However, several studies on the subject are now outdated, and not all potential benefits apply to everyone. Scientific research has highlighted several possible benefits besides procreation that come with sexual intercourse. These pluses include preserving heart health in some people, reducing blood pressure , and boosting immunity. In this article, we look at the possible health benefits of sex and highlight relevant research, focusing on the physical rather than emotional aspects. Partnered sex appears to have some protective effect on cardiovascular health, especially in women.

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1. Improved Heart Health — Yes, Sex Is Exercise
As if the big 'O' wasn't reason enough to get busy, sex has many other benefits that just might surprise you. Want to clear your complexion, boost your mood, and cut your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other health hazards? Nobody says you have to be with someone to do that. Just like any physical activity, healthy sex is good for your heart. A study published in January in the American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had sex twice weekly or more had less risk of cardiovascular diseases, like stroke or heart attack, than those who had sex once a month or less. And for those who worry that the exertion involved in sex is a threat to the heart, the American Heart Association's Scientific Statement on Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease says that having sex is safe for people who can exercise with no heart problems in the range of 3 to 5 metabolic equivalents METs. METs are a measure of the energy calories expended during an activity. Exercising at 3 METs is about the same as walking at a moderate pace, while 5 METs is like a low impact aerobic workout. Having sex can actually be considered a rather good form of exercise: A small study published in October in the journal PLoS One showed that men burned an average of 4 calories a minutes during sex sessions that averaged 25 minutes, and women burned off 3 calories.
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Clue is on a mission to help you understand your body, periods, ovulation, and so much more. Start tracking today. Setting the mood for sex is important - make sure everyone is comfortable! Having sex is not just about having babies, it should also be fun for everyone involved. STIs are common and nothing to be ashamed about. If caught early, they may be treatable.
There are an infinite number of reasons why someone may not be interested in sexual activity, whether this has always been the case or is a new development. Sexuality is a spectrum, and your needs and desires can change over time. Sexual health is multidimensional. For example:. The best way to increase your libido or make sexual activity more enjoyable is to pause and be intentional about what you want to change. I recommend grabbing your phone or notebook and writing down your sexual health vision, or what you want your sex life to look like. This will give you a clearer view of your innermost desires and, in turn, help you better communicate your sexual needs — to yourself and others.