THE TELEGRAPH – For the benefit of those who need any more motivation, here are some of the more surprising health benefits.
Sex can boost your immune system
A 2004 study found a correlation between regular sex (defined here as once or twice a week) and enhanced immunity.
“This group of patients had an increase in IgA, which is an antibody that can help fight infections,” explains Dr David.
And sex can also help us sleep more soundly, she says, since a hormone called prolactin is produced after orgasm, inducing feelings of relaxation. “The more sleep we get,” says Dr David, “the better our immune systems work.”
“Fifteen minutes of vigorous foreplay and/or penetrative sex will deliver an improvement of blood glucose levels for 16 hours afterwards.”
Sex can supercharge your memory
Sex could help us stay sharp as we get older. A 2019 study combed through data relating to 1,963 men and 2,513 women and concluded :
“Older men will be heartened to know that sexual activity may aid in the prevention of age-related decline in cognition.” The finding did not hold true for women, though.
However, several other studies have also found a correlation between increased memory performance and increased sexual activity in the over-50s.
Sex can nix migraines and arthritis pain
Acrobatics might be out of the question, but painful joints could certainly benefit from a horizontal workout.
“Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, so sex can help reduce pain or feelings of pain,” says Dr David. “Good news for the elderly with arthritis.”
A 2013 study found that 60 per cent of patients who had sex during an attack reported improvements to their migraines.
More sex = less chance of a heart attack
“An increase in happy hormones and a decrease in stress hormones, coupled with increasing cardiovascular fitness, can reduce inflammation in the body, which is responsible for disease,” says Dr David.
Inflammation is associated with high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and much else besides.
Sex possibly protects against prostate cancer
Dr David says”
“A study conducted in the US followed 32,000 men for 18 years. It found that those who ejaculated more than 21 times a month had a 20 per cent lower chance of prostate cancer than those who ejaculated four to seven times a month. The study also found that increased ejaculations were associated directly with decreasing prostate-cancer risk.”
