SEX, HEALTH + WELLBEING- IS THERE A LINK? 

By So Divine Sexpert, Jess

While most people only think about the obvious pleasure benefits, there’s a much wider range of benefits linking to our wellness. So how can sex have a positive impact on your health and wellness?

Gone are the days when sex was an embarrassing subject to talk about, times are now changing! With the launch of sex toys in mainstream stores such as Tesco and Boots, consumers are becoming more open to talking about sex. While most people only think about the obvious pleasure benefits, there’s a much wider range of benefits linking to our wellness. In fact, sex plays a key part of our general wellness as well as our emotional and physical health. So how can sex have a positive impact on your health and wellness? 

REDUCING STRESS LEVELS

Overtime stress can have a substantial impact on your overall well-being. It’s important to take some time each day away from your stresses… and yes sex can help with that! Physical intimacy can lower stress levels due the release of ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin. In addition to this, after you orgasm, your body releases a hormone called ‘Prolactin’ , this is often the reason why we feel so relaxed after sex and even sometimes feel slightly drowsy.

HELPS TO REDUCE PAIN

Got a headache coming on? Some fun in the sheets may actually help to reduce the pain. Sexual intimacy releases

oxytocin which is known to ease pain. According to Professor Barry Komisaruk, who studies brain activity during sex, he found that an orgasm will block out the pain altogether! 

IMPROVES BALDDER CONTROL IN WOMEN

Regular orgasms help to work your pelvic floor muscles by strengthening and toning them. In turn, a strengthened pelvic floor can help to improve bladder control and will also lower the risk of incontinence in later age.

LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE 

Yep that’s right, sex is also known to help lower blood pressure. So why not try having sex more often! A Scottish study found that sexual activity can actually prevent an increase in blood pressure during stressful events. Every little helps!

GOOD FOR THE HEART 

Any type of exercise is good for the heart and yes sex counts too! Although we would still recommended getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, sex is an extra bonus on top of this.According to a study at Queen’s University in Belfast, they found that sex could potentially halve the risk of heart attack in men who have sex more than three times a week!

IMPROVES SLEEP 

If you struggle to sleep then try having an orgasm to help you drift off. When you have an orgasm your body releases a hormone called prolactin which is a natural sleep aid! That also explains why you sometimes feel sleepy after sex.