Why Sex is Good...for Your Health

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 4 years ago · 8 min read

Most people know that in addition to feeling good sex can relieve stress, increase your self-confidence, and achieve that special glow that no moisturizer (no matter how much it costs!) can achieve. It’s not as though you need any more reasons to have sex, but it just so happens that there are some substantial health benefits that come from regularly participating in the horizontal tango. Women's sexual health, in particular, has been linked to a variety of both physical and physiological advantages. So, on the off chance you usually have trouble mustering up the energy on a weeknight, you may find yourself surprisingly inspired after reading this.

Lower Your Blood Pressure

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that approximately 75 million adults in the U.S. experience high blood pressure. That’s essentially one-third of all Americans. Having high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are several medications available to help people lower their blood pressure, and if you’ve been prescribed one of these by your doctor you should take it. However, if you want an extra boost of blood pressure-lowering activity, then by all means – slip between the sheets.

Increased Libido

Chances are that on more than one occasion you’ve either heard or said: “I’m not in the mood”. Now it might seem counter-intuitive, but having sex could be just the thing to help boost your libido. Sex increases blood flow and improves the elasticity of the tissue surrounding the vagina. Sometimes women aren’t in the mood because of dryness, but having sex increases your body’s ability to produce natural lubricants. If for some reason you need some help getting in the mood there are numerous products out there. Nu Image Medical makes scream cream that is a sexual enhancing medication for women. Note: Lubricant also makes things a lot more fun. So the next time your partner says they’re not in the mood you can reply by saying, “I know just the thing to change that.”

Boost Your Immune System

Having regular sex can increase the overall effectiveness of your body’s immune system. Studies have shown that people who have sex 1 to 2 times per week had increased levels of an antibody called immunoglobin A in their body than those who weren’t having regular sex. This antibody can help your body fight off bacteria and viruses which can cause illness. By all means, keep taking your Vitamin C, but you might want to consider this additional “precaution.”

Develop Better Bladder Control

Maybe you don’t have to worry about this yet, but at some point in their lives, about 30% of all women will experience some form of urinary incontinence. Having an orgasm activates the same muscles that are used when you do Kegel exercises. When you orgasm from sexual intercourse your pelvic floor muscles contract, which tones and strengthens uterine muscles. This means you will have a better chance of tightening your pelvic floor when you feel the need to urinate and can prevent embarrassing accidents.

Improved Sleep

More Americans are having trouble sleeping than ever before in history. Recent studies show that approximately 164 million adults have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep most nights. Yes, sex can tire you out so you might be able to fall asleep more easily, but it can also stimulate a natural sleep aid. Having an orgasm stimulates the release of prolactin, which is a natural hormone that your body produces. This hormone creates a feeling of relaxation and induces a state of sleepiness.

Exercise

Now if your partner tells you they were too busy to hit the gym so you need to help them out with a home workout you might want to have a conversation. While it's not the same as a traditional workout, sex is exercise. You get sweaty during sex for good reason, you're burning calories. You may have noticed that your heart rate increases substantially when you’re engaged in sexual activity. You’re also working out different muscle groups that don’t normally get much exercise so you’re toning muscles too. Sex shouldn’t be your only form of routine, as it’s certainly not as effective as hitting an elliptical for a half an hour, but it sure is a fun way to burn a few extra calories.

Again, you certainly don't need any more reasons for having sex. As long as it's consensual and both of you enjoy it, by all means - do it! However, if you find yourself in a slump you might want to consider all of the health benefits of engaging in sexual activity and hopefully, you'll feel a little more inspired to get it on.

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, peptides, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.