A Healthy Sex Life: Several Reasons to Make Love
June 26, 2008 by rainier
Evidence points to the many health benefits of an active sex life. Sex Made Easy, an article published in Men’s Health Magazine, gives several healthy reasons to hop into bed — a reminder that making love is good for both body and soul.
1.Heavy Breathing. A night of love can raise the amount of oxygen in cells, helping to keep organs and tissues functioning at their peak.
2.Lowered Cholesterol. Making love regularly can lower levels of the body’s total cholesterol slightly, while positively changing the ratio of good-to-bad cholesterol.
3.Pain Relief. Sex can lower levels of “arthritic pain, whiplash pain and headache pain,” according to Dr. Beverly Whipple, president-elect of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Hormones that are released during sexual excitement and orgasm can elevate pain thresholds.
4.DHEA — Without Supplements. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a popular supplemental hormone, is released naturally during lovemaking. “Just before orgasm and ejaculation,” Crenshaw says, “DHEA spikes to levels three to five times higher than usual.”
5.Hormones — Naturally. “Regular lovemaking can increase a woman’s estrogen level, protect her heart and keep her vaginal tissues more supple,” states Donahey.
6.Stress Relief. “Sex can be a very effective way of reducing stress levels,” Donahey told Men’s Health.
