Want to Live Longer? Here’s How Sex Can Help, According to Science
Positive effects on the heart, mood, and even the immune system are some of the benefits of sex for men’s health. Learn all that an active sex life can provide.
Men’s sexuality is connected to multiple aspects of health. When approached positively, it promotes not only personal satisfaction but also hormonal balance, cardiovascular health, and a stronger immune system. Moreover, sex also helps maintain emotional stability and fosters healthier relationships.
Keep reading and discover the benefits of sex for men’s health and how a regular practice can be beneficial.
How Can an Active Sex Life Positively Impact Men’s Health?
Maintaining an active, safe, and healthy sex life can have positive effects, as sex can act like a real physical exercise, activating different body systems and releasing hormones responsible for well-being.
Sex can also positively affect men’s self-esteem, especially by encouraging a more positive body image and self-confidence on an individual level. These perceptions have a direct impact on mental health and social relationships.
Another of the benefits of sex for men’s health is that it naturally helps strengthen emotional bonds. Intimate contact stimulates the production of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which deepens connection with a partner and contributes to longer-lasting, healthier relationships.
What Are the Benefits of Having Sex for Men’s Health?
1. Strengthens Immunity
Sex and antibody production are positively interconnected. A study from Wilkes University shows that orgasm in men is associated with increased antibody production, such as Immunoglobulin A (IgA). Another study, published in 2004, revealed that sexual arousal and orgasms activate certain components of the body’s defense system.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
During sexual activity, heart rate increases and circulation improves, which helps maintain blood pressure and heart health.
3. Lowers Risk of Prostate Cancer
There is evidence that men who ejaculate frequently have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Findings from a study conducted by Harvard University indicated that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 31% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated four to seven times monthly.
4. Boosts Mental Health
Sex is also a way to relieve tension and promote well-being. It has been associated with reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, reinforcing the positive effects of sex on men’s mental health.
5. Increases Self-Esteem and Confidence
The impact of sex on male self-esteem should not be underestimated. Men who feel sexually active tend to develop greater confidence in other areas of life, such as work and family.
6. Strengthens Pelvic Floor Muscles
Sex requires and strengthens the pelvic muscles. Besides being essential for sexual performance, this strengthening helps prevent urinary incontinence and supports the vitality of the reproductive system.
7. Enhances Emotional Connection and Intimacy
Having an active sex life improves communication, empathy, and connection between partners. This strengthens emotional bonds and contributes to healthier, longer-lasting relationships.
8. Reduces Stress and Improves Mood
Sex and stress levels in men have an inverse relationship. During and even after sexual activity, the body releases endorphins and dopamine, neurotransmitters that produce feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
9. Supports Proper Penis Function
One of the benefits of sex for men’s health is that regular sexual activity helps with the engorgement of erectile tissues, which may contribute to maintaining erectile function over time, according to some clinical evidence.
10. Improves Sleep
The effect of sex on sleep quality for men is another proven benefit. After orgasm, prolactin is released, a hormone that induces relaxation and facilitates both falling asleep and staying asleep, while also synchronizing REM cycles, according to a new study published in Sleep Health.
11. Stimulates Blood Circulation and Overall Vitality
Sexual activity increases tissue oxygenation and improves circulation in various parts of the body, which can give men more energy, stamina, and overall health. The hormonal benefit of sex for men, including higher testosterone levels, also reinforces vitality.
When Should I Worry About My Sexual Performance?
It’s important to take note when there are persistent changes in erection quality, libido, or sexual pleasure, and even when there are physical changes in the penis.
Erectile dysfunction is a warning sign and can hinder sexual performance. This symptom may indicate systemic conditions such as vascular disorders, hormonal imbalances, or psychological issues, requiring clinical evaluation for proper treatment.
Similarly, Peyronie’s Disease, characterized by fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea and resulting penile curvature, can compromise performance and cause pain, in addition to impacting mental health. It’s a condition that demands treatment.
The benefits of sex for men’s health are an essential component of quality of life, involving physical, emotional, and relational aspects.
If you notice a steady decline in your performance or satisfaction with your sex life, it’s worth seeking specialized guidance from a trusted urologist or physician. Follow Dr. Paulo Egydio to learn more.
Seeking specialized guidance may help prevent future complications and support healthier aging, including the maintenance of sexual health.
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Our cultural landscape is experiencing a shift, with women increasingly challenging these entrenched gender stereotypes.
In recent years, a prevalent societal belief has suggested that women should adhere to the ritual of shaving their body hair to meet a standard of beauty defined by smooth, hairless skin. This ideal has often been linked to concepts of femininity, elegance, and delicacy. However,
Today, many women are taking a bold step toward embracing their natural selves, body hair included. Rather than conforming to traditional norms about appearance, they are opting for authenticity over conformity. This shift reflects a significant change in how women view themselves and their role in society.
What is particularly noteworthy is that these women not only stand firm in their choice but also seek to inspire and empower others. They have recognized that their journey toward self-acceptance can serve as a source of hope for women globally who may feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. They are champions of individuality, reminding us that there is no single definition of beauty or one-size-fits-all approach to being a woman.
This empowering movement is about more than just embracing body hair; it’s about celebrating the freedom to be oneself without apology. These women are breaking free from societal expectations and redefining the narrative of beauty. Their act of defiance is essentially a declaration of self-love and respect, sending a strong message that women should be valued for who they are, not for who they are expected to be.
1. “You’ll find it easier to feel comfortable with your hair by making small actions little by little every day…it’s a journey.”
2. “I was out shopping today when a guy noticed my legs and paid me a compliment. It made my day.”
3. Sofia doesn’t let a razor touch her skin.
4. “Feelin’ myself.”
5. Julia Michaels at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards
Julia Michaels, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has not only made waves in the music industry but also in the realm of body positivity and self-acceptance. Her Instagram selfies, featuring her armpit hair, sent a powerful message to her fans and followers. In an era of unrealistic beauty standards, her unapologetic stance against conformity is both refreshing and inspiring.
Julia Michaels’ humorous “eat a bag of worms” retort to body shamers showcases her resilience and refusal to be swayed by negativity. It sends a clear message that she will not let others dictate her appearance or how she feels about her own body. In a society where body shaming is common, her bold response serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to embrace their bodies without fear of judgment.
Michaels’ advocacy for body positivity extends beyond social media. Her decision to walk the red carpet at the Grammy Awards with visible armpit hair was a powerful statement challenging conventional celebrity expectations. By doing so, she not only showcased her authenticity but also promoted inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
The support and praise she has received from her fans underscore the impact of her message. By openly embracing her body and challenging beauty standards, she has become a beacon of empowerment for many who feel pressured to conform to unrealistic ideals. Her influence goes beyond music, encouraging people to love and accept themselves as they are.
6. “I don’t think I own a razor.”
7. Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes Leon, has always embraced her body hair.
Lourdes Leon, daughter of pop icon Madonna, is making headlines by confidently embracing her body hair, continuing her mother’s legacy of defying conventional beauty standards. Madonna, known for rejecting traditional grooming norms, has influenced Lourdes, who now makes her own statement in the fashion world.
As a rising model, Lourdes has been seen with underarm and leg hair, sparking varied reactions from the public. Her decision to showcase her natural state challenges societal pressures and is a statement of autonomy and self-acceptance.
A notable moment in Lourdes’ journey was her runway appearance at New York Fashion Week, where her unshaved legs challenged industry beauty standards. Her confident display at a high-profile event sent a powerful message about celebrating individuality and authenticity in a field that often promotes narrow definitions of beauty.
Additionally, Lourdes’ fearless attitude was evident at a red carpet event where she wore a semi-sheer dress highlighting her unshaven legs. Her confidence in making this statement shows that she is unapologetically herself and unafraid to challenge societal norms, even under public scrutiny.
8. Frida Kahlo in the 1930s
9. “We have razor-free legs and armpits, but what about razor-free faces and chests? Trying to embrace my hirsutism.”
10. Julia Roberts was one of the first celebrities to flash underarm hair on the red carpet in 1999.
Julia Roberts’ appearance with visible armpit hair at a movie premiere in the late 1990s was a groundbreaking moment in pop culture. At the height of her fame, Roberts made headlines by defying the beauty norms of Hollywood, where immaculate grooming was the standard.
What makes this moment particularly compelling is that Roberts herself recently revealed that her choice was not a deliberate political statement but simply an expression of her authentic self. This revelation highlights the importance of authenticity and personal choice, emphasizing that sometimes powerful statements arise from living genuinely.
The fact that Roberts’ decision was not intended to make a statement underscores the complexities of societal expectations and the pressures individuals face regarding their appearance. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful statements are those made by simply being oneself in a world that often demands conformity.
11. “After running pictures!”
12. Amandla Stenberg wears a sleeveless black gown and doesn’t care about shaving or removing the hair under their arms.
Amandla Stenberg, a prominent 19-year-old actor, drew attention by walking the red carpet at the European premiere of her film, proudly displaying her unshaved armpit hair. This bold act was both a personal statement and a significant moment in pop culture that highlighted the importance of challenging conventional beauty standards.
Stenberg’s identification as non-binary adds depth to her decision. By publicly showing her underarm hair, she challenged societal expectations and demonstrated that self-acceptance and authenticity are crucial components of one’s identity, regardless of gender. She has become a role model for those who feel marginalized or pressured to conform.
Sharing a photo of her underarm hair on Instagram extended her message of body positivity. Social media serves as a platform for influential figures to advocate for change, and Stenberg effectively used hers to promote self-acceptance. Her message that beauty and self-worth should not be defined by external standards resonates broadly, particularly with those navigating self-discovery.
13. “Flowers and sunshine”
14. “Over one year razor-free!”
15. “Society needs to accept that women have hair too.”
This choice reflects broader discussions on body positivity and individual empowerment. Some may stop using razors to align with their principles or solidarity with those who choose not to shave. Others may continue shaving out of personal preference. The key is recognizing that there is no universal answer, and the important thing is respecting each person’s right to make decisions about their own body.
The issue extends beyond personal choice to a broader movement challenging societal beauty standards. Women who reject traditional grooming norms advocate for self-acceptance and diversity, demonstrating that beauty is not a one-dimensional concept. Their refusal to conform serves as a powerful statement that personal empowerment and self-acceptance should be celebrated above societal expectations.
