Reproductive health benefits.

According to at least one study, sex appears to decrease a man’s risk of prostate cancer, and the prevention of endometriosis in women. It also promotes fertility in women by regulating menstrual patterns.

In a nutshell, the health benefits of sex in a good, solid relationship are practically endless. Yet, in planning our New Year’s resolutions, how many of us are declaring, “I think I’ll have more sex with my lover” in fulfilling any 2008 health and self-improvement goals?

While exercise on a regular basis is important to your health, sex can do so much more for you and your relationship. So before signing any dotted line for a new gym membership, consider how time allotted to an athletic club could be far more effective in your boudoir.

You can get a lot more bang for your buck in the bedroom, double your “membership” benefits, and, with sex breeding the desire for more sex, thanks to a boost in testosterone, it’s a workout plan you’re likelier to stick to.

Decreased risk of breast cancer.

One study of women who had never given birth found that an increased frequency of sexual intercourse was correlated with a decrease in the incidence of breast cancer.

Longevity.

There is a significant relationship between frequency of orgasm and risk of death, especially with men. Men who orgasm two times a week have a 50 percent lower chance of mortality than those who climax one time per month. The bonus: Living longer also gives you and your honey the opportunity for even more lovin’!

Mood lifter.

Sex releases pleasure-inducing endorphins during arousal and climax that can relieve depression and anxiety, and increase vibrancy.

A better, younger looking you.

Sex keeps you looking and feeling younger and, according to some research, may lead to shiny hair, a glowing complexion and bright eyes. This is because it increases the youth-promoting hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrostone). And feeling more attractive charges your sex life even more.

Sleep enhancement.

There’s no need to count sheep when sex, including masturbation, helps insomnia. Plus, making love sure beats tossing and turning your way to zzzz’s.

Increased self-esteem and intimacy.

When sex is consistent and involves mutual pleasure, it can increase bonding since the surge in oxytocin at orgasm stimulates feelings of affection, intimacy, and closeness. When spiritual in nature, sex can lead to an even better quality of life and stronger relationship. Is it any wonder that good sexual energy in a positive relationship can make you feel better about yourself, your partner, and life in general?

Better heart health

A little bit of heart and soul in the sack should be part of every doctor’s orders when it comes to cardiovascular care. Sex may help lower cholesterol and the risk of heart attack.

Immune booster.

Stop spending late nights at the office. Sex wards off colds and the flu. And sexually active people take fewer sick days, giving the phrase “working late” an entirely new meaning. Bosses, take note.

Stress relief.

Sex, even if only with ourselves, impacts the way we respond to stress, increasing levels of oxytocin and stimulating feelings of warmth and relaxation. What better way to unwind from a tough day than sharing its most climactic moment with your special someone?

Pain management

Forgo popping a pain killer and opt for something a bit more “au naturel.” Sex has been shown to offer migraine and menstrual cramp relief, as well as alleviate chronic back pain thanks to the endorphins and corticosteroids released during sexual arousal and orgasm.

Weight loss and weight control

Forget torturing yourself with the latest fad diet or hours on the elliptical machine when you can burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes of sex! Lovemaking lends itself to improved strength, flexibility, muscle tone, and cardiovascular conditioning. Plus, there’s something super sexy about getting to sleep with your very own “personal trainer.”

Sex – it does the body good.

Yet most of us are quicker to hit the gym before hitting the sheets when it comes to taking care of ourselves. Believe it or not, huffing and puffing your way through a hot, sweat-inducing sex session may be far more beneficial to your overall health than the time you spend on the treadmill.

As research confirms time and time again, good sex in a healthy, stable, monogamous relationship can only better our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Sex, in this context, offers us tons of benefits, most of which aren’t touted nearly enough.

Here are just a few benefits:

Sex Reduces Pain

As levels of the hormone oxytocin increases, endorphins increase, and pain declines. In women, sex also prompts production of estrogen, which can reduce the pain of PMS.

Sex Improves Intimacy

Having sex and orgasms increases levels of the hormone oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, which helps us bond and build trust. Higher oxytocin has also been linked with a feeling of generosity. So if you're feeling suddenly more generous toward your partner than usual, credit the love hormone.

Sex Keeps you Young

Sex keeps you looking and feeling younger. Research alco indicates that sex may lead to shiny hair, a glowing complexion and bright eyes. This is because sex increases the youth-promoting hormone DHEA.

Sex Increases Blood Flow

When we are aroused our blood starts pumps at a quicker rate and, thus, blood flow to our brain increases. The fresh supply of blood pumping through your body provides the organs with a healthy dose of oxygen and rids the body of old and wasteful products.

Sex Burns Calories

Thirty minutes of sex burns 85 calories or more. It may not sound like much, but it adds up. A vigorous bout burns some 200 calories. This is about the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill or playing a spirited game of squash. Muscular contractions during intercourse work the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and thorax. Sex also boosts production of testosterone, which leads to stronger bones and muscles.

Sex Boosts Immunity

Having sex once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA. This antibody helps protect you from getting colds and other infections.

Great health benefits of sex

Studies show that one of the biggest health benefit of sex is lower blood pressure and overall stress reduction.

It Promotes Regular Menstrual Cycles.

A series of studies by behavioral endocrinologist Winnifred Cutler and colleagues at Columbia and Stanford universities found that women who have intercourse at least weekly (except during their period) cycle more regularly than abstainers or the sporadically active. (Related research found that lesbian lovemaking also smoothes out menstrual cycles.) Cutler argues that intimacy is essential, not orgasms: "Regular exposure to a loving partner has extraordinary effects on health and well-being."

Yes, Honey, I Have a Headache

For a woman a migraine might actually be a reason for making love rather than avoiding intercourse: the increase in endorphins and corticosteroids during arousal and orgasm is analgesic.

It Burns Calories

A little over four calories a minute, or the equivalent of four Hershey's kisses in a half hour of love. Think of it as part of your weekly exercise regime, and burn, baby, burn.

It's a Beauty Treatment

In a study at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, a panel of judges viewed participants through a one-way mirror and guessed their ages. Those who looked seven to 12 years younger than their age (labeled "superyoung") were also enjoying lots of sex—four times a week, on average. OK, maybe they were having so much fun because they looked young. But it's likely the sex was helping, researchers say. One reason is that it raises a woman's estrogen level, which helps make hair shiny and skin supple.

It Fights Colds and Flu

Sexual intercourse once or twice a week raises the body's level of the immune-boosting antibody immunoglobin A by a third, according to research at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.

Six Reasons to Have Sex Every Week

Sex is good for adults. Indulging on a regular basis—at least once a week—is even better. Research links sex (with all safer-sex precautions taken) to an astonishing array of physiological benefits, from longevity to pain relief. Many studies don't address whether the health bonus comes from the act itself or from the corresponding emotional intimacy, but the bottom line is that getting physical has some great side effects—especially for women. Here are six ways that sex boosts your health:

Immunity booster

Sex can also boost general health by stimulating the immune system. A study carried out in Pennsylvania, for example, showed that sexually active university students produced more of the bacteria-fighting antigen IgA than those who didn't have any sex.



Scientists have speculated that this could be because sexually active people are potentially exposed to more infections, so their immune systems are primed to deal with them.



Quality, not quantity, seems to be important, however: people who had very frequent sex had lower IgA levels than those who had no sex at all.



This, according to Dr Carl Charnetski, who carried out the study, could be because people who were having very frequent sex might have been in relationships that were causing stress, which can make IgA levels drop.



The association between health and the nature of sex is perhaps backed up by a Japanese study in which 19 out of 42 people who had had a stroke during sex were being unfaithful at the time.

Sex fights illness

When, for example, scientists studied around 2400 men in Caerphilly, Wales, over a 10-year period, it found that those who had more orgasms were 50 per cent less likely to have died.



This lowering of risk was particularly marked when it came to heart attacks, leading scientists to endorse the idea that sex can be excellent exercise.



Another way in which sex shows its disease-fighting qualities is in the role it appears to have in protecting against prostate cancer.



Studies have shown that frequent ejaculations appear to reduce the risk of this type of cancer, which affects around 20,000 men in Britain every year.



Research carried out in Boston looked at 30,000 men aged between 46 and 81. It found that a higher number of ejaculations was linked with a decreased risk of cancer of up to 33 per cent.



This follows a smaller Australian study that appeared to show that men who masturbated frequently in earlier life were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer when they got older.



This phenomenon has been attributed to the theory that orgasm reduces the development of calcifications in the prostate that have been linked with cancer.

Immunity booster

Sex can also boost general health by stimulating the immune system. A study carried out in Pennsylvania, for example, showed that sexually active university students produced more of the bacteria-fighting antigen IgA than those who didn't have any sex.

Scientists have speculated that this could be because sexually active people are potentially exposed to more infections, so their immune systems are primed to deal with them.

Quality, not quantity, seems to be important, however: people who had very frequent sex had lower IgA levels than those who had no sex at all.

This, according to Dr Carl Charnetski, who carried out the study, could be because people who were having very frequent sex might have been in relationships that were causing stress, which can make IgA levels drop.

The association between health and the nature of sex is perhaps backed up by a Japanese study in which 19 out of 42 people who had had a stroke during sex were being unfaithful at the time.

Tips to maintain a healthy sex life later in life:

• Communicate with your partner. Open discussion of sex has become much more common in the last 40 years, but many older adults come from a generation where sex remains a taboo subject. But openly talking about your needs, desires and concerns with your partner can make you closer and help you both enjoy sex and intimacy more.
• Talk to your doctor. Talking about sexual issues with your doctor can help you maintain a healthy sex life as you get older. Your doctor can help you manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. Many older men have trouble maintaining an erection or reaching orgasm. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications or other treatments for these problems.
• Expand your definition of sex. Intercourse is only one way to have fulfilling sex. Touching, kissing and other intimate sexual contact may be just as rewarding for both you and your partner. Realize that as you age, it is normal for you and your partner to have different sexual abilities and needs. Be open to finding new ways to enjoy sexual contact and intimacy.
• Change your routine. Simple changes can improve your sex life. Change the time of day when you have sex to a time when you have the most energy. Try the morning — when you're refreshed from a good night's sleep — rather than at the end of a long day. Because it might take longer for you or your partner to become aroused, take more time to set the stage for romance, such as a romantic dinner or an evening of dancing. Try a new sexual position or explore other new ways of connecting romantically and sexually.
• Seek a partner if you're single. It is never too late for romance. It can be difficult starting a relationship after the loss of a spouse or being single for a long time — but socializing is well worth the effort for many single seniors. No one ever outgrows the need for emotional closeness and intimate love. If you start a relationship with a new partner, be sure to practice safe sex. Many older adults are unaware that they are still at risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS.
• Stay healthy. Eating regular nutritious meals, staying active, not drinking too much alcohol, and not smoking or using illegal drugs are important for your overall health — and it can help your sexual performance. Follow your doctor's instructions in taking medications and managing any chronic health conditions.
• Stay positive. The changes that come with aging — from health problems to changes in appearance and sexual performance — leave many men feeling less attractive or feeling they are less capable of enjoying or giving sexual pleasure. Discussing your feelings with your partner can help. Feeling angry, unhappy or depressed has a strong impact on your sex life. Professional counseling or other treatment can improve your sex life — and your well-being.

Sex fights illness

When, for example, scientists studied around 2400 men in Caerphilly, Wales, over a 10-year period, it found that those who had more orgasms were 50 per cent less likely to have died.

This lowering of risk was particularly marked when it came to heart attacks, leading scientists to endorse the idea that sex can be excellent exercise.

Another way in which sex shows its disease-fighting qualities is in the role it appears to have in protecting against prostate cancer.

Studies have shown that frequent ejaculations appear to reduce the risk of this type of cancer, which affects around 20,000 men in Britain every year.

Research carried out in Boston looked at 30,000 men aged between 46 and 81. It found that a higher number of ejaculations was linked with a decreased risk of cancer of up to 33 per cent.

This follows a smaller Australian study that appeared to show that men who masturbated frequently in earlier life were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer when they got older.

This phenomenon has been attributed to the theory that orgasm reduces the development of calcifications in the prostate that have been linked with cancer.