Sex not only feels good, it can also be good for you. Here's what a healthy sex life for men and women can do for you.
How does sex benefit men?
A recent review found that men who have more frequent penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) are less likely to develop prostate cancer [s].
One study found that men who averaged 4.6 to 7 ejaculations per week were 36 percent less likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis before the age of 70. This compared to men who reported ejaculating 2.3 or fewer times a week on average [s].
For men, sex may affect your mortality rate. One 10-year follow-up study reported that men who had frequent orgasms (defined as two or more per week) had a 50 percent lower risk of death than those who had less sex [s].
Although the results are conflicting, the quality and health of sperm may increase with increased sexual activity, some research suggests [s].
How does sex benefit women?
Orgasm increases blood flow and releases natural chemicals to relieve pain.
Sexual activity in women can:
- Improve bladder control
- Reduce urinary incontinence
- Relieves menstrual cramps and menstruation
- Fertility improvement
- Build stronger pelvic muscles
- Helps produce more vaginal lubrication
- It may protect you from endometriosis, or the growth of tissue outside the uterus
The sexual act can help strengthen the pelvic floor. A reinforced pelvic floor can provide benefits such as less pain during sex and a reduced chance of vaginal prolapse.
One study shows that PVI can lead to reflexive vaginal contractions caused by penile thrusting [s].
Women who continue sexual activity after menopause are less likely to develop significant vaginal atrophy, or thinning of the vaginal walls.
Vaginal atrophy can cause pain during sex and urinary symptoms.