The health benefits of sex
Many people worry about the impact their sexual experiences may have on their health.
From STIs to unexpected pregnancies, regular sex can come at a cost.
Yet, spending time between the sheets can also seriously boost our wellbeing from strengthening our immune systems to lowering blood pressure and even giving our memories a boost.
Regular sex can boost our health health, cure headaches and even improve our self-esteem
1. A stronger immune system
Having sex once or twice a week increases our antibody levels by 30 per cent, according to scientists from Wilkes University, Pennsylvania. Antibodies are proteins used by the immune system to protect against colds and flu.
This is thought to be due to sexually active people being more exposed to bacteria and viruses, resulting in greater antibody release.
2. Better heart health
Getting active between the sheets increases your heart rate, which peaks during an orgasm.
Men in their 50s who have sex at least twice a week have a 45 per cent reduced risk of heart disease, according to scientists at New England Research Institutes, Massachusetts.
SEX TRIGGERS A 48-HOUR 'AFTER GLOW' Researchers at Florida State University have found post-sex intimacy lingers for two days. The feeling is linked with higher martial satisfaction in the early stages of wedlock. Regular sex was also found to prolong the so-called honeymoon period within the first six months of marriage.
3. Lower blood pressure
A study by Michigan State University found women aged between 57 and 85 who still enjoyed sex were less likely to have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
4. Natural pain relief
Migraine sufferers report a 60 per cent improvement in pain after sexual activity, according to researchers at the University of Munster, Germany. Cluster headaches, which cause excruciating pain in one side of the face, improve by 37 per cent.
Sex triggers the release of 'feel good' hormones called endorphins that relieve pain.
5. A reduced risk of prostate cancer
Men who ejaculate at least 21 times a month are a third less likely to develop the disease than men who only release four to seven times, scientists at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland found.
Frequent ejaculation may allow the prostate to clear out cancer-causing substances or it may prevent the development of calcium deposits, which are associated with prostate cancer.
Getting intimate may reduces a man's risk of prostate cancer and improve women's memories
6. A restful sleep
Sex releases a cocktail of chemicals in the brain, including oxytocin and prolactin.
The combination of the two are thought to aid relaxation, helping you to nod off.
7. Less stress
Scientists at the University of Paisley, Scotland found that people who had recently had sex had lower blood pressure when public speaking than those who had not had intercourse in the past fortnight.
The release of oxytocin during sex may have a calming effect on the body.
8. A sharper memory
Frequent sex may improve women's memories. Scientists at McGill University in Canada found women who had recently had sex were better able to remember abstract words in a word-memory task.
Sex may stimulate the development of neurons in the part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Neurons send messages to other cells in the nervous system.
9. A longer life
Researchers from the universities of Bristol and Belfast found that the risk of death was reduced in men who orgasm frequently over those who do not regularly ejaculate.
They tracked almost 1,000 men aged between 45 and 59 over 10 years.
10. Stronger self-worth
Aside from its numerous physical benefits, regular sex may also boost our mental wellbeing.
Students who have casual sex report greater self esteem than more committed individuals, according to a study at Cornell University, New York.