Sex with a partner appears to have some protective effect on cardiovascular health, especially in women.
A 2016 study looked at the potential health benefits of being sexually active with a regular partner.
Research has found that sexually active women have a lower risk of heart attacks later in life.
However, the study also concluded that high levels of sexual activity may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in men. This conclusion contradicts most previous research and further studies are needed to verify this risk.
Men and women with heart problems should ask a doctor about how safe sex is for them. They should also be specific about the regularity and intensity with which they have sex, as this can affect potential strain on the heart.
The same 2016 study also measured blood pressure as one of the indicators of heart health. The researchers found that older women who expressed satisfaction with their sex lives were less likely to have high blood pressure.
However, the study authors did not find the same results in older men.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure can affect both libido and a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
High blood pressure medication can also reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction.
Although this does not confirm a benefit, it may indicate a link between blood pressure and sexual health.
Many people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, have safety concerns when it comes to sexual intercourse.
While it’s always important to talk to a doctor, it’s usually safe for people with high blood pressure to have sex.
If the high blood pressure medication is causing sexual difficulties, a person can talk to their doctor who may be able to prescribe a different medication or dosage to alleviate the side effects.
Strengthening the immune system
Some early research found that regular sex increased the effectiveness of the immune system.
The researchers found that people who had frequent sex, which they defined as one to two times a week, had more immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their system than others. IgA is an antibody that lives in mucosal tissue, such as the salivary glands, nose, and vaginal tissue.
However, it’s important to recognize that this study appeared in 2004, and researchers haven’t replicated it since. A new study may yield different results.
A more recent study examined a small group of women to see if there were differences between the immune activity of those who were sexually active and those who were not.
The study examined the ability of their immune systems to kill different infectious pathogens at different points in the menstrual cycle.
While the results suggest there may be some differences between the groups, the authors say more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
Reducing the risk of prostate cancer
An early study, again from 2004, found that high ejaculation frequency may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The study investigated nearly 30,000 men, looking at how often they ejaculated at different points in their lives.
They concluded that those who ejaculated more than 21 times a month had a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who ejaculated only 4-7 times a month.
In 2016, researchers extended this study for an additional 10 years to continue their research on the participants’ risk of developing prostate cancer.
This follow-up confirmed the initial findings. Men who ejaculated more frequently had a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who ejaculated less frequently.
Stress relief
Sex can serve as a natural way to relieve stress. A 2019 study looked at the effect that intimacy with a partner had on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a steroid hormone released in the body in response to stress.
The researchers found that expressions of intimacy, whether sexual or not, helped bring cortisol levels back to normal in both men and women.
Sex triggers the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and other “feel-good” hormones, which may be responsible for this stress-reducing effect.
Improving sleep
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that sexual activity has hormonal benefits for sleep.
The same hormones that reduce stress and anxiety are also responsible for causing sleepiness. Sex leads to the release of oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins throughout the body.
After a person has an orgasm, another hormone called prolactin begins to circulate. Prolactin causes feelings of contentment and relaxation.
Precautions
While sex can be an enjoyable and potentially healthy activity, it’s important to remember that unprotected sex can compromise overall health.
People who have sex without using contraception are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies. Using a condom or other contraceptive method can reduce the risk of these results.
If a person has multiple partners, they can reduce their risk by reducing the number of people they have sex with.
If sex is painful or causes bleeding, a person should talk to a healthcare professional.
