Did you know that a healthy sex life can benefit you in many ways? Besides being a way to make love with your partner, it can positively affect your overall health. Not only does it offer reproductive benefits, but healthy sex could improve your physical, mental, emotional, and social life too1.
In this article will provide you an insight about the health benefits of a good sex life and answers questions around how to improve your sex life. We’ll also look into a common query about frequency of sex and if making out everyday has special benefits.
A healthy sex life means understanding your partner well in bed and seeing what he/she wants the most. This will improve your sexual intimacy by making your sex life more interesting, and intimacy should always be consensual. Here are some health benefits of healthy sexual intercourse:
Intense sex makes your body release happy hormones called oxytocin and endorphins that boost intimacy and the urge to do it repeatedly1. These neurohormones aid in better sleep quality and a good sleep can help keeps you energetic through the day and boost your immune system.
Sex reduces stress by increasing endorphin hormones that are responsible for boosting mood. It is a form of exercise that can help lower stress and keep you calm2. Yet, remember there are other methods (e.g., exercise, meditation, therapy) too that are effective for relieving stress and often more practical.
Excessive stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Sex helps by countering stress thereby avoiding the risks of developing a high blood pressure2. Masturbation can also temporarily reduce stress and lower hypertension risk, although there’s no direct evidence that it works in long-term. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Sexual activity may help reduce stress hormones in both men and women and thereby help in reducing stress. Since stress is directly affects ageing, regular sex can have indirect benefits for skin appearance3. This coupled with the happiness of a healthy relationship and positive thinking can give your skin a radiant glow.
Having sex during your period can actually ease the pain. Orgasms during sex can relieve menstrual cramps by releasing endorphins and causing uterine muscle relaxation, but this varies between individuals. It could be an uncomfortable feeling to do so, but it does help, and there are fewer risks of getting pregnant4.
The more sex you have, the more it naturally increases your sexual pleasures and desires. More sex aids in a longer, healthier, and stress-free life. But remember, a healthy relationship and good understanding are important factors in love-making, so pay attention to your partners needs and ques for a good sex life1,2.
Regular sex may help lower the risks of heart diseases such as stroke and high blood pressure. Moderately frequent sex can be a form of cardio activity and may strengthen the heart and make it function better1,2. However, sex may have only temporary effect and is not equivalent to sustained aerobic exercise, which is more effective for long-term heart health. More large-scale studies can help confirm this benefit.
Regular sex can help you lose weight!. Yes, daily sex is a natural way to burn calories. You can burn an estimated 3.6 kcal/min of sexual activity performed at moderate intensity5.
A healthy lifestyle, which includes regular sexual activity, contributes to improved well-being and possibly a longer life span. But sex is not the primary determinant of longevity and factors like diet, exercise, and genetics play a larger role6.
In general, men have more testosterone and less oestrogen, the opposite is true for women. Regular sex boosts the production of both these hormones in males and females7. This results in better sex drive, and possibly a stronger musculoskeletal system, and better heart health
One of the benefits of regular sex, similar to that of regular exercise, is that it helps stave off depression. Sex releases hormones like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, as well as oxytocin which are the feel-good hormones that help to increase your happiness quotient and lower your risk of going into a depressive state. A note, however, is that a sudden lack of stimulation or reduction in sexual activity may lead to temporary mood changes or frustration for some. It’s important to deal with these positively1,2.
According to some studies8, regular sex is shown to help in nerve regeneration and memory function. It can stimulate the hippocampus, which is a part of your brain involved in memorization and learning, and negate the effects of chronic stress. Further studies are needed to prove this association.
NOTE: Getting an orgasm or masturbating can also aid in the above-mentioned benefits!
So, taking about the ideal frequency of sexual intercourse, the more it is, the better it is for your health and overall well-being! However, it’s important to understand that for a good sex life, more than the frequency, it’s the quality that matters. Frequency can be daily, once a week or even once a month, whatever both the partners are comfortable with.
Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Breast Pain
A good sex life is determined by prioritizing your partner’s needs over yours. That’s the very first step to a successful relationship. Once you’ve got this, you can follow certain sex-boosting hacks to get the best out of you and your partner.
Bonus tip: Talk to your partner about your feelings: This is one way to get you both in the mood. Feel free to talk about your sexual desires to your partner and know his/her side of it too.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infection
Regular sex can have several health benefits, including relieving stress, burning calories, lowering risks of hypertension and heart disease, and boosting libido (sex drive). Despite the potential benefits, it is important to understand that the frequency of sex is not a measure of the love or happiness you share in your relationship. The ideal frequency is the one that is comfortable for both partners. It is important to discuss your and your partner’s sexual needs and desires to have a fulfilling sex life and reap its health benefits.
Also Read: 8 Gentle Exercises That Can Help Ease Period Discomfort
Here are some foods that may help improve your sex drive.
-Strawberries
-Walnuts
-Avocado
-Almonds
-Watermelons
-Garlic
However, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
NOTE: If you regularly consume alcohol, try to give it a break for some time. This will help you concentrate on making your partner feel the best in bed.
Yes, women have a better control over their sexual feelings. They might also live without the desire for sex for longer periods than men. Though they love sex, they need to stay safe before getting into sexual activity, which helps them decide if they need it or not. So, instill trust in your partner and be sensitive to the feelings that will make her give her best to you.
A semen analysis test is done to see if the man’s sperm count is in the healthy range. It is recommended that you do this before marriage to stay on the safer side. While male infertility is a factor in many cases, female infertility is also common. About one-third of infertility cases are attributed to male factors, one-third to female factors, and one-third to both or unexplained causes.
Tests for sexually transmitted infections should also be done.
Many people debate about the safety and merits of period sex. Unless you are extremely uncomfortable with the idea of having sex during your period, it is completely safe to do so. Additionally, when you have sex during your period you can enjoy the following benefits:
-Shorter period: muscle contractions at the time of period tend to push out uterine content faster making your period short.
-Increased libido: Many women have reported increased sex drive during their period which means they will experience greater pleasure
–Relief from period pain: At the time of orgasm, the uterine muscles contract and then release, which lowers the pain associated with cramps
In most cases, it is safe to have sex during your pregnancy. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and the uterus’s muscular walls. So, there is no risk of harming the baby during penetrative sex. However, you should avoid sex if your doctor has specifically asked you to due to past history of miscarriages, your placenta is too low in the uterus, you are expecting twins or triplets or you are in the final weeks of your pregnancy.
You should ideally wait for about 4-6 weeks before you can resume your sexual activity after you have given birth. If you feel uncomfortable even after 6 weeks, ensure to wait a little longer. Talk to your doctor about this.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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30Masturbating is a common and normal behaviour. In fact, it is often considered a part of healthy sexual development1. However, it is not a medically proven method for improving sexual function or health outcomes. In some cases, excessive masturbation might be associated with compulsive sexual behaviour disorder2. An activity meant to be pleasurable should not interfere with daily life or emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore possible reasons to reduce masturbating and practical ways to do so.
Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only, and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.
How do you know if masturbation has become a concern? Masturbation can be a normal and healthy sexual behaviour for many individuals, and it does not indicate any serious problems. However, sometimes it might affect the way you think, act, and feel, and your day-to-day functioning. This may be associated with compulsive sexual behaviour, not just masturbation. You may experience changes in your behaviour that can affect your surroundings, loss of control, distress, or difficulty managing daily activities2.
The first step to address this is to accept the issue and be open to finding solutions. Signs that suggest you are excessively masturbating may include:
NOTE: Many people masturbate at some point in their lives, and it is healthy to do so. People may masturbate whether they are satisfied or unsatisfied with their sex life. The key is moderation, so that it does not interfere with daily life, relationships, or emotional well-being.
Did you know?
Here are some interesting facts that will give you an insight into this topic and its other facets.
It is absolutely normal to masturbate, and there are a lot of reasons why people do it. Some of the common reasons include:
If masturbation becomes difficult to control or interferes with your daily life, it may be time to address it. Here are a few simple strategies to support better self-control.
Pornography can be a trigger for people who masturbate frequently5. It may also influence a person’s thoughts, expectations, and behaviours related to sexuality. Limiting or avoiding exposure to explicit images, videos, or websites may help reduce the urge to masturbate and support healthier habits.
Diverting your mind by doing something else may help. Consider taking up a new hobby, such as swimming or hiking, which can replace time otherwise spent masturbating6. Working on personal goals and writing them down in a diary may also be helpful. Reminding yourself of these goals can help you stay motivated and redirect your energy towards other activities, reducing repeated thoughts about masturbation.
Masturbation does not always require medical treatment or therapy. However, if you feel unable to control the behaviour, experience distress, or notice problems with day-to-day functioning, it may be a sign of compulsive sexual behaviour2. In such situations, it is important to understand that managing this alone can be difficult. A healthcare professional may provide guidance and support to help address the issue. Not seeking help may affect mental well-being and could worsen distress over time. Therefore, consider speaking with a psychologist or therapist for appropriate support.
Did you know that many people socialise because they feel lonely? Engaging in social activities can help reduce repetitive or intrusive thoughts. Socialising keeps your mind diverted from masturbation and focused elsewhere. So make it a point to socialise with family, and friends or hit the gym to keep your body more productive.
Exercising regularly may help keep your mind healthy and balanced. Simple activities such as walking, jogging, running, or swimming can improve focus and may help reduce stress6. Physical activity can also help you feel calmer and more positive. Even setting aside 30 minutes a day for exercise can make a difference.
Sometimes erectile dysfunction, especially in elderly males, can be a sign of underlying undiagnosed coronary artery disease. These patients should get themselves screened for cardiac issues under the guidance of their physician before resorting to any therapies for erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS, MD, CCEBDM
Excessive masturbation may be linked to underlying mental health concerns and, in some cases, problematic behavioural patterns. Feelings of intense guilt after masturbation can be one possible sign of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, and some individuals may also turn to alcohol more frequently as a coping mechanism2. Masturbation may become a concern if it feels compulsive or difficult to control. It is generally normal, but it is important not to let it interfere with your well-being or daily life.
Yes, excessive masturbation may have physical and mental side effects.
Also Read: Does Masturbation Cause Weight Loss? Debunking Sexual Health Misconceptions
Masturbation is a normal sexual behaviour for many people and is generally not harmful when practised in moderation. However, if it becomes compulsive, causes distress, affects daily functioning, or leads to sexual or emotional difficulties, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Along with professional support, measures such as staying socially engaged and maintaining regular physical activity may help manage such concerns.
Excessive masturbation may be associated with both mental and physical discomfort in some individuals. Rather than focusing on specific numbers or limits, it is important to pay attention to how the behaviour affects your well-being, relationships, and daily life. The following frequently asked questions provide further clarity on this topic.
NOTE: Consult a doctor if you feel this behaviour is becoming difficult to control or is affecting your well-being. While masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, doing it excessively may be associated with physical discomfort or emotional distress in some individuals.
Yes, women masturbate too. Just as men use their hands to masturbate, women may use their fingers.
Masturbation may offer some mental and physical benefits for some individuals. It may help with temporary stress relief and relaxation, and it is a safe sexual activity that does not carry the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is not a proven method to prevent erectile dysfunction or other sexual health conditions, and its effects can vary from person to person.
Many people are told that masturbation is harmful and leads to several sexual or health problems. However, many of these claims are myths and are not supported by medical evidence. Common health issues that masturbation is often believed to
cause include:
-Blindness
-Penis curving
-Erectile dysfunction
-Shrinking penis
-Hairy body
-Pimples
-Infertility
-Low sperm count
-Memory loss
It is important to understand that masturbation does not cause these conditions. However, excessive or compulsive masturbation may sometimes be associated with issues such as skin irritation or tears, emotional distress, low mood, or changes in behaviour.
Moderate masturbation is generally considered normal and safe for people of all genders. It may help individuals understand their own bodies and what feels comfortable. It also carries no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, as long as it is practised in a safe and hygienic manner.
Masturbation does not cause any meaningful loss of protein. Although very small amounts of protein may be released during ejaculation, this is too minimal to affect the body’s overall protein levels. With a balanced diet, protein loss related to masturbation is not a concern.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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