How Safe Sex Can Improve Your Health
March 19, 2024
Writer: Reilly French
Editor: Chava Makman
From social media to reality television to movies, the media often glamorizes and sensationalizes sex, sometimes portraying it as an act of rebellion or merely transactional. Consequently, the stigmas and discomfort around discussions of sex can lead individuals to perceive it in a negative light. However, if you are engaging in safe and consensual sex, it can actually offer both immediate and long-term benefits for your mental and physical health.
While sex may be a sensitive and complex subject, viewing it through a scientific lens can alleviate some of the tension surrounding it. After delving into this topic, three primary health advantages of sex have become apparent: enhanced mental well-being, improved heart health and immunity, and better sleep with reduced stress.
When engaging in sexual activities (not strictly penetrative), triggers the release of various hormones during and after intercourse. These hormones not only elevate endorphin levels, akin to a “runner's high,” but research suggests they can also significantly reduce anxiety and depression when practiced safely and consensually. For instance, a 2020 case study examined individuals who were sexually active and living with a partner during the pandemic, comparing them to those who were not. The findings indicated a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression among individuals lacking sexual activity during lockdown (Mollaioli et al., 2021). This underscores the positive impact of intimacy on mental health, especially during stressful periods.
Sex even offers physical health benefits. Studies indicate that women who engage in regular sexual activity are less susceptible to cardiovascular issues and diseases over their lifetime (Liu et al., 2016). Similar to exercise, sex elevates heart rate and enhances cardiovascular endurance when practiced regularly. Additionally, sexual activity has been linked to improved immune function. Research conducted among college students revealed that those who engaged in sex more frequently exhibited higher levels of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody crucial for fighting illness (Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A).
Furthermore, sex, often referred to as "sleeping with someone," can positively influence sleep quality. The hormones released during and after sex, including oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins, induce relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. This can lead to a deeper and more restful sleep. Additionally, the release of prolactin post-orgasm promotes feelings of satisfaction and relaxation, further enhancing sleep quality (HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEX: Research, findings, and cautions).
Understanding these inherent benefits can help destigmatize discussions around sex. Recognizing the positive impact of safe sexual practices can then lead to more open and welcoming conversations about sex.
Work cited:
Liu, H., Waite, L. J., Shen, S., & Wang, D. H. (2016, September). Is sex good for your health? A national study on partnered sexuality and cardiovascular risk among older men and women. Journal of health and social behavior. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5052677/
MediLexicon International. (n.d.). HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEX: Research, findings, and cautions. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316954#improving-sleep
Mollaioli, D., Sansone, A., Ciocca, G., Limoncin, E., Colonnello, E., Di Lorenzo, G., & Jannini, E. A. (2021, January). Benefits of sexual activity on psychological, relational, and sexual health during the COVID-19 breakout. The journal of sexual medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7584428/
Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A (IGA) - Carl J. ... (n.d.). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/pr0.94.3.839-844
