5 Ways Sex Benefits Your Health!

Do you need one more reason to love S-E-X? Yeah. Me neither. But with our hectic social lives, demanding jobs and sometimes challenging families, sex often falls by the wayside. After all, loving sex and wanting sex enough to actually do something about it don’t always go hand in hand.

So if you’re looking for a few good reasons to make sex a priority, check out these surprising health benefits associated with sexual activity:

Sex may be anti-aging. Increased levels of oxytocin do more than turn your partner into an unresponsive snore-demon after a hot and heavy love-making session. This hormone also helps to calm the nerves, reduce stress and promote restful sleep -- each of these benefits is associated with higher energy levels, improved memory, elevated mood and longevity. May we live long, love longer and prosper! That’s how the saying goes, right?

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Sex can relieve pain. The hormonal changes in the body that accompany arousal and orgasm result in endorphin release that can help soothe headaches, cramps and other body aches. Take note if you’ve ever used or heard the “I have a headache” excuse -- it may no longer fly.

Chemical changes associated with sex are associated with glowing skin and healthy hair. Researches believe that these beauty benefits are triggered by increased levels of DHEA. One study by neuropsychologist Dr. David Weeks found that those who reported having sex an average of four times per week looked approximately 10 years younger than their actual age. Here’s to making 40 the new 30 through some sexy bedroom (or backseat) antics!

Sex may be good for your heart. Not only can you burn a few calories (an average of 200 in a 30-minute session), but sex improves circulation by bringing a fresh supply of blood to your body’s vital organs. It’s even associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer and heart attack in men - now if it could only find a way to make kale and broccoli sexy, we’d have the perfect combo.

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Sex can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. If you don’t use it, you lose it! Sure, you can do Kegels to stay in shape, but they’re not nearly as fun as a sexy romp in the hay. So if you want to keep your juices flowing and improve continence and sexual functioning, play with yourself or with a partner to stay in tip-top sex shape.

Alone or with a partner, sex should always feel good and be free from pressure. Until next time, have fun, experiment and always practice safer sex.