Although sex can be extremely fun and pleasurable, many people don't make enough time for it. Whether it's because they're too tired from their day to day living, or they'd rather spend the extra hour before bed binge watching their favourite show (guilty!), sometimes couples (and singles) can neglect their sexual appetite.
We're here to let you know you're doing your health, and overall well being, a disservice by not engaging in enough love making. Wouldn't want to do that, now would you?
Here are ten of the BEST reasons you should be having more sex.
1. It's great for burning those extra calories.
Feeling guilty about the extra slice of cake you had for dessert? No worries. Sex is a great form of exercise that burns tons of calories. Skip a day at the gym and enjoy a good workout from the comfort of your abode.
"Sex can absolutely improve your overall fitness," says Dr. Jessica O'Reilly,Toronto-based sexologist, author, and television personality. "If you move around, bounce around, and chase each other around the room, you're going to burn some calories."
She goes on to explain the average 30 minute sex session can help drop up to 200 calories. This varies with size, weight, and how physically demanding the romp turns out to be. "Hanging off that chandelier will burn more calories than lying on your back in missionary position." We hear you, Dr. Jess!
2. Who needs Popeye's spinach? Lovemaking makes you stronger.
Yes, lovemaking makes you stronger, and we're not talking in the metaphorical sense.
According to Dr. Jess, "During sex, endorphin release has a really wonderful effect on your body. Sex can actually help alleviate those menstrual cramps, that headache that perhaps you're using as an excuse, and other bodily aches. Research indicates that oxytocin release can increase you pain threshold up to 50% too."
Well then...
3. It makes you a happy camper.
We all have those days when we feel less than chipper. A great pick-me-up to help boost your mood: a shameless quickie-with or without a partner.
Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, tells Refinery 29, "Self-cultivation [masturbation] can relieve anxiety by allowing a woman to sink into her own ability to experience bodily pleasure," which means you truly do hold the key to your sexual fulfillment and happiness.
Also note: while being pleasured, the body releases dopamine and serotonin. "In short, they're the same kinds of chemicals that are in the medications given to women for depression or anxiety."
4. You'll have less sick days.
Get your immune system in check with a little bit of sex!
“Individuals who have sex once or twice a week show 30 percent higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system,” Desmond Ebanks, MD, founder and medical director of Alternity Healthcare in West Hartford, Connecticut shared.
We're all for anything that keeps us away from the sniffles. How about you?
5. You'll finally have a good night's sleep.
A rigorous sex romp can be the perfect lullaby during a restless night.
Sheenie Ambardar, MD, says, "After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released which is responsible for feelings of relaxation and sleepiness."
Hmm, this might explain a few things...
6. Say goodbye to beauty products! You'll have a natural glow.
There probably isn't a single one of us who doesn't long for an everlasting glow. Here's a helpful hint: forget the trial and error of ineffective creams; turn to sex for your beauty needs.
According to Amy Levine, coach and founder of Ignite Your Passion, because sex boosts our immune system and allows us to sweat out toxins from our pores, it,"Translates to our skin's radiance and being more at ease with facial expression (as we use our facial muscles to express ourselves during a sexual encounter). Ultimately, giving a post-sex glow and possibly helping to ward off wrinkles."
Forget night cream - pass us the lube!
7. It helps reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Yup, it's true. Sex on the regular works to increase heart rate, while keeping oestrogen and testosterone levels in check.
Joseph J. Pinzone, MD, says, "When either one of those is low you begin to get lots of problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease." Yikes! We wouldn't want to fall victim to those illnesses, now would we?
More sex, please!
8. It makes for great bonding time with your partner.
Need a way to get closer to your beau? Try setting aside more time for intimacy. Whether you use it as an opportunity to relearn all the crevasses of his body, or to try new moves, odds are, neither of you will be disappointed. At the very least, your exploits will make for great inside jokes for the two of you.
9. Toss your textbooks; sex makes you smarter.
While we don't want you to actually forget about your Masters dream (just yet), we'd be remiss if we didn't let you know sex can up your smarts. Yup, you better believe it!
Recent research from the States showed sexual activity reduces memory loss that comes as a result of stress.
We obviously need to get in a good "cram session".
10. Lighter periods and less cramps, FTW!
According to Women's Health, "When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts and, in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds." Heck yes! "The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster."
Can we get an Amen?
Do you have any other good reasons to have sex? Tweet us @sofeminineUK
