Imagine walking into your therapist’s office and leaving with instructions to go have sex. While it may seem odd, the science behind this prescription exists. Within the medical community, it is becoming increasingly clearer that having sex regularly (more than once a week) has long-term health benefits. Along with the physical pleasure of sexual encounters, numerous biological benefits of sex can help ease day-to-day problems like insomnia and provide long-term cardiovascular advantages. Especially on college campuses where we are constantly stressed, your late-night hookup is actually helping you in more ways than one.
A majority of the benefits from sex directly result from orgasms. For women, this happens 18% of the time from intercourse alone. The chemical release of oxytocin following a male or female orgasm, aside from leading to physical pleasure, infiltrates the bloodstream and counteracts the presence of harmful hormones. Levels of cortisol, the hormone produced by the body in response to stress, are lowered as an increase in oxytocin levels occurs. At the same time, endorphins and dopamine are released into the bloodstream; these hormones help to ease anxiety and improve mood. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, consider a quickie for your study break.
The same goes for sleepless nights: orgasms help you fall asleep. They have been proven to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality due to the release of prolactin. As college students, the importance of sleep is hammered into us from the moment we step foot on campus (we even have a Gen Ed about it). Restless and get a ‘you up?’ text from your situationship at 3 a.m.? Consider the benefits to your sleep before responding.
The best-kept secret to healthy, clear skin: sex. The increase in blood flow from sex increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. This causes a brighter complexion, resulting in the infamous “post-sex glow.” The bonuses do not stop there. The same effect that causes stress levels to decrease after sex also results in less collagen breakdown within the skin. Collagen breakdown is the direct cause of wrinkles and scarring as we age, so having sex allows you to maintain a more youthful appearance. In theory, having sex is delaying future Botox appointments, saving you money in the long run.
Have you been feeling a little under the weather? Consider sex to boost your immunity. Having consistent sex boosts the levels of immunoglobulin A in the bloodstream. This protein in the blood aids in fighting off infections and higher levels strengthen the defense mechanisms of the immune system. One study even found that having sex more than three times a week gives your body a better ability to fight off COVID-19. If you feel like you cannot stop getting sick, consider adding a one-night stand to your list of cures.
Furthermore, a healthy sex life has been proven in multiple studies to be correlated with longer life spans. For biological men specifically, frequent orgasms lead to a 50% decrease in mortality risk after the age of 45. Sexually active women have a lower risk of cardiac events later in life. The essence of the science is that the release of hormones during sex relaxes your arteries, which lowers blood pressure and decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, men who have sex more often have a lowered risk of prostate cancer as they age. For biological women, there is a reduced risk of breast and cervical cancer. It’s safe to say you are doing your future self a favor by having sex as frequently as possible.
However, all of the benefits of sex do not come without risks, especially if you are not practicing it safely. While there is a very limited window for pregnancy to occur within a menstrual cycle, unwanted pregnancies occur up to 75% of the time after a year of unprotected sex. Additionally, every time you have sex without protection, you increase your risk of contracting STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, HPV, and herpes. Infections like HIV and HPV are incurable, so think twice before going raw.
While the benefits of sex are not universal, they are still scientific facts. In a world of abstinence-focused sex education, talking about the advantages of sex is important to foster more open communication and understanding regarding the practice. Spreading this knowledge can lead to better-informed choices about sexual habits and destigmatize negative perceptions about sex. There are other ways to achieve all the benefits listed above, so why not have some fun while doing so?
Eros hates HUHS and will avoid going there at all costs.