Want to Live Longer? Here’s How Sex Can Help, According to Science
Positive effects on the heart, mood, and even the immune system are some of the benefits of sex for men’s health. Learn all that an active sex life can provide.
Men’s sexuality is connected to multiple aspects of health. When approached positively, it promotes not only personal satisfaction but also hormonal balance, cardiovascular health, and a stronger immune system. Moreover, sex also helps maintain emotional stability and fosters healthier relationships.
Keep reading and discover the benefits of sex for men’s health and how a regular practice can be beneficial.
How Can an Active Sex Life Positively Impact Men’s Health?
Maintaining an active, safe, and healthy sex life can have positive effects, as sex can act like a real physical exercise, activating different body systems and releasing hormones responsible for well-being.
Sex can also positively affect men’s self-esteem, especially by encouraging a more positive body image and self-confidence on an individual level. These perceptions have a direct impact on mental health and social relationships.
Another of the benefits of sex for men’s health is that it naturally helps strengthen emotional bonds. Intimate contact stimulates the production of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which deepens connection with a partner and contributes to longer-lasting, healthier relationships.
What Are the Benefits of Having Sex for Men’s Health?
1. Strengthens Immunity
Sex and antibody production are positively interconnected. A study from Wilkes University shows that orgasm in men is associated with increased antibody production, such as Immunoglobulin A (IgA). Another study, published in 2004, revealed that sexual arousal and orgasms activate certain components of the body’s defense system.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
During sexual activity, heart rate increases and circulation improves, which helps maintain blood pressure and heart health.
3. Lowers Risk of Prostate Cancer
There is evidence that men who ejaculate frequently have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Findings from a study conducted by Harvard University indicated that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 31% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated four to seven times monthly.
4. Boosts Mental Health
Sex is also a way to relieve tension and promote well-being. It has been associated with reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, reinforcing the positive effects of sex on men’s mental health.
5. Increases Self-Esteem and Confidence
The impact of sex on male self-esteem should not be underestimated. Men who feel sexually active tend to develop greater confidence in other areas of life, such as work and family.
6. Strengthens Pelvic Floor Muscles
Sex requires and strengthens the pelvic muscles. Besides being essential for sexual performance, this strengthening helps prevent urinary incontinence and supports the vitality of the reproductive system.
7. Enhances Emotional Connection and Intimacy
Having an active sex life improves communication, empathy, and connection between partners. This strengthens emotional bonds and contributes to healthier, longer-lasting relationships.
8. Reduces Stress and Improves Mood
Sex and stress levels in men have an inverse relationship. During and even after sexual activity, the body releases endorphins and dopamine, neurotransmitters that produce feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
9. Supports Proper Penis Function
One of the benefits of sex for men’s health is that regular sexual activity helps with the engorgement of erectile tissues, which may contribute to maintaining erectile function over time, according to some clinical evidence.
10. Improves Sleep
The effect of sex on sleep quality for men is another proven benefit. After orgasm, prolactin is released, a hormone that induces relaxation and facilitates both falling asleep and staying asleep, while also synchronizing REM cycles, according to a new study published in Sleep Health.
11. Stimulates Blood Circulation and Overall Vitality
Sexual activity increases tissue oxygenation and improves circulation in various parts of the body, which can give men more energy, stamina, and overall health. The hormonal benefit of sex for men, including higher testosterone levels, also reinforces vitality.
When Should I Worry About My Sexual Performance?
It’s important to take note when there are persistent changes in erection quality, libido, or sexual pleasure, and even when there are physical changes in the penis.
Erectile dysfunction is a warning sign and can hinder sexual performance. This symptom may indicate systemic conditions such as vascular disorders, hormonal imbalances, or psychological issues, requiring clinical evaluation for proper treatment.
Similarly, Peyronie’s Disease, characterized by fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea and resulting penile curvature, can compromise performance and cause pain, in addition to impacting mental health. It’s a condition that demands treatment.
The benefits of sex for men’s health are an essential component of quality of life, involving physical, emotional, and relational aspects.
If you notice a steady decline in your performance or satisfaction with your sex life, it’s worth seeking specialized guidance from a trusted urologist or physician. Follow Dr. Paulo Egydio to learn more.
Seeking specialized guidance may help prevent future complications and support healthier aging, including the maintenance of sexual health.