Is sex healthy? 4 reasons why sex is healthy
Maybe you've had the thought before: Is it healthy to have sex? The short answer is: yes! There are many reasons why sex is healthy for both body and mind. Here you can read more about the benefits of sex and what sexual health means.
Why is sex healthy?
During sex, several different processes take place, both in the brain and the rest of the body, that affect us physically and mentally. A healthy and fulfilling sex life plays an essential role in your overall quality of life and health. You can feel the effects during, after and in between sex.
What does it mean to have a healthy sex life?
Sex and health are closely linked, but there is no one recipe for a healthy sex life. What we want, need and find satisfaction in is individual - sexual health cannot be measured in the frequency of sex, orgasms or the like. It's all about being satisfied, finding value in your sexual experiences and feeling free to live out your sexuality. And - a gentle reminder that sex doesn't just mean penetrative sex. The benefits of sex apply to all types of sex that give you sexual satisfaction and it can be exciting and enjoyable to test your pleasure with different types of sex - such as oral sex or fingering, for which you can use this guide for.
4 reasons why sex is healthy
Sex is good for body, mind and soul - we've gathered some particularly good reasons to have sex below:
1. Happiness, less stress and pain relief
When you have sex, your brain releases a cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters that affect you directly. Among other things, the brain releases
- Dopamine - which is linked to our reward center and gives us feelings of self-worth, happiness and satisfaction - not only during sex, but afterwards. At the same time, dopamine plays a role in several essential brain functions that are enhanced by the release of dopamine - including memory, motivation and movement. Read more about dopamine in this article about dopamine
- Endorphins - which relieve pain, create feelings of happiness and reduce stress.
This is true whether you're having sex with yourself or with a partner. If you're having sex with yourself, you can try to maximize the experience by exploring how to increase pleasure by stimulating multiple areas at the same time. For example, try a sex toy like our Bia vibrator and stimulatorwhich has multiple functions that can be used simultaneously.
2. Sex strengthens relationships
Sex with a partner can play a huge role in relationship and intimacy. During sex, we build intimacy, trust and vulnerability, which creates intimacy between us.
During sex, the brain helps connect us to each other - we release oxytocin during sex, often called the "love hormone". Oxytocin is typically released during touch - not just sex, but also kissing, hugging and falling in love. Oxytocin creates happiness and well-being, and plays an essential role in our ability to bond with others, build trust and motivate physical touch with others.
By having sex with another person, you can significantly strengthen your relationship, not just sexually, but in general. Ps. Remember that relationships don't necessarily mean romantic relationships. Relationships can be strengthened between you and a sexual partner and create better sexual experiences between you - for example with a fuck buddy.
3. Better sleep
You know when you or a partner falls asleep right after sex? Besides the physical activity that can make us tired, there may be another good reason.
If you have an orgasm during sex, the brain will also release prolactin - a hormone that makes us relaxed and drowsy. Combined with the other neurotransmitters released during sex that make us relaxed and de-stressed, you're in for a good night's sleep!
When we have sex, we expend energy, get excited and get "pumped up" - and after sex we calm down again. The drastic rise and fall in our state produces extra melatonin in the body - and melatonin also naturally acts as a sleep aid. All in all - sleep tight!
4. Self-love
Sex - whether with a partner or with yourself - is good and important for your relationship with yourself. When you have sex - with yourself, for example - you get into your body, feel yourself and create intimacy with yourself. You get to know yourself, your pleasure and your body better - and if you have sex with someone else, sharing it with them is empowering for yourself and your confidence.
Physical activity
It may be obvious - yet many people forget to think of sex as exercise! Sex is a physical activity with the same benefits as other typical forms of exercise. It's good for your heart, brain and burns calories - read more about sex as exercise here.
Sex is healthy, fun and completely natural - and full of great benefits. Experiment with what works best for you sexually so you can activate some of them! If you need inspiration, you can read about great positions to stimulate the G-spot and clitoris. Have a great time!