It’s easy for couples to talk one another out of sexual activity when either party feels tired, sluggish, stressed, unattractive, moody, or is in pain. Ironically, based on the benefits of orgasm, the excuses typically given are actually proven through research to be the right reasons to have sex in the first place! Here are five science-backed reasons to “do the deed” with your lover as often as possible.
The Five Most Important Benefits of Orgasm
1. Pain Relief
Pain relief is one of the most important benefits of orgasm. Studies show that women suffering from menstrual cramps can experience relief through orgasm. Anesthesiologists have also discovered that when looking into the eyes of their partner, or at photos of romantic partners or very attractive strangers, a subject’s pain is dulled significantly. This is enlightening, in that many people use aches and pains as a diversion from sexual activity when it actually helps alleviate pain.
2. Cardiac Health
A good workout gets your heart beating and improves overall health. Recent studies indicate that over time, increased frequency of orgasms actually translates to decreased potential for death from heart disease-related events like stroke or heart attack. A study at Queen’s University Belfast reported that you can cut your risk of heart attack in half by engaging in sexual activity three times a week or more. An Israeli study indicates that women who have two orgasms per day have a 30 percent reduction in heart disease versus those who had no orgasms. While sex is proven to be good for the heart, many aging people worry that sexual activity could cause a heart attack. This is generally not true, as typical intercourse is only as taxing to the pulmonary system as a brisk walk.
3. Prevention of Cancer
Prostate cancer is a big fear for many men as it becomes more commonly diagnosed. Studies suggest that stimulation of the testicles and quality orgasms may both reduce the potential for development of prostate cancer. In fact, the American Medical Association has reported that men who have 21 or more ejaculations per month have a lower risk of prostate cancer than study subjects who have less than 10 ejaculations per month.
4. Beauty Sleep
Just as the lights are about to go out at night, many people reach for a bedtime snack. Sugary food tends to reduce stress by triggering the pleasure pathways in the brain. Sex does the same thing and improves sleep at the same time, according to research. Unlike those sugary snacks which can lead to skin blemishes and other health concerns like low libido, quality sexual activity actually provides a healthy glow to the skin and helps you appear five to seven years younger, according to a documented study by a clinical neuropsychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. During sex, DHEA, the “anti-aging hormone” is released throughout the body and reaches levels five times above normal levels after orgasm.
5. Positive Outlook
Biochemical reactions that occur during sex can actually improve your mood. Neurotransmitters are released during intimate play that enhances your outlook and provides a general feeling of optimism in life. Semen also contains mood enhancers. Beyond the neurological and biological explanations for boosted mood are the social benefits of feeling attractive, loved, desired and connected to another human.