It boosts your immunity, encourages heart health, facilitates glowing skin, is a veritable fountain of youth and holds hoards of other benefits. So why does sex get such a bad rep on this campus? You’d think between the sale of chocolate vaginas in the LC Mall, our fondness for dirty rap lyrics and living in an era of hyper-sexualized, well, everything, women wouldn’t shy away from talking about doing the deed. Yet, on this campus there is a huge gender divide with men talking openly about their sex lives and women remaining quiet. So, we here at Her Campus are ready to break the barrier and talk for once, about the positive side of sex. No, you don’t need to reenact “50 Shades of Grey,” get your Samantha Jones on or perform acrobatic feats to get the benefits of sex.
We aren’t telling you to go out and be sluts. But, if you happen to have someone you care about or just care about sleeping with, then this article will show you that the benefits go beyond the bliss of an orgasm. Ladies, it’s time to start sexercising!
Psychological Benefits
1. You Will Be In A Better Mood
Having More Sex = Release of Endorphins = Happier You. It really is a simple equation. The tension release that comes with the orgasm makes you instantly feel better about that to-do list running through your head…wait…what to-do list? Because your mind will be clearer, you will also be more alert and ready to approach class, homework, or problems with a clearer mindset.
Hint: If you go into sex still thinking about what you have to do the next day or that homework assignment you haven’t finished it probably won’t have as much of a mood-reversal effect. So be present!
2. Your Stress Will Melt Away
Brazil’s health minister recommended sex in 2010 as a solution to the nation’s high blood pressure problems. It turns out, if you’re having sex on the regular your blood pressure will stay low even when engaged with stress-inducing tasks such as studying for midterms or running to an interview. Essentially, sex has the same effects as yoga in that it brings you into the moment and pushes all negativity away. But the effects can last for hours after you orgasm sending you into a stress-free state that the rest of your classmates just won’t understand. Sex or late night KLARC yoga? Your choice.
Beauty Benefits
1. Your Skin Will Glow
It turns out that if you have a quickie in the morning you can skip the blush. Sex increases your blood flow and oxygenates your blood leaving you glowing. But, the effects go beyond that as well. The rush of endorphins and growth hormones can heal sun damage and cortisol build up making you look instantly healthier and younger.
2. You Won’t Have to Worry About Wrinkles
When you orgasm, beta-endorphin, prolactin and oxytocin are all released. When these endorphins and hormones move through the body after the big O, they wipe out the inflammatory molecules that age skin and create wrinkles.
3. You’ll Trim Down Without Even Trying
Sex burns approximately five calories per minute. If you are into more acrobatic or adventurous types of sex, double or triple that number. Even engaging in foreplay will rev up your heart rate and increase your body’s caloric burn. In fact, many cardiologists liken a moderate romp to a modest treadmill workout. Sexercising at its finest.
Health Benefits
1. You’ll Improve Your Immunity
Want to stop sneezing, coughing, wheezing and sniffling? Studies have shown that people who have sex either one or two times a week have higher levels of an antibody known as Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps fight against colds, flus and other infections. The next time you feel a sneeze coming on or sense that all-too-familiar cold feeling in your nose and throat, put down the Vitamin C supplements and “knock boots” with your partner instead.
2. You can Rest Assured, My Friend
Need to get rest for your big exam in the morning? Include a nightly romp in the sheets after studying. A wave of calm and relaxation occurs once the endorphines are emitted before and during orgasm, allowing you to sleep much better at night and feel rested and refreshed all throughout the next day.
3. You’ll Relieve Those Aches and Pains
Put down that bottle of Advil and opt for a quickie instead! The endorphins that are released right before a person climaxes are similar to opiates in that they occupy the morphine receptors in the brain, thus relieving pain and stiffness. Additionally, when a person is sexually aroused or engages in sexual activity, his or her oxytocin levels increase which has been shown to reduce pain. The increased levels in endorphins and Oxytocin after sex are enough to relieve headaches, arthritis pain, or PMS symptoms.
4. You’ll Increase Your Blood Flow
We all know from 6th Grade Health class that blood flow is a critical component of sexual activity. Yet, partaking in sexual activity in turn increases a person’s blood flow. Sex increases a person’s heart rate, which means that a fresher supply of oxygenated blood will be distributed to the brain and the rest of the body at a faster rate. More oxygenated blood to the brain will result in better mental performance and capacity, while blood to the other parts and organs of the body leads to an overall cleansed system rid of old and wasteful products.
To the women of Bucknell’s campus, be proud of your bodies and treat them well with a little fun under the sheets. Do the nasty. Knock boots. Do the no pants dance. Make love. Boink. Whatever you want to call sex, there are many psychological, beauty, and health reasons as to why you should be having more of it!
Sources:
(http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/sex/better-sex-guide/health-benefits-of-sex/)
(http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/relationship-issues/how-sex-makes-you-beautiful)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/09/sex-benefits-_n_820526.html#s237024&title=Look_Younger
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/hidden-health-benefits-sex/story?id=16278890