How Sex Can Benefit Your Heart

How Sex Can Benefit Your Heart

Sex has many benefits for both the body and the mind. An individual who has regular and fulfilling sex is far less likely to come down with an illness or infection (due to increased Immunoglobulin A), less likely to experience pain (due to the release of the body’s natural pain killers), less likely to be struck down by periods of depression, and for men ejaculating frequently can help to ward off prostate cancer. Physical pros aside sex also helps to bond us to our partners to create a stronger and more secure relationship within which both partners can thrive.

But there is another side effect which sex can add to its roster of greatness – sex is excellent for heart health. Recently the Telegraph newspaper published an article on how sex can cut a man’s risk of having a heart attack by almost half. A study was carried out on 1000 men and found that men who made love twice a week were 45% less likely to suffer from lift threatening heart conditions than those who had sex once a month or less. As coronary heart disease is Britain’s biggest killer it is clear that this kind of research will become more and more common and vital as time goes on. Despite doctors believing in the preventative powers of sex, dedicated studies in this area are relatively rare.

So why is sex so good at protecting men against heart disease? It could partly be due to the fact that sex is a very physical activity and therefore has the ability to support cardiovascular health, or it could be that men who are likely to engage in regular sexual activity are in a supportive, active and loving relationship with their significant other. It is a well-known fact that a man who is in a secure and affectionate relationship is far less likely to suffer from stress and loneliness, meaning that his general health will be far superior. As I mentioned above sex release a wonderful mix of chemicals into the body which make us look and feel wonderful. The euphoric effects of a shot of oxytocin are enough to keep anyone’s heart healthy!

Up to now a similar study has not been done with female subjects, however it is widely believed that women also benefit physical and emotionally from regular sex and orgasms. I am a firm believer that having sex 2-3 times a week during the winter helps to prevent colds and flu due to the release of chemicals into the body. I make sure that my fiancé does his bit each winter to stop me from getting poorly…and I’ve got to say that it’s the easiest and most enjoyable favour I ever ask him to do!

Julia Davis

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

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