Apart from reproductive purposes, engaging in regular sexual activity is one way to have fun, maintain intimacy, and keep the body fit. The benefits of intimacy encompass various aspects of life, including psychological, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social well-being.
However, it's important to engage in sexual activities with the appropriate frequency if you want to reap the benefits of intimacy. Although there is no ideal frequency for sexual activity, research indicates that the average adult engages in it around 54 times per year or approximately once a week.
Various Benefits of Intimacy
There are numerous physical and psychological benefits that can be derived from intimacy. Engaging in a healthy intimate relationship can enhance the quality of life and provide the following benefits:
1. Boosting the body's immunity
Research shows that engaging in sexual activity regularly, about 1-2 times per week, can increase the levels of antibodies that protect the body from infections.
However, the frequency of sexual activity also affects antibody levels. If sexual activity occurs more than three times per week, the antibody levels in the body may be similar to those who do not engage in regular sexual activity. This is believed to be influenced by stress and anxiety.
Therefore, make sure you and your partner engage in sexual activities regularly with the appropriate frequency to benefit from the immune-boosting effects of intimacy.
2. Burning calories
Engaging in sexual activity is a physical exercise equivalent to brisk walking. By having sexual intercourse for approximately 30 minutes, you and your partner can burn around 200 calories. This is triggered by the release of brain chemicals during sexual activity, which can help suppress the desire to eat.
So, if you want to burn calories and maintain an ideal body weight, schedule regular intimate moments with your partner.
3. Maintaining heart health
Maintaining heart health is also one of the benefits of intimacy. Research indicates that men who engage in sexual activity twice a week have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to those who have infrequent sexual encounters.
Furthermore, the benefits of intimacy can also increase heart rate and maintain a balance of estrogen and testosterone levels, which are important for heart health.
4. Providing happiness
According to research, regularly engaging in sexual intercourse can enhance happiness. This is because sexual activity offers you and your partner a chance to momentarily escape the hustle and bustle of life and evoke feelings of pleasure.
5. Strengthening your relationship with your partner
Orgasms during intimate moments release oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This hormone is beneficial in strengthening your bond with your partner and providing a sense of calm and satisfaction.
Furthermore, it is advisable to remain faithful to one partner during intimate relationships. Being loyal to a single partner can increase commitment levels and reduce the risk of divorce.
6. Helping control the bladder
As women age, they may experience bladder control issues, leading to uncontrolled urine flow. One of the benefits of intimate relationships is helping to control the bladder.
Orgasms during sexual intercourse can trigger muscle contractions, particularly in the pelvic floor muscles. In addition to the pelvic floor muscles, another benefit of intimate relationships is tightening the abdominal muscles.
7. Lowering blood pressure
Studies indicate that sexual intercourse, excluding masturbation, is beneficial in lowering high blood pressure. This is because sexual activity can induce the dilation of blood vessels, increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to body cells, and subsequently reduce blood pressure.
8. Alleviating pain
Another benefit of intimate relationships that you and your partner can experience is pain relief. During sexual intercourse, the brain releases endorphins that not only relax the body but also alleviate pain arising from migraines and backaches.
9. Reducing the risk of prostate cancer
Research suggests that ejaculating at least 21 times per month may potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, further research is still required to establish a conclusive link between sexual activity and the risk of prostate cancer.
10. Improving Sleep Quality
It is known that intimate relationships with a partner can improve sleep quality. This is triggered by the production of the hormone prolactin after orgasm, which can induce a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness, allowing you to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. If your sleep is sound, your immune system and energy levels will increase.
You can reap the various benefits of intimate relationships mentioned above by adopting a healthy lifestyle and practicing safe sex. A healthy lifestyle, such as getting sufficient rest, exercising regularly, consuming nutritious food, and completing vaccinations, can also contribute to a healthy sexual relationship.
If you encounter any issues during sexual activities, such as decreased libido, orgasmic disorders, or experiencing pain during intercourse, it is advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate advice and treatment, so that you can experience the benefits of intimate relationships as described above.
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