Sex Is Important to Health!

I get to talk about sex and prevention a lot in my day-to-day here at Northland Cares, and why is sex important. Sex is a part of who we are, both as individuals and a species. Good sex needs three ingredients: consent, good feelings, and safety.  Sex is fun! Right, those butterflies in our stomachs turn into sweaty palms (sometimes), giggles, feeling flushed and excited about connecting with someone.

For those of us who have experienced sexual trauma, and I had my share while growing up too, experiencing sexual trauma does not mean you can’t find joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment sexually. You can; you just may have to do some self-pleasuring and therapy to regain your power when it comes to sex.

Sex does not have to lead to orgasm for it to be pleasurable, although the Big O does help body, mind, and spirit in myriad ways. Did you know that sex is good for your health? Recent studies show that for males, having 21 orgasms each month can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 33-35%. Studies have shown that males who have sex at least twice a week (including masturbation) are less likely to suffer cardiovascular disease than men who have sex/orgasms once a month.

Ladies: the more sex and orgasms you have, the stronger your pelvic wall will be. What does that have to do with me, you may wonder. As females age and have children, our pelvic walls can weaken (having a hysterectomy can also influence this), affecting our ability to control our bladders. Strengthening the pelvic wall can reduce urinary incontinence or leaking — no more rushing to the toilet due to leakage or an unexpected need to urinate. If you don’t have a partner, masturbation can help build a stronger pelvic wall, as can the Kegel exercises we know and love.

The many health benefits we can attribute to sex include reducing blood pressure, specifically systolic blood pressure, the first number on your blood-pressure test. Sex can’t replace a vigorous workout, but it is a form of exercise. You burn more actual calories than couching it, and it boosts your heart rate and muscles, depending on your sex.

Better hormonal balance is another result of having sex, helping keep your testosterone and estrogen levels in balance. Sex and orgasms can reduce physical pain, releasing a hormone that can raise your pain threshold. Sexual stimulation can do the same even if you do not reach orgasm.

You can get better sleep after sex. After you climax your body releases a hormone called prolactin, which is responsible for feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.

Sex can reduce your stress level. When embracing, hugging, kissing and engaging in intercourse, your brain releases the ‘feel-good’ hormone, the endorphin called dopamine. Dopamine lifts your mood.

Having sex can improve self-esteem and boost overall happiness. Sex can also activate your immune system — not enough to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, but those who have sex once or twice a week lose fewer days to sickness. Their bodies produce higher levels of Immunoglobin A, an antibody found in the mucosa of the lungs, genitals, stomach and intestines that fights bacteria and viruses. Their IgA may be 30% higher than those who are not having sex as often. That’s additional protection.

Sex can increase your libido. That’s right, just as exercising makes exercise easier, it’s the same with sex. People who engage in sex and self-pleasure can reach orgasm more easily, and women more easily self-lubricate during coitus.

This is Hedda Fay reminding you that sex has to be consensual, fun, and safe. Consent also means that both parties understand the risks and what is being requested or suggested. Now go out there and have your best sex ever!