We think about sex. We fantasize about sex. We spend an inordinate amount of time and money in the pursuit for sex. We have sex. Pleasure is not the only benefit we get underneath the sheet. The mental and physical benefits of a healthy sex life extend far beyond the bedroom. Researchers, scientists, and medical professionals have made it their mission to study exactly how sex improves nearly every facet of life. So, let’s check out some healthy reasons to have sex regularly:

Improved Heart Health and Exercise

Sex can strengthen muscle tone and also increase heart rate. Just like any physical exercise, healthy sex is good for your heart. A study published in January 2015 in the “American Journal of Cardiology” found that men who had sex twice weekly or more had less risk of cardiovascular diseases, like strokes or heart attack, than those who had sex once a month or less. Similarly, sex can actually be considered a rather good form of exercise :A small study published in October 2013 in the “Journal PLoS One” showed that men burned an average of 4 calories a minute during sex while  women burned off 3 calories. That is more fun than hitting the gym

Sweet Pain Relief

According to researchers “Pain sometimes has to do with blood flowing to one particular area, like the head, and sex can take some of that pressure off by redirecting the flow”. Endorphins released during orgasm likely play a role in sex pain-relieving power. In another study published in PLoS One that was performed at Stanford University in California, anesthesiologists showed participants photos their romantic partners. They found that looking at romantic partners significantly eradicates the experience of pain. Although, you might think pain is a barrier to sex; consider this a sex benefit worth the time and effort. Other studies have found that women may get some relief from menstrual cramps through an intense orgasm.

Less Stress and Lower Body Pressure

Sex can help relieve stress by raising endorphins and other hormones that boost mood. As a form of exercise, it can also help calm you down. In addition, a Scottish study published in the journal _Biological Psychology_ found that sexual activity prevents increases in blood pressure during stressful events. While this effect was more pronounced in people who had sex with penetration, non-penetrative sex can also help you stay unclouded.

Possible Reduction of Prostate Cancer

Sex may protect against cancer. A study published in December 2016 in the journal _European Urology_ found that men who ejaculate more than 21 times within a month, compared with those who do so four to seven times within a month, are 20 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer, this shows that men who ejaculate regularly may reduce their risk of prostate cancer. Similarly, a French study found that women who have sex at least once in a month are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who didn’t. Although the disease is rare in men, those who orgasm less than six times a month appear to be at increased risk of breast cancer compared to those who do so more often, according to a Greek study.

Better Sleep with a Bonus: Increased Sexual Desire

Do you know that orgasms will help to release hormone prolactin that let you feels sleepy and relaxed? It’s from National Sleep Foundation. Don’t be angry with your partner that they fall asleep after an exciting session. This sleep connection also works in reverse. According to a study published in May 2015 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine getting enough shut-eye can improve your sexual response and may increase the chance that you will engage regularly in sex. Researchers discovered that when women slept for longer period of time, they recovered greater sexual desire the next day.

Happier Mood and a Stronger Relationship

Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, is released during physical intimacy and skin-to-skin contact; it can help increase romantic feelings between you and your partner. It is no wonder that you have got a more positive outlook after sex. There are biochemical rationales for experiencing improved mood as a sex benefit, from the neurotransmitters that may be released during sex to the mood enhancers contained in semen itself. According to Dr. Caron, “there is a lot to be said simply for the mood-boosting effect of having a nice connection with somebody that you trust and care about. In addition, researchers found that partners were satisfied for a full 48 hours after sexual activity, and those who were lucky enough to experience this afterglow went on to report more happiness in their relationship several months later.

Glowing Younger -Looking Skin

The fable “morning after” glow is not just your imagination; you really do look better after having sex. According to Dr. Caron, “Sex even helps you look younger”, that glow can be attributed to a combination of stress relief, better mood, and the flush of blood under your skin is a natural part of the arousal process. Sex boosts blood flow and helps regulate hormones, which can both have positive effects on skin’s appearance

Enjoying a better sex life is one of the great joys in life. Intimacy is a boost to your long term health as well, make it more pleasurable.