The Health Benefits of Sex During Quarantine
There's no way around it... quarantine can be a drag!
But we must do what we can to keep our spirits high while we spend the next few weeks (or longer, please help!) in quarantine.
One of the best ways to boost your immune system and strengthen your relationship is to have sex.
Follow the doctor's orders
TV medical expert Dr. Mehmet Oz says that people stuck inside should be having lots of sex to combat the effects of social distancing for the coronavirus.
“The best solution if you’re holed up with your significant other, quarantined, is have sex,” advises the doc in a TMZ video. “You’ll live longer, get rid of the tension.”
What are the health benefits to having sex?
- Boosts your immune system
- Increase your overall sex drive
- Improves women's bladder control
- Lowers your blood pressure
- Considered a form of exercise
- Good for heart health
- Orgasm and sexual stimulation can block pain
- May make prostate cancer less likely
- Improves sleep
- Eases stress
Boosts your immune system
Intimacy boosts your body's ability to make protective antibodies against bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can cause common illnesses.
"Sexually active people take fewer sick days," says Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD
Of course, a robust immune system is dependent on many different factors like healthy diet, exercise, and heredity.
Increase sex drive
If you don't use it, you lose it! The same is true for our libidos. The more we have sex, the more our brain chemicals and cell receptors tell us to do it again and again and again.
Plus, regular intimacy can increase vaginal lubrication, blood flow, and vaginal elasticity... all of which make sex feel better... making you want even more regular sex.
See how it's a cycle?
Improve women's bladder control
A strong pelvic floor is important for avoiding incontinence. Good sex is basically a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. Orgasms count for bonus points
Not having sex? Don't fret. Just do your kegels regularly.
Lowers Blood Pressure
"One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure," says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD. That's the first number on your blood pressure test.
Sex counts as exercise
You shouldn't get rid of your gym shoes, but sex still counts as physical activity. Some couples even reach the level of "moderate" exercise.
One study found that men burn an average of 4 calories per minute of sex.
The average sexual session lasts about 6 minutes... so not a ton of calories, but enough to get your heart rate up and release feel good hormones throughout your body.
Good for heart health
Regular intimacy with your partner raises your heart rate, counts as physical exercise, and helps to keep your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance.
Sex can block pain
This one seems a little far fetched, but apparently research backs up the claim.
“We’ve found that vaginal stimulation can block chronic back and leg pain, and many women have told us that genital self-stimulation can reduce menstrual cramps, arthritic pain, and in some cases even headache,” Barry R. Komisaruk, PhD, says.
May make prostate cancer less likely
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that found men who ejaculate frequently (at least 21 times a month) were less likely to get prostate cancer.
Improves sleep
“After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness" after sex, says Sheenie Ambardar, MD.
No wonder men go right to bed after a romp.
Eases Stress
Intimacy can create feelings of connectivity, self confidence, and happiness. During sex our body releases feel good hormones that can help combat anxiety and stress.