How is sex gonna benefit you?

 UNDERSTANDING SEX AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS

Sex is an essential factor in your life.

In this article, we look to provide you complete information about sex and we highlight the benefits of having sex.

What is Sex?

There are many definitions of the term “Sex”. According to many people, the term sex means the insertion of a penis into the vagina. But, this conception isn't true for everybody.

There are different types of Sex that are listed as follows:

• Vaginal sex (penis-in-vagina intercourse)
• Oral sex (mouth-to-genital contact)
• Anal sex (penis-in-butt intercourse)
• Fingering or hand jobs (hand-to-genital contact)
• Dry humping or genital rubbing
• Masturbation (touching yourself)

Types of Sex explained in detail

Ø Vaginal Sex: It is one of the common forms of sex. Vaginal sex is performed by inserting the penis into the vagina. Some people with vulva or clitoris, orgasm from vaginal sex alone. Some people might not be comfortable with it.

There are high chances of getting pregnant while having vaginal sex.

You should consider different birth control methods that help prevent pregnancy.

Ø Oral Sex: Oral sex is using your mouth to stimulate another person's genitals. Some of you might be comfortable with it, while some of you might not.

You will not get pregnant from oral sex but there are chances (very less) of getting STD’s. You can use condoms to prevent STDs.

Ø Anal Sex: It is intercourse during which the penis is inserted into the anus.

 

 Some people enjoy having anal sex, and some people don't like it at all.  Anal sex should be performed when you are relaxed and by using lubricant otherwise, it might hurt you.

You should not use anything containing oil in it, like Vaseline, lotion, or baby oil as they can weaken a condom and make it more likely to break.  Instead of that, you can use water or silicone-based lubricants in the condom aisle that is easily available at medical or drug stores.

You can't get pregnant from anal sex. But there's a bigger chance of getting STDs that includes HIV, from unprotected anal sex (without a condom).

Ø Orgasm: An orgasm refers to the tension that is released during sex or masturbation.

During an orgasm, the penis squirts a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of semen, a white liquid that contains sperm and other fluids. This is termed ejaculation. It’s possible to have an orgasm without ejaculating or to ejaculate without an orgasm, but they usually happen together.

Female ejaculation i.e. squirting of fluid out of the vulva before or during an orgasm is less common than ejaculation out of the penis.

Many people orgasm very quickly whereas many could not. These differences are normal and you should not worry about them.

How can sex benefit your body?

According to research, sex boosts physical health and well-being. It is helpful in improving your mood and mental well-being.

Sexual activity in men can:

• ü Lower the risk of developing prostate cancer
• ü Lower Mortality risk

Sexual activity in women:

• ü Improves fertility
• ü Reduces incontinence
• ü Builds stronger pelvic muscles
• ü Helps to produce more vaginal lubrication
• ü Protects against endometriosis
• ü Improves bladder control
• ü Relieves menstrual and premenstrual cramps

Enlisting the health benefits of performing sex:

o  Heart Health: Good sexual quality appears to protect women from cardiovascular risk in later life.

 

According to the research of 2016, it was found that sexually active women have a lower risk of cardiac events later in life.

Whereas this research also concluded that frequency of sex is positively related to later risk of cardiovascular events in men.

People with heart problems should consult their doctor for knowing how much sex is safe for them.

o  Boosts Immunity: Studies depicted that people who were engaged in having frequent sex usually for about one or two times a week had more no. of antibodies (IgA) in their saliva.

The people who didn’t perform sex frequently found less no. of lgA in them.

These antibodies played an important role in the prevention of illness.

o  Good Sleep: Sex makes it easier for you to fall asleep.

During the act of sex several hormones are released.  Oxytocin is a released hormone that makes you feel connected to your partner.

 While having an orgasm a hormone called prolactin is released that makes you feel relaxed and sleepy.

o  Relieves Stress: A stress-related hormone called Cortisol helps in lowering stress during sex. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that circulates the body in response to stress.

Sexual satisfaction is one of the ways to feel more intimate with your partner as well as a great stress reliever.

Sex helps in release of oxytocin, endorphins, and other “feel-good” hormones that reduces the effect of stress.

o  Reduces risk of Prostate cancer: According to studies, a high frequency of ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

This study concluded that those who ejaculated more than 21 times per month had lowered risk of prostate cancer than men who only ejaculated 4–7 times per month.

o  Reduces Blood Pressure: During the research, researchers found that older women who expressed satisfaction with their sex lives were not exposed to have high blood pressure.

Many people with high blood pressure or hypertension are concerned about their safety while having sex.

Though it is safe having sex in the above-mentioned conditions you must speak to a doctor.

How can sex benefit your Mental Health?

Sex reduces stress and helps to make you happier.

Sexual activity helps in:

• increasing satisfaction with your mental health
• increased levels of trust, intimacy, and love in your relationships
• improved ability to perceive, identify, and express emotions
• Lowering the use of your immature psychological defense mechanism, or the mental processes to reduce distress from emotional conflict.
• Boosting confidence and making you look younger.

What are the Effects of Sex on the Brain?

Certain specific signals from the nerves from the sexual areas of the body are sent to the brain that further creates different sexual sensations.

Several neurotransmitters play a vital role in bringing sexual pleasure. They are listed as follows:

o  Prolactin: This hormone is related to reduce sexual response.

o  Dopamine: This hormone secretes in the body and increases sexual arousal.

o  Oxytocin: This hormone helps in promoting feelings of intimacy and closeness.

o  Serotonin: It arises the feeling of happiness during the arousal phase.

o  Norepinephrine: This hormone makes the genitals more sensitive by constricting the blood vessels.

What are the benefits of Masturbation?

Masturbation benefits are similar to that of Sex that includes:

Ø Increased ability for orgasms

Ø Increased sexual satisfaction

Ø Enhanced sex

Ø Understanding your own body

Ø Self-esteem boost

Ø Treatment for sexual dysfunction

Masturbation is extremely safe as there is no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).