Eight Ways Sex Does Your Body Good!

Besides the immense pleasure that it gives, bet you didn't know that regular sex is also a great way to improve your physical and psychological health. Yes, sex does a body good! And if you're one of the fortunate that's getting some real good lovin', then you can surely co-sign on how great sex can brighten your day and put an extra spring in your step. If you think you'll be feeling a lil' frisky tonight (heck, if you're feeling a little frisky now), I'll give you some great reasons to grab your boo and tell them you're in the mood for some “sexual healing.” Here are eight ways sex does a body good. Hit the jump to see the 8 ways…

1. Sex Relieves Stress

Having a stressful week? Then you might want to spend some more time in bed before heading into work. Did you ever notice how one (or several consecutive) romps in the sack can alleviate even the most stressful of days? Well that's because sex is a big stress reliever. How you ask? Well sex lowers blood pressure. And studies have shown that people who engage in regular intercourse (and masturbation) have better responses to stress than those who don't.

2. Sex Boosts Immunity
With all the worrisome statistics about STD's and HIV, would you ever guess that sex could actually boost your immunity? Well it can! As I like to say, “An orgasm a day, keeps the doctor away!” Sexual arousal and orgasm have been linked to increased levels of antibodies and white blood cells, which help your body fight colds and flus.

3. Sex Burns Calories and Improves Heart Health

If you're having the good kind of sex, you know- the hot, panting, rolling around, limbs getting intertwined, sweat out your perm kind- then I don't have to tell you that sex is a great cardiovascular workout. Sex helps keep your heart healthy, and on average, burns 260 calories or more in 60 minutes. While that may not sound like much, consider that one pound of fat equals 3500 calories. So if you're looking to lose weight, some good ole' lovin' could be the perfect alternative if you're not a big fan of the gym.

4. Sex Reduces Pain (and PMS)

Stimulation of your clitoris, vaginal walls, and orgasm, triggers the body to release oxytocin, endorphins, and corticosteroids. These are all natural painkillers. And for women, these painkillers become useful if you want to ease the symptoms of PMS. So ladies, if you're trying the get out of sex, be careful about using the “baby, I have a headache” or “baby, I have cramps” excuse to turn down your lover. Because if they're reading this, they may just suggest that you relax and take a big dose of “D” instead of Excedrin.

5. Sex Does a Prostate Good

Maybe your man wasn't lying when he said “I'll die if I can't have you.” A groundbreaking study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that high ejaculation frequency (21 ejaculations or more a month) through sexual intercourse or masturbation, is associated with a lower prostate cancer risk in older men. Now there's a great reason to get the pipes cleaned regularly.

6. Sex Does a Vagina Good

Ladies, have you heard the saying, “If you don't use it, you'll lose it.” If you don't wake up one day with a dusty desert between your thighs, make sure you keep the “garden watered” and “soil fertile” with regular sex. Regular sex and Kegel exercises, help to keep your vaginal tissues supple and healthy, as well as strengthen your vaginal and pelvic floor muscles. And this becomes even more important later on in life when concerned about maximizing sexual pleasure and minimizing the risk of urinary incontinence.

7. Sex is a Great Sleep Aid

After putting in major work, does your guy moan a “Damn baby!” and then promptly roll over into a coma-like, snore-filled slumber? Well biologically he can't help it. Sex and orgasm promote sleep because they cause the body to release the hormone oxytocin. And oxytocin (aka the “cuddling hormone”) is responsible for relaxation, feelings of intimacy, and sleep.

8. Sex Keeps You Happy

Did you know that semen (aka your man's ”lil' soldiers”) acts as an antidepressant? Yes, semen helps fight the blues. A study at the State University of New York in Albany found that females who had sex without condoms (and allowed lovers to ejaculate in their vagina) had fewer signs of depression than women who used condoms or abstained from sex. That's because semen (which is loaded with nutrients) enters the bloodstream and fights to counteract depressive symptoms. Remember, it's always best to practice safe sex (and use birth control if desired). But if you're battling the blues and you're in a healthy monogamous relationship, don't hesitate to occasionally send your man's ”lil' soldiers” to war.