Sexual wellness is a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough. In fact, many people don’t think they need to care about their sexual health unless they’re in a relationship or sexually active with someone else. However, it’s important for everyone to take care of themselves because this can affect your mental and physical well-being too.
Here’s why sexual wellness matters:
Sex can improve mood because it releases “feel-good” hormones. In the heat of the moment, your brain releases a number of pleasurable hormones to help you achieve orgasm. But why does sex feel so good? The answer is neurochemicals, such as dopamine and oxytocin, created by our brains when we have an orgasm that activates “reward pathways” in our minds. These chemicals play a role in regulating our moods — for example, they are released during sex to help us enjoy it more before we climax.
Oxytocin is linked with maternal instincts because mothers produce this chemical when giving birth or breastfeeding; however, there have been studies that link sexual activity (including orgasms) with increased levels of oxytocin which may explain why people feel so close after an intimate experience together.
Endorphins are generally produced during exercise and they make you less sensitive to pain (explaining why some people enjoy S&M) but also play a role in promoting intimacy. The connection between endorphin production and oxytocin is called the “endotoxic cuddle” or “runner’s high,” which explains how sometimes just running with someone can feel like sex!
Having sex can be a very intimate experience for both people involved because it releases endorphins which trigger feelings similar to those experienced during other pleasurable experiences like listening to music or eating something delicious.
Sex has physical benefits too:
- It could boost your immune system. There are a lot of things that can make you sick. Thankfully, we have an immune system to fight off the nasty little invaders and keep us healthy! But it’s not always as effective on its own; sometimes our bodies need extra help in fighting back like having sex. A 2004 study found that college students who had regular intercourse (once or twice per week) were more likely to get immunoglobulin A, meaning they might be getting some kind of protection from their frisky activities? It’s worth trying out for yourself if your body needs all the ammunition it can get against sickness!
- Ejaculation can reduce the chances of prostate cancer in men over 50 years old. A number of studies suggest a link between ejaculation and reducing the chance for developing prostate cancer; but in 2008, from the British Journal of Urology International study found that this is only true for men age fifty-years or older.
- Researchers found that women with a rewarding sexual relationship are at lower risk for cardiovascular disease. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior showed that, according to their findings, sex can help keep your heart healthy by reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease.
- Sex counts as exercise. This study found that 25 minutes indulging in sexual activity can burn over 100 calories, and it’s a great way to break up the monotony of your normal fitness routine.
Taking care of your sexual wellness is an important part of taking care of yourself. It impacts and improves your physical health, mental health, relationships, quality-of-life, and self esteem.
If you’re not sexually satisfied or if you feel like there are gaps in your knowledge about sex (and who doesn’t?), start by learning more about the different aspects of sexuality – what feels good physically for both partners during sex as well as the emotional feelings that come up while being intimate with another person.
Asking questions can help you find out how to make sure everyone’s needs are met so they have a satisfying experience every time. Plus it will give you some ideas on ways to spice things up!
