Good sex makes us feel good, great sex makes us feel fantastic. That’s no surprise, but there are flow on health benefits to great sex too! It might seem obvious that enjoying regular, gorgeous sex with someone who cares about you or even with a range of exciting strangers will make you feel better about life an enhance your sense of wellness.
But there are loads of studies showing why, at a chemical level, having lots of good (safe!) sex leads directly to good health. And we know that organic sex lube makes sex better (according to 9 in 10 women).
Sex as pain relief
Forget using a headache as a reason to avoid sex! Orgasms release oxytocin, a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold. The University of Munster in Germany published research reporting that 60% of people with a migrane reported an less pain after sex, and 37% of people suffering a cluster headache reported an improvement. The researchers put this down to the the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, being released by sex. Other research showed that women experienced less pain sensitivity and had a higher tolerance threshold when experiencing self-pleasure.
Sleep like a baby
During good sex and orgasm our bodies produce feel good chemicals oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins as well as the hormones serotonin and prolactin which help feelings of satisfaction and relaxation. All of these are helpful for sleep!
The ultimate stress relief
It will be no surprise to read evidence that physical or emotional intimacy in couples is associated with reduced stress levels, and most people agree that the release of oxytocin during sex has a calming effect on the body. But this study found that people who had penetrative sex experienced lower stress-related blood pressure when speaking in public – and stress triggered the highest blood pressure levels in people who didn’t have sex.
Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Michigan State University research suggests that older women can avoid high blood pressure by having good sex. Hell, even hugging can help a healthy blood pressure.
A stronger immune system
Having sex once or twice a week increases our antibody levels by 30 per cent, according to scientists from Wilkes University, Pennsylvania. Antibodies are proteins used by the immune system to protect against colds and flu. This is thought to be due to sexually active people being more exposed to bacteria and viruses, resulting in greater antibody release.
Let’s do some cardio baby
Sex can be great cardiovascular exercise – and cardio helps burn calories, lower blood pressure, strengthen muscles and heart health, increase libido (win win!) and reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, and hypertension. This New England Research Institutes study suggested that on men in their 50s who have sex at least twice a week have 45% less risk of heart disease. Researchers from the universities of Bristol and Belfast found in a 10 year study that the risk of death was reduced in men who orgasm frequently over those who do not regularly ejaculate.
Orgasms are good for women
A good orgasm increases blood flow and releases natural pain-relief, strengthens your pelvic floor, creates more lubrication and can help prevent endometriosis and cramps. After menopause, regular sex helps prevent sexual pain from thinning walls or atrophy – it can be a case of use it or lose it!
Fight prostate cancer
Research from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD suggests that men who ejaculated 21 times in a month month or more were 30% less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who ejaculated less often. This may be due to the ‘flushing out’ of substances, and less calcification.
A healthier brain & better memory
Sex may stimulate the development of neurons in the part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Neurons send messages to other cells in the nervous system. Your brain can work better too, with a study showing that sexy 50 to 90 year olds had better memory than those without a sex life – and no surprises, they were less likely to feel depressed and lonely.This research by Scientists at McGill University on women correlated frequent penetrative sex with better memory recognition of abstract words.
The Journals of Gerontology published research showing that people who indulged in frequent, regular sexual activity scored higher on a swath of mental tests. Their verbal fluency was better. Their ability to visually perceive objects was improved. And they could judge the space between objects better.
Beauty booster
Lots of sex, with a partner or not, can make you look younger, boosting estrogen for glowing skin. Frequent sex has even been correlated with looking 7-12 years younger. How’s that for a youth serum!
Live longer (and enjoy it more!)
A study published in The BMJ concluded that risk of death was 50 percent lower in men who frequently had orgasms. And we’re willing to bet that they were happier too.
Going it alone? Get yourself some self-loving!
Masturbation delivers a lot of the same health benefits as sex! Go for it. Bonk organic lube has got your back!
Better job satisfaction
Another study by the Oregon State University found employees who were having more sex (at home) reported higher morale, greater job satisfaction and a greater sense of “engagement”. It argued that the sexual “afterglow” produced by sex-hormones dopamine and oxytocin lingered for up to 24 hours in both men and women, influencing their perceptions and performance.
A happier marriage
Researchers at Florida State University have found post-sex intimacy lingers for two days, a feeling which is linked with higher marital satisfaction. Regular sex was also found to prolong the “honeymoon period” in marriage. There’s a special intimacy that comes with sex with someone you know well, that just can’t be replaced!
Stronger confidence & more happiness
Sex can help reduce stress, anxiety and increase happiness. People are likely to feel happier, and be more trusting. They are more likely to be intimate and express themselves emotionally and be less defensive. All of this helps boost healthy relationships, which also make us happier – it’s a circle of wellness.