A quickie on sexual health: the benefits of a healthy sex life

Published April 19, 2024

The benefits of a healthy sex life? They extend far beyond the bedroom. A healthy sex life can help you relieve stress, reduce pain, improve sleep, boost your immune system, and even burn some calories.¹ A healthy sex life can be super satisfying, but it also relies on a strong foundation: your sexual health.²

What is sexual health?

When you think of sexual health, does your mind automatically jump to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? For sure, preventing, testing, and treating STIs and STDs are essential for maintaining good sexual health.³ But there’s a lot more to it.²

Sexual health starts with a positive and respectful approach to your sexuality and sexual relationships. This means open communication and having safe and enjoyable experiences where everyone feels comfortable and respected.²

So, how can I maintain or improve my sexual health?

Maintaining or improving your sexual health relies on a few key things²: 

• Having access to inclusive, reliable information about sex and sexuality
• Understanding any risks and how to prevent them
• Having access to sexual health resources and care
• Feeling supported by a community that promotes and embraces sexual health

Here's why it matters: With the right support and resources, you can confidently and safely explore your sexuality in a healthy way. This can lead to improved sexual health that keeps getting better over time.² ⁴

What does a healthy sex life look like?

Since we all have different needs and desires, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are some core principles that are essential to a healthy sex life—no matter what.⁵ It’s about making sure everyone’s on the same page with clear communication, mutual consent, respect, and pleasure.² And with this foundation in place, you can let the great times roll!

A healthy sex life is built on safe and enjoyable experiences, free from anyone making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.² Keeping these core principles in mind, the adventure of pleasure and connection is yours to define. So, what does a healthy sex life look like to you?

• Intimacy with a partner (or partners)
• Trying new things
• Emotional connection
• A combination or something in between

A healthy sex life isn’t just about getting busy. It's about feeling physically and emotionally satisfied. There’s no need to get caught up on how often or how you have sex. A healthy sex life can also include emotional connection, quality time, foreplay, cuddling, massages, or other forms of physical touch that build intimacy.⁵ Remember, it’s yours to define.

What are the benefits of a healthy sex life?

A healthy sex life offers a wealth of benefits for your body, mind, and relationships, and also helps:

Relieve stress

Our bodies make a stress hormone called cortisol. And when we're under pressure, these levels rise. But research suggests intimacy with a partner can lower these levels back to normal. This is thanks to other chemicals that are released during sex, like oxytocin and endorphins.¹ These "feel-good" chemicals promote relaxation and well-being, leaving you feeling blissful and calm.⁶ ⁷

Reduce pain

During sex, your body releases a flood of endorphins. These chemicals are the body’s natural pain relievers that lead to that warm and fuzzy feeling. Research also shows that this endorphin rush can even help alleviate headaches and migraines for some people.¹

Improve sleep

Sex triggers the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. This chemical combo can reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep. But that's not all—after orgasm, prolactin levels also rise, making you feel extra relaxed and sleepy.⁸

Boost your immune system

It turns out that having sex once or twice a week can increase a type of antibody in your saliva called IgA. This antibody helps fight off and prevent illness, including the human papillomavirus (HPV). Plus, having an orgasm can help you fall asleep. And when you're well-rested, your body is better equipped to fight off illness.¹

Burn some calories

Sex can be a fun way to sneak some exercise into your day. It’ll get your heart pumping, and depending on the position, can also engage different muscle groups. Sex can burn up to 150 calories an hour, similar to moderate exercise.¹ Now, that's a “workout” with benefits. While sex won’t replace your main fitness routine, it can certainly offer some added perks.

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