Health Benefits of Sex

Everybody knows that sex feels good, but did you know that it is actually good for you? In fact, it's one of the best prescriptions for good health and it has no expiration date. So here are 12 good reasons to keep your sexual organs in tip top condition.

1. An active sex life is good for the cardiovascular system as the increase in heart rate benefits circulation and can reduce the likelihood of a heart attack.

2. Sex can lead to a healthier prostate. A study in the British Journal of Urology International states that men can reduce their chances of getting prostate cancer by a third if they ejaculate 5 times a week. Flushing the prostate of carcinogens that could cause problems is the objective.

3. Sex can control the bladder, especially for women. Dr. Arthur Kegel invented Kegel exercises in the 1940's for women to help them control incontinence. The same set of muscles is worked during sex.

4. Sex can even reduce insomnia. The release of tension can lead to the relaxation of muscles and deeper, quicker sleep.

5. An additional (though less sexy) benefit is that sex can work as a laxative, toning and controlling the lower abdominal muscles.

6. Sex can actually work as a pain medication. Immediately before orgasm, hormone levels of oxytocin surge to 5 times their normal level and releases endorphins, which help alleviate pain.

7. Sex can improve your sense of smell because after sex, prolactin, a hormone flows to the brain and develops new neurons in the olfactory bulb, which is the brains smell center.

8. Sex can help prevent colds and flu. Wilkes University in Pennsylvania discovered that people who had regular sex had 30% higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that boosts the immune system.

9. Sex can help you to lose weight. Studies at Michigan's Ferris State University found that sexual intercourse burns about 200 calories and pulse rate rises from about 70 to 150 beats per minute, which is equal to running on a treadmill for half an hour, but much more fun.

10. Sex can help to get those creative juices flowing and improve a variety of mental functions, including your concentration. (Speaking of creativity, men, why not trade in the risks of bareback for the fun of a condom fashion show to see which feels the best? And, ladies, condoms aren't just for the boys. Use them on your sex toys and don't forget the dental dams for oral sex).

11. Sex can be an effective anti-depressant because it releases Dopamine, those feel-good neurotransmitters from the brain.

12. Sex can alleviate stress and anxiety. The sedative effect of sexual activity is conducive to fighting the effects of daily tension, even with a quickie.
To connect with someone sexually can offer a great deal of healing through the expression and celebration of who you are at your most vulnerable. So be good to yourself by treating yourself as if you are madly in love with you. Check out The Experience Channel, a unique sexual wellness website that offers original shows for couples and singles of all orientations, with sexpert advice, games, education and lots of romance enhancing products to add more sizzle to your love life.

Dr. Ava Cadell is a clinical sexologist, AASECT certified sex counselor in private practice for over for 15 years, author of 7 books, and media therapist on over 100 TV shows. Recently on "The Ricki Lake Show" she counseled a male couple on trust issues. She is also the founder of Loveology University� and spokesperson for The Experience Channel.