Sex is a natural, healthy, and important part of being human. Those in steady, sexually active relationships, whether they are straight or gay, often wonder about the benefits of a regular sexual lifestyle are.
We all know that sex is good for the body, mind, and spirit, but why? A healthy sex life provides many benefits and can make you happier, healthier, and more confident. Let's look at why!
Having Sex Daily: The Perks
There are many reasons that having sex every day is beneficial to your health, fitness, and relationships.
Sex is Good for Your Heart
A healthy sex life lowers your blood pressure, helps you sleep, and improves your cardiovascular health. Sex is a natural form of exercise and can burn up to 150 calories per session.
When you have sex, your heart rate increases, with a corresponding increase in blood flow to the skin, muscles, and other organs. This increase during sex is similar to what happens during exercise but doesn't produce the same degree of muscle tone, so it's good for your cardiovascular system without the muscle-building effects.
Sex is a form of cardio and helps the heart pump blood more efficiently throughout the body, lowering your blood pressure.
If you have sex often, it can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. Sex is also a great stress reliever.
Sex is Good for Your Hormones
Sex and orgasms increase the secretion of oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone." Oxytocin is a hormone that is released after orgasm and increases feelings of bonding and affection.
The increase in oxytocin levels also triggers the secretion of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and also the hormones that are released when we experience an "orgasmic state" – that wonderful floaty feeling that makes you feel like everything is right with the world.
The hormones produced during sex also help you sleep better and have a more restful night's sleep.
Sex is a Great Mood Booster
Sex is a natural antidepressant. The hormones produced during sex, especially orgasm, release dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, the brain chemicals associated with pleasurable feelings and emotions.
Dopamine is the feel-good hormone that gives you a sense of euphoria and well-being. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of happiness, well-being, and serenity. Norepinephrine is a hormone associated with alertness, energy, and improving mood.
Sex also decreases the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, so it helps you feel more relaxed and less worried.
Sex is Good for Your Brain
Sex increases blood flow to the brain, which can help improve memory, concentration, and focus.
The hormones produced during sex also trigger the release of endorphins, the body's own painkillers, which can help relieve stress and improve mood. The more you have sex, the more endorphins you produce, which can help fight anxiety, depression, and stress.
Sex May Even Benefit Your Skin
Having sex increases blood flow to the skin, which can improve your complexion over time. The increased blood flow to the skin can also help fight acne.
Your skin is a natural barrier against germs and bacteria, and sex helps keep your skin youthful and your immune system strong.
Sex is Great for Your Relationships
Having sex with the same person often helps a couple bond, and can help strengthen a relationship. The release of endorphins during sex can also help you feel connected and closer to your partner.
Sex also relieves tension, and the hormones produced during sex can make you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
Are There Any Downsides?
Although sex is good for you, there are a few drawbacks to a regular sex life: irritability and restlessness in some people, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections in others.
Sexually Transmitted Infections - Sexually transmitted infections pose one of the few major risks for those who partake in a regular sex life. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis are just a few of the many sexually transmitted infections that can be contracted through sexual contact.
This, of course, is only a downside if you're practicing sex with multiple partners. If you're in a monogamous relationship, the only downsides are that you might get irritable or restless, and if your partner has contracted an STD.
Restlessness and Physical Exhaustion - Sex can sometimes leave you feeling restless or physically exhausted, especially if you're having sex daily. Many sexual positions are physically demanding, and you might feel the need to take it easy for the rest of the day or night.
Irritability - Some people experience irritability or moodiness after sex, especially if they are having sex daily and feeling exhausted. If you're feeling irritable or moody, you may want to take a break and try again later.
Sore Genitals - While this is a benefit for most people, for some it's a downside. After a particularly vigorous round of sex, you might wake up the next morning with sore genitals. This can be remedied by taking a break from sex, or by focusing on different sexual positions so that you don't overwork the same body parts.
Bearing these few drawbacks in mind, it's clear that the benefits of a sex life far outweigh any potential downsides. If you're in a relationship, you might as well reap the many rewards that come with having a healthy sex life.
Can Frequent Sex Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is not a disease in itself. It is a symptom that can be caused by several factors. It can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or a neurological disorder. It may also be the result of psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety, or the side effects of certain medications.
But could having sex daily or even multiple times daily cause erectile dysfunction? Not really. It would take a lot of physical exertion to cause erectile dysfunction. A sex marathon could cause fatigue, muscle cramps, and aching, but not erectile dysfunction.
However, frequent orgasms may leave your body feeling satisfied, and your sex drive might change and become less frequent. This is a normal bodily function and not a sign of anything serious. You might also experience temporary erectile dysfunction after sex. This is known as post-coital refractory period (PCRP).
It is said that such a period is required to allow the body to recover from sexual excitement and return to a normal state. If you have had sex for a long time, and you want to have another round, you might want to wait for a while. This does not mean that you are suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Tips for Those Who Have Sex Daily
Daily sex can be exhausting, but it's also very rewarding. Here are some tips to help you keep the passion alive:
- Don't fall into a perfect routine.
- Always use lube, as friction is not good for your skin.
- Masturbate with your partner -- it's a great way to get closer.
- Switch positions and locations -- it works wonders for keeping things fresh.
- Try new things; don't be afraid to experiment.
- Don't be afraid to talk dirty -- it can get you in the mood.
- Fantasize -- it's a great way to get turned on.
- Focus on the positives -- don't let the negatives get you down.
- Recharge your batteries -- it's important to take time for yourself.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.