to be 100 percent valid. However, you may find that bringing home a prescription for sex will rekindle you and your significant other’s sex drives, adding more passion to your life while reaping the amazing health benefits of sexual activity. Let’s take a look between the sheets at the healing powers of sex.
Sex may decrease your prostate cancer risk.
Studies have shown that men who ejaculate more often decrease their risk for developing prostate cancer. The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2004) found that ejaculating approximately 21 times per month significantly decreases the risk for prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society predicted 220,800 new cases of prostate cancer in 2015 and 27,000 deaths. Sex is an exceptional alternative in prostate cancer prevention.
Having more sex equals less stress.
This may be a no-brainer for some but we still struggle with stress as a huge part of daily life. Stress can significantly disrupt your physical and mental wellness. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress may cause you to experience sleep problems, headaches, lack of libido, muscle pain, lack of focus, anxiety, irritability, depression and may also lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices. More sex may curb your stress allowing you to feel less blue and more focused. The hormones that flood your body during intimate moments can be the alternative you need for life-changing healing.
Sexual activity will give your immune system a boost.
Research published in the American Journal of Physiology (2001) found sex hormones to be a catalyst for increased immune function in Siberian hamsters. Male and female hamsters were both found to have enhanced immune function after sexual activity. The study concluded “…these data suggest that sex steroid hormones enhance immunity in both male and female Siberian hamsters.”
Researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania also compiled similar findings. They found that college students who had more sex had a higher level of an immune antibody. Eating nutrient-rich food is another immune booster, so combining sex with food could be an immune powerhouse that is fun and delicious.
Women who have more sex may also have better bladder control.
Research has found that over 30 percent of women experience bladder control problems. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states, “Urine leakage may be a small bother or a large problem. About half of adult women say they have had urine leakage at one time or another. Many women say it’s a daily problem.” More sexual activity may be a natural answer to a common problem many women experience in their life. Sex can be a pelvic muscle workout, strengthening your pelvic muscles during orgasm contractions.
Sex may lower your blood pressure.
There are various alternative ways you can lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk for hypertension. The exercise you experience while having sex is one worth taking advantage of. A study published in PLoS One (2013) found sex to have similar energy expenditure to moderate exercise. The study concluded, “These results suggest that sexual activity may potentially be considered, at times, as a significant exercise.”
The research data in the study coincides with the American Heart Association’s recommendations for lowering your blood pressure. They recommend, “If you need to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol, aim for 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity 3 to 4 times per week.” Ramp up your sex to 30 minutes a day, five days a week and you may see some healthy changes in your blood pressure.
Increased sexual activity may prevent events associated with heart disease.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. It accounts for one in every four deaths in America, killing over 600,000 people every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, sex may be an effective way to lower your risk for serious coronary heart events.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (2002) involved nearly 1,000 men aged 45 to 59. The aim was to investigate sexual intercourse as it relates to stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). The study found that sexual intercourse did not increase risk for stroke in men and showed beneficial properties for preventing serious medical problems associated with CHD. The study concluded, “Middle aged men should be heartened to know that frequent sexual intercourse is not likely to result in a substantial increase in risk of strokes, and that some protection from fatal coronary events may be an added bonus.”
Sex can be used as a natural aspirin.
Having sex floods your brain with oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” Women release vast amounts of this hormone when giving birth, encouraging emotional bonding and increasing pain tolerance. If you have a headache, sore knees or even a toothache, then skip the medicine cabinet and head for the bedroom. The oxytocin released during sex can increase your tolerance to pain by up to 75 percent, according to famed sexologist and author Beverly Whipple, also a professor emerita at Rutgers University. Sexual activity may be a perfect alternative to aspirin if you need a little pain relief. You will also get the other health benefits sex offers as a bonus!
Sexual activity is most certainly not for special occasions anymore. Sex can significantly increase your overall health and wellness. Current research provides many amazing ways sex can be beneficial for your mental and physical well-being. Of course, increasing bedroom time can also create a stronger bond between you and your significant other. The purist act of intimacy may help you to be kinder, more sensitive and caring to your partner’s needs. More sex may make you a better person overall.
With all the amazing benefits of sex, from increased heart health to a boosted immune system, are you in favor of more sex?
—The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01677.x/abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15069045
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/overviewguide/prostate-cancer-overview-key-statistics
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987?pg=1
http://ajpregu.physiology.org/content/280/1/R207.short
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/urologic-disease/urinary-incontinence-women/Pages/ez.aspx#UrineLeakage
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0079342
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Physical-Activity-and-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301882_Article.jsp
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
http://jech.bmj.com/content/56/2/99.full
http://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/pab/beverly_whipple
