The Health Benefits of Sex
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Roel PlmrsThe Health Benefits of Sex
healthline.com/health/healthy-sex-health-benefits
Pamela Rogers, MS, PhD
Health benefits
In men and women
Mental health
Masturbation
Celibacy
Takeaway
Sex can have physical and emotional benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease
and improved mental health.
Sex and sexuality are a part of life. Aside from reproduction, sex can be about intimacy
and pleasure. Sexual activity, penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI), or masturbation, can offer
many surprising benefits to all facets of your life:
physical
intellectual
emotional
psychological
social
Sexual health is more than avoiding diseases and unplanned pregnancies. It’s also about
recognizing that sex can be an important part of your life, according to the American
Sexual Health Association.
How can sex benefit your body?
This study suggests that sex can be good cardiovascular exerciseTrusted Source in
younger men and women. Though sex isn’t enough exercise on its own, it can be
considered light exercise.
Some of the benefits you can get from sex include:
lowering blood pressure
burning calories
increasing heart health
strengthening muscles
reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension
increasing libido
People with active sex lives tend to exercise more frequently and have better dietary
habits than those who are less sexually active. Physical fitness may also improve sexual
performance overall.
Stronger immune system
In a study of immunity in people in romantic relationships, people who had frequent sex
(one to two times a week) had more immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their saliva. People who
had infrequent sex (less than once a week) had significantly less IgA.
IgA is the antibody that plays a role in preventing illnesses and is the first line of defense
against human papillomavirus, or HPV.
But those who had sex more than three times a week had the same amount of IgA as
those who had infrequent sex. The study suggests that anxiety and stress can possibly
cancel out the positive effects of sex.
Better sleep
Your body releases oxytocin, also called the “love” or “intimacy” hormone, and endorphins
during an orgasm. The combination of these hormones can act as sedation.
Better sleep can contribute to:
a stronger immune system
a longer lifespan
feeling more well-rested
having more energy during the day
Headache relief
Another study shows that sexual activity can provide full or partial relief from migraines
and cluster headaches.
Of people who were sexually active during their attacks:
60 percent reported an improvement during a migraine
70 percent reported moderate to complete relief during a migraine
37 percent reported improvement of symptoms in cluster headaches
91 percent reported moderate to complete relief in cluster headaches
How sex benefits all genders
In men
A recent review found that men who had more frequent penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI)
had less riskTrusted Source of developing prostate cancer.
One study found that men who averaged having 4.6 to 7 ejaculations a week were 36
percent less likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis before the age of 70. This is in
comparison to men who reported ejaculating 2.3 or fewer times a week on average.
For men, sex may even affect your mortality. One study that had a 10 year follow-up
reported that men who had frequent orgasms (defined as two or more a week) had a 50
percent lower mortality risk than those who had sex less often.
Although results are conflicting, the quality and health of your sperm may increase with
increased sexual activity, as some research suggests.
In women
Having an orgasm increases blood flow and releases natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Sexual activity in women can:
improve bladder control
reduce incontinence
relieve menstrual and premenstrual cramps
improve fertility
build stronger pelvic muscles
help produce more vaginal lubrication
potentially protect you against endometriosis, or the growing of tissue outside your
uterus
The act of sex can help strengthen your pelvic floor. A strengthened pelvic floor can also
offer benefits like less pain during sex and reduced chance of a vaginal prolapse. One
studyTrusted Source shows that PVI can result in reflexive vaginal contractions caused
by penile thrusting.
Women who continue to be sexually active after menopause are less likely to have
significant vaginal atrophy, or the thinning of vaginal walls. Vaginal atrophy can cause
pain during sex and urinary symptoms.
How can sex benefit your mental health?
Sexual activity, with a partner or through masturbation, can provide important
psychological and emotional benefits. Like exercise, sex can help reduce stress and
anxiety and increase happiness.
StudiesTrusted Source suggest that sexual activity (defined as PVI) may correlate with:
increased satisfaction with your mental health
increased levels of trust, intimacy, and love in your relationships
improved ability to perceive, identify, and express emotions
lessened use of your immature psychological defense mechanism, or the mental
processes to reduce distress from emotional conflict
At an older age, sexual activity may affect your well-being and ability to think. Research
found that sexually active adults between 50 to 90 years old had better memory. They
were also less likely to feel depressed and lonely.
Confidence booster
Frequent sexual activity, whether with a partner or alone, can make you look younger.
This is partially due to the release of estrogen during sex.
One study found a correlation between frequent sexual activity and looking significantly
younger (between seven to 12 years younger). The majority of these individuals were
also comfortable expressing their sexuality and sexual identity.
Social benefits
Sex can help you connect to your partner, thanks to oxytocin. Oxytocin can play a role in
developing relationships. You may find that consistent, mutual sexual pleasure helps with
bonding within a relationship.
Coupled partners often have increased relationship satisfaction when they fulfill one
another’s sexual desires. You may find positive growth in your relationship when you’re
able to express yourself and your sexual desires.
What are the benefits of masturbation?
Masturbation can offer many of the same benefits as sex, but also has its own
advantages, including:
enhanced sex between partners
understanding your own body
increased ability for orgasms
boosted self-esteem and body image
increased sexual satisfaction
treatment for sexual dysfunction
Masturbation is considered entirely safe and with fewer health risks attached. When
practiced alone, there is no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
According to Planned Parenthood, it increases mental well-being not mental illness or
instability like some myths suggest.
Celibacy and abstinence
Sex isn’t the only indicator of health or happiness. You can still lead an active and happy
life without sex. The benefits of sex come from the feeling of pleasure, which studies
show can also come from listening to music, interacting with pets, and having strong
religious faith. According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, a long-
term study of nuns reported that many of them lived well into their 90s and past 100 years
old.
Takeaway
Sex is an important part of life and overall well-being. In relationships, orgasms play a
significant part in bonding. Physical and emotional benefits like reduced risk of heart
disease, improved self-esteem, and more can come from having sex.
You can still have similar benefits without sex. Engaging in other pleasurable activities like
exercising, interacting with a pet, and having a strong network of friends could potentially
offer the same benefits. Sex is just one way of improving your quality of life.
But if sex is part of your life, due to a relationship or desire, it’s important to be able to
communicate and experience sexual satisfaction. You may find relief and an increase in
happiness when you take the time to have sex.
Last medically reviewed on July 29, 2016
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our
articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Apr 12, 2023
Written By
Pamela Rogers, MS, PhD
Edited By
Christina Nagatani
Jul 29, 2016
Medically Reviewed By
