The 13 benefits of having sex, according to science

Having sex is one of the most enjoyable activities that human beings can carry out. And it is that having sex brings you multiple benefits for your health, for example, it helps you reduce stress.

When you come home from a stressful day at work and have a passionate night out with your partner, the tensions that appeared throughout the day seem to disappear.

Benefits of having sex

But there are many more reasons why we should have sex. Below you can find 13 benefits of having sex. Do not miss them!

1. Improve your immune system

Having sex has myriad health benefits, and one of them is that it improves the immune system. High levels of the hormone DHEA, known as an anti-aging chemical produced by the body itself, seems to be the key to being and staying healthy. During sex, the body produces large amounts of DHEA, so the level of this chemical in the blood increases up to 5 times its normal amount.

2. Improve your mood

In addition to the hormone DHEA, during sexual behavior the body releases a series of neurochemicals in the brain that produce pleasant sensations and improve well-being. Since having sex

activates what is known as the reinforcement brain area or region, sex increases levels of serotonin or endorphins among other neurotransmitters and, consequently, makes us feel more active and animated.

Likewise, American researcher Debby Herbenick discovered that adults who made love to each other first thing in the morning were more optimistic during the rest of the day than those who did not have sex morning.

3. Rejuvenates

Having a good dose of sex on a regular basis rejuvenates you and makes you feel and look younger. This is what a study by Dr David Weeks, a clinical psychologist at Royal Edinburgh Hospital, showed.

Their results were presented at a psychology conference and showed that people who have an active sex life they look 5 to 7 years younger. However, the researcher of this study, which lasted ten years by the way, stated that what is important is not the quantity of sex but the quality.

4. Improves fertility

Having sex improves fertility, as studies in this line of research show that the more quantity of sex, the better the quality of the sperm. According to the data of this study, sperm quality is better when the last encounter was less than 2 days ago sexual. Therefore, long periods of time without physical contact and without ejaculation, cause the quality of the semen to deteriorate.

5. Fight the cold and flu

Having sex can be the best medicine to fight the flu and cold, since having sex once or twice a week increases, up to 30%, the levels of an antibody called Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which acts as a protector against colds and flu.

6. Extend your life

Not only is frequent sexual practice enjoyable, it helps you live longer. This is what a group of Australian researchers think, who found that those people who had sex at least three times a week, suffered up to 50% less chance of dying from any disease.

7. Improve your physical condition

Sex is one of the best sports. 30 minutes of sex action burn up to 100 calories. Not only this, but the different postures that you can carry out help you to work different muscles of the body.

8. Reduce pain

Having sex reduces pain thanks to the release of endorphins, called natural opioids because they are produced by the body itself. Research shows that muscle and neck pain improve with sex, and women also feel less menstrual pain when they have sex.

9. Improves cardiovascular health

As if it were a sport, practicing sex is health and improves people's cardiovascular capacity. A group of scientists who published their study in the journal Epidemiology and Community Health claim to have sex once or twice a week halves the risk of a heart attack, compared to those who only have sex once a month.

Another study, conducted in Israel, found that those who have sex twice a week are up to 30% less likely to have a heart attack.

10. Increase self-esteem

Having sex makes you feel much better about yourself and it is essential for us to feel that others value and appreciate us. According to the University of Texas (United States), people who have more sex have better self-esteem.

• Related article: "10 keys to increase your self-esteem in 30 days”

11. Improve your skin

According to research carried out by the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, sex has a positive effect on the skin renewal process, just like aerobic work. Researchers found that vigorous sex causes the body to pump higher levels of oxygen around the body, increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin. In turn, it favors the development of new cells in the skin region, causing it to look healthier.

12. Reduce stress

One of the physical and psychological benefits of sexual practice is that it reduces stress. This beneficial effect of having sex is what a magazine publication talks about Psychology.

The article explains that research results show that people who had had sexual intercourse in the last 24 hours suffered less stress than those individuals who had not had sex. The key seems to be what to touch and stroke during and after sex. reduces the body's cortisol levels, the hormone that the body secretes in stressful situations.

• Related article: "10 Essential Tips to Reduce Stress”

13. Helps you sleep better

Sex helps you sleep better because it can make us feel more tired after sexual activity, and it also stimulates the production of melatonin. The functions of this neurochemical are varied, but one of the best known is that it contributes to inducing deep sleep.

• You can learn more about melatonin in our article: "Melatonin: the hormone that controls sleep and seasonal rhythms”