How sex helps you live longer

An active sexual life not only makes you feel good, but also boosts your immunity and helps you live longer. With more research connecting sex to longevity and fitness each year, the importance of increased sexual activity is becoming clearer.

According to a recent book ‘Younger (Sexier) You’ released by American anti-ageing expert, Dr Eric Braverman, greater physical intimacy helps one stay young and fit besides improving cognitive function and immunity. Here’s how an increased sexual life will help you combat illness and live a far healthier life.

Assists in relieving pain : The body releases a bonding hormone called oxytocin, before and during orgasm. Regarded as natural opiates, these hormones reduce the perception of pain by increasing the pain tolerance threshold. A study by famed sexologist, Beverly Whipple states that “when a woman masturbates to orgasm, both the pain tolerance threshold and pain detection threshold increase “significantly by 74.6% and 106.7% respectively.” Apart from this, another natural opiate-like hormone released during orgasm is endorphin. The prime effect of this hormone is that they create a positive perception of the environment besides decreasing pain.

Positive psychological effects: Engaging in physical intimacy with a loved one also promotes healing at psychological levels. The feeling of satisfaction associated with sex improves the mood and boosts self-esteem. Such a person is able to communicate with their partner in a more intimate and honest manner. Thus, any kind of emotional wounds may be healed and a sense of mental well-being achieved.

Reduced risk of heart disease: The American Journal of Cardiology reported that men who made love at least twice a week were much less likely to have heart disease than those who had sexual encounters only once a month or less. This study conducted in over 1,000 men shows that sex appears to have a positive effect on the male heart. However, there was not much scientific evidence to demonstrate the full benefit of frequent intercourse on women’s heart.

Reduce the risk of prostate cancer: Another vital medical research carried out to prove the beneficial effects of frequent sexual activity was in relation to prostate cancer. A study at the US National Cancer Institute showed how men who ejaculated through either sex or masturbation a minimum of five times a week were less likely to get prostate cancer. The researchers said that ejaculations help to release tension quieting the central nervous system activity that may lead to abnormal cell division and cancer growth in the prostate.

Eases stress and lowers blood pressure: Orgasm has a calming effect on people and also helps in better sleep. As intimate sex helps promote a supporting relationship, this might help improve health through stress reduction as well as social support.

Burns calories: In general, it is estimated that 30 minutes of sexual activity burns around 150-200 calories, which is much more than golfing or dancing. A sexually excited person has a pulse-rate that is almost comparable with that of a weight lifter or a walker. Hence, regular sexual activity is a must-have to maintain one’s overall fitness level.

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