Darrick Robles Physical closeness is a basic human need that wants to be lived out. The Corona crisis will not change that. Sex is an important part of it – for biological, psychosocial and last but not least health reasons. Research shows why an active sex life makes us fitter, healthier, and happier.
1. Physical fitness
When we have sex, the whole body is involved: our heart beats faster, we breathe more deeply, and we release hormones like testosterone, adrenaline and oxytocin. Touch sends thousands of electrical impulses to our brain. Many muscles are active.
According to a Canadian study, 25 minutes of sexual activity is comparable to light cardio exercise . The participating couples wore special bracelets that indicated they burned an average of 85 calories in bed. While sex can’t compete with jogging or a HIIT workout, it’s a good addition to regular exercise . In women, regular sexual intercourse contributes to strong pelvic floor muscles.
2. Healthy heart
A healthy heart beats unevenly. This means that with a heart rate of 60, the interval between two heartbeats is not exactly 1 second. Variations of more than 100 milliseconds in the resting heart rate are quite normal. The so-called heart rate variability (HRV) tends to be lower – i.e. the heartbeat is more even – when the body is in stress mode .
There is evidence that an active sex life and higher HRV are related. People with a higher HRV also appear to be fitter and more resistant to stress. Our sexual behavior can even have a positive effect on blood pressure : the participants in a study had lower blood pressure values in an acute stressful situation if they had sex the night before.
3. Stress Relief
Regular sex is good for the psyche: we tend to be happier, more balanced and less stressed. Researchers found that couples who are intimate release less cortisol in stressful situations . Cortisol is a hormone that our body releases when we are stressed.
During coitus, but also during cuddling, we produce hormones such as oxytocin, which activate our reward center and ensure well-being . These “happy hormones” can also make us less sensitive to stress.
4. Strong immune system
Our immune system is not just a passive system that wards off external threats. There is increasing evidence that our immune response proactively adapts to external conditions. This includes our social behavior and our sexual activity.
A study suggests that sex stimulates the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in our body. IgA is an important antibody that is secreted by the mucous membranes and fights off pathogens there. A healthy average had the best effect: study participants who had sexual intercourse 1 to 2 times a week had the best IgA values.
5. Fertility
It seems obvious that more sex increases fertility: After all, then the chances are higher that one in millions of sperm will make it to the egg cell. What is new, however, is that sex can also promote pregnancy outside of the fertile days.
Research at Indiana University has found that sexually active women have an increased chance of conceiving, even outside of the ovulation period. This is because regular intercourse triggers physiological processes that prepare the body for pregnancy.
6. Long life
Who has sex lives longer? Some long-term studies suggest that a fulfilling sex life can actually increase life expectancy – for both women and men. Those who are sexually active seem to be less affected by serious coronary artery disease – one of the leading causes of death in the world. One study found that frequent orgasms (2 or more per week) can reduce the risk of death in men by up to 50%.
