According to numerous studies, as men and women live longer, they are enjoying more sex. The number of sexually active adults over 50 has risen steadily since the 1970s. One study published in The British Medical Journal found that 68% of married 70 year olds were having sex in 2000, compared to 52% in 1971. And, one in four adults who were sexually active reported that they were having sex once or more times each week. Sex is also more emotionally satisfying for both genders as they get older.
But, sex doesn’t just feel good physically and mentally. There are real health benefits to be had with sexual intercourse, as well. Here are six surprising benefits of sex.
Lowers Blood Pressure. Research suggests there’s a correlation between greater frequency of sexual intercourse and lower blood pressure. One study found that sex lowered systolic blood pressure (the top number on your blood pressure test). Another study found a positive relationship between sex and lower diastolic blood pressure. What’s interesting is the study found that this positive relationship existed only when the partners were living together.
Burns Calories. Like any physical activity, sex burns calories. The number of calories burned during sex depends on a number of factors like age, muscle mass, and how long your lovemaking session lasts. But, on average, men burn about 100 calories during a 25-minute romp. Women burn slightly less.
Boosts Immunity. Making love with your partner once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of immunoglobulin A, (IgA). IgA is a protein that helps your immune system fight colds and flu.
Improves Sleep. The brain chemicals released during sex help people fall asleep more quickly and on a regular schedule. Specifically, sex boosts your levels of serotonin. This brain chemical regulates healthy sleep and promotes relaxation.
Relieves Pain. Sex releases endorphins—“feel good” chemicals that act as natural painkillers. The hormone oxytocin is also released during sex. One study found that low doses of this hormone helped reduce pain sensitivity.
Relieves Stress. It’s widely known that sexual intercourse results in the release of those “feel good” chemicals . Research has now shown that sex also affects blood pressure reactivity to stress. One study out of Scotland tested study participants on certain stress-inducing measures, such as public speaking and verbal arithmetic and found that those who had regular sex had a better stress response (less blood pressure reactivity) than those who did not.
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