When this pandemic finally ends, Americans may notice two things — more divorces and more babies. Divorce, because for some, being confined 24/7 with their spouse could prove to be fatal to the relationship. A baby boom, on the other hand, could likely be the result of couples finding intimate ways to manage their stress and boredom. Sure, in unparalleled times like this, sex can certainly be a welcome distraction. But did you know that sex also offers additional perks beyond the bedroom? Here’s why now is a great time to have more sex with the one you love.
Keep calm…and have sex
Worries about health, financial loss, social distancing, and isolation loom over countless households. So, it’s no surprise that anxiety, stress, and depression are impacting the wellbeing of many people during this pandemic. And of course, when you’re feeling down and out of sorts, intimacy and sex may be the furthest thing from your mind. But what if I told you that the act of intimacy between two consenting partners was linked to feelings of safety, trust, and calm?
According to research, just the act of touch alone activates the orbitofrontal cortex in the brain, which is connected to feelings of reward and compassion and signals safety and trust. It also calms cardiovascular stress and triggers the release of oxytocin or “the love hormone.” So, if you’re feeling a little stressed these days, as many people are, go ahead and have more sex.
Sex boosts the immune system
Don’t let the sniffles deprive you and your partner of a night in the sack. Instead, studies suggest that intimate contact may actually provide two important immunological boosting benefits — relaxation and social support.
a study from the University in Pennsylvania asked 111 college students how frequently they had sex — once, twice or three times per week. The male and female students surveyed, provided saliva samples, which contain immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA is the earliest line of defense your body has for fighting cold viruses. The more IgA you produce in your saliva, the less chance you have of catching a cold.
Psychologists found that the students who had sex once-or-twice-a-week had the highest levels of IgA. In fact, they had 30 percent more IgA, enjoying the most protection from colds. Additionally, it seems that the more sexually satisfied you are, the higher your IgA levels are.
Revives your libido
Yep, you heard that right. A night of sex just might be the answer to a waning libido. Too much wine, drugs, or even certain medications could certainly hamper your sex drive — and these are things you should discuss with your doctor. But you may also want to put a little, or a lot of time aside to have sex, which in turn, may help boost your sexual desire.
There are various reasons why your sex drive might be off course. But according to the Mayo clinic setting aside time for intimacy — as contrived as that may seem — could get your sex life back on track again. Spending more time on foreplay, trying a few different positions, or even adding sex toys to your repertoire can reawaken your libido. Why not use this time in isolation to add a little spice back into your sex life?
Sex counts as exercise
For many, staying up late, watching too much television and snacking all day seems to be par for the course these days. That means more calories in than out. And with trails, parks, and gyms closed until further notice, you’ll have to find more creative ways to stay in shape. How about sex? Sex is actually a great form of exercise. It may not replace the treadmill, but it will raise your heart rate. In addition, the more inventive you and your partner are, the more muscle groups you’ll use, and the more calories you’ll burn in the process.
For those living apart or alone from a significant other
For those people who don’t have a significant other living in your home, sadly, it’s best to remain celibate according to NYC Health. And of course, experts recommend that people stay at least six feet apart from each other unless they live within the same household. For many Americans, six feet apart clearly suggests an indefinite break on physical intimacy with a stranger or even someone you date regularly.
Even if your partner lives within the same household but has been exposed to or is sick with coronavirus, intimate contact should be a definite no-no. Your chance of being infected by a partner (who’s likely too fatigued to have sex anyway) is just too high. The CDC says you should even sleep in separate bedrooms.
Look, sex may not be the answer to all your problems, but it’s certainly a great way to build a stronger bond between you and your partner. In turn, more sex will leave you feeling more relaxed, less stressed, and maybe a little healthier during these unprecedented times. Go for it!
-Katherine Marko