People love sex for various reasons. What you may not know is that there are numerous benefits, besides pleasure, associated with slamming the ham. Euphemisms aside, sex is more than just blind erotic pleasure. In fact, a ridiculous amount of studies have been dedicated to the analysis of some of our most intimate moments. The focus of this article will be on the more substantiated reports and studies, because there is some pretty ludicrous stuff out there. For instance, one study suggested that women who walk more “fluidly” were more likely to have orgasms.
Exercise may be the most obvious external benefit of sex. It never hurts to burn a few extra calories, so why not do so while having sex? In research done published by the Archive of Internal Medicine, it was found that sex was characterized by moderate to slight expenditure, with slight jumps for periods of orgasm.
The best part of the study in terms of exercise was definitely the strong correlation between foreplay and increased heart and metabolic rates. If you need to convince your partner to participate in foreplay, simply explain to them it is good for their health.
There was also quite a bit of variation in energy expenditure between different subjects. In other words, if you want to burn more calories, have wilder sex. Average caloric burn is about 85-100 calories per half hour. At that rate it would only take about 18 hours to burn a pound of fat. It is, of course, no replacement for daily exercise, but it is a great way to burn a few extra calories.
Many studies have also been focused on health and life longevity. One study in the British Journal of Urology International reported that men who had an average of four or more ejaculations per week had two-thirds the risk of prostate cancer than those who ejaculated less than three times per week.
Another study in the National Center for Biotechnology found that men who ejaculated at a high frequency had a 50 percent lower mortality rate. Women are not excluded from these health benefits; also in the National Center for Biotechnology is a study finding that women with multiple sexual partners had a reduced risk of breast cancer. It is always important to use protection and practice safer sex, but a little extra coitus may benefit long-term health in extraordinary ways.
Beyond physical health, sex can improve other aspects of mental and emotional well being in relationships. A Puget Sound student who wishes to remain anonymous commented on the emotional relationship changes that occur when things get intimate.
“If it’s with someone you care about it, it definitely brings you closer and provides something so much different than a random hookup,” Ivanna Humpalot said.
Studies from the Sex and Marital Therapy Journal have illuminated this point, but it seems obvious to begin with. Scientific studies have largely agreed with Humpalot, concluding that while sex usually improves relationships, it is especially important for both partners to have sexual disclosure with each other. Sexual disclosure translates to couples being open with each other about what works and does not work for them in bed—like in most relationships, communication is key. Women have also been found to show a strong correlation between sexual satisfaction and emotional well being. There is a caveat, though. Those who place more importance on sex report less well being if they feel they are not sexually satisfied.
Sex is intertwined in many aspects of our life. Embracing and understanding these connections will lead to a more fulfilling sex life and, in turn, a healthier life.
