As once said by American medical doctor and neurologist Barbara Wilson, “Is there anything else more accessible, pleasurable, and low-calorie for our health?” The following scientific facts about sex explain why it is so beneficial.
1. Humans are the only biological species on the planet with multiple mating behavior systems (monogamy, polygamy, polygyny, polyandry). This is due to the rapid evolution and development of the brain, which made the transmission of non-genetic knowledge crucial for survival, unlike genetic information in animals. People quickly adapted to geographical and social conditions in different countries. For example, polyandry was prevalent in Tibet (making survival easier), while monogamy was widespread in Europe. The prevalence of single-parent models in developed societies also indicates the convenience of survival in such arrangements.
2. Women are the only female animal species capable of engaging in continuous sexual activity from the onset of puberty. Additionally, by external characteristics alone, it is impossible to determine ovulation in women, and they themselves are unaware of the exact moment of their ovulation.
3. Economists David Blanchflower from Dartmouth College and Andrew Oswald from the University of Warwick in England conducted a survey of 16,000 people, exploring their sexual activity and well-being. They found that an increase in sexual activity, from intimacy once a month to lovemaking once a week, correlated with a rise in self-esteem on the “happiness scale,” equivalent to receiving an additional income of $50,000. (Contrary to stereotypes, those who earn more do not necessarily have sex more frequently.) According to the data, the happiest individuals were married couples who engaged in sex one-third more often than singles. Economists calculated that a long-lasting, happy marriage equates to an additional annual income of $100,000 on the “happiness scale,” while divorce is equivalent to approximately $66,000 in annual losses.
4. In a study conducted at Duke University, researchers observed the lifestyle of 252 individuals over a 25-year period, aiming to determine the factors influencing longevity. Among various factors, they also considered the frequency of sexual intercourse and pleasure derived from it. It was found that for men, the frequency of sexual activity was an important factor in increasing lifespan. As for women, this factor did not play a significant role, as women who claimed to derive satisfaction from sex had longer lifespans.
5. According to research by clinical neuropsychologist David Weeks from the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, three lovemaking sessions per week in stress-free relationships can make individuals appear ten years younger. Dr. Weeks studied over 3,500 men and women aged 18 to 102 and concluded that our appearance is only 25 % determined by genetics, while the rest is influenced by lifestyle. In this study, experts had to estimate the age of individuals by observing them through a one-way mirror. Those men and women whose age was underestimated by 7-12 years were labeled “superagers,” and an active sex life was the most obvious common factor in their lifestyle. They reported engaging in sex at least three times a week, while the rest of the participants averaged twice a week. Dr. Weeks, who published the results of this study in the book “Secrets of the Superyoung,” offers one explanation for this phenomenon: sexual activity in women promotes the production of somatotropin hormone, which helps maintain a youthful appearance. Additionally, sex improvesmetabolism, and love relationships themselves serve as a stimulus for caring about one’s appearance and staying fit.
6. A study by scientists Beverly Whipple and Barry Komisaruk from Rutgers University (USA, New Jersey) revealed that women who regularly achieve orgasm have a higher pain threshold for conditions such as gunshot wounds or arthritis. This is likely due to a five-fold increase in oxytocin levels before orgasm, which in turn releases endorphins that alleviate pain. The increase in estrogen production in women can also alleviate pain during PMS.
7. Sex prolongs life and reduces the risk of premature death, as it generally has a positive impact on the body, according to experts. American researchers have found that couples who engage in lovemaking at least twice a week are less prone to respiratory infections on average. The reason behind this is the presence of class A immunoglobulins (IgA) that protect the mucous membranes from viruses. The levels of these antibodies in the saliva of sexually active volunteers are nearly twice as high as those of their peers who engage in sexual contact infrequently. Additionally, frequent sex prevents serious heart problems. Specialists have discovered that individuals who engage in lovemaking no more than once a month have elevated levels of homocysteine. When accumulated in the body, this substance attacks the inner walls of arteries, leading to the formation of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques, which can cause cardiovascular diseases. However, those who frequently engage in sex have significantly lower homocysteine concentrations, resulting in a reduced likelihood of experiencing such disorders. Moreover, even patients who have undergone heart surgery have a 27 % lower mortality rate if they engage in sex at least once a week.
8. Sex reduces headaches and sometimes even eliminates them altogether, according to German researchers who surveyed nearly a thousand patients with chronic migraines. It was discovered that 60 % of them experienced significant relief after sexual intercourse, and for some, the pain disappeared completely. Some respondents admitted to using sex as a therapeutic method when medication fails to provide relief. The authors of the study suggest that the pain-relieving effect is associated with the action of endorphins, the production of which increases during sexual activity.
9. Men generally find it easier to experience pleasure during sex compared to women. However, scientists from Indiana University (USA) have identified four proven techniques that help women achieve orgasm: “angling”, “rocking”, “shallowing” and “pairing”. The first technique involves intense pelvic and hip movements during intercourse, stimulating erogenous points from different angles. The specifics of the “rocking” and “shallowing” techniques are self-explanatory based on their names. As for “pairing” it involves combining two or three techniques simultaneously.
Researchers arrived at these conclusions after surveying over 3,000 women aged 18 to 93 about their sexual lives. The specialists were interested not only in the frequency and duration of sexual intercourse but also in the pleasure experienced – how often the respondents had orgasms and under what circumstances. It turned out that between 70 % and 87 % of the respondents used at least one of the described techniques.
10. One in five women never experiences orgasm, and the reason behind it is the insufficient duration of sexual intercourse. According to various estimates, the average duration ranges from just over 5 minutes to around 12 minutes. However, for both men and women to derive pleasure from sex, it should last at least 13.41 minutes, and for some individuals, almost half an hour is necessary. American researchers have found that the longer the sexual activity, the better and more invigorated the partners feel. On the other hand, if the entire process takes less than 10 minutes, individuals often experience a decline in energy and a lack of motivation afterward.
11. German researchers discovered that individuals who have less active sex lives often take on more work. Work allows them to compensate for the lack of self-realization in the bedroom. The researchers surveyed over 32,000 Germans about their work habits and the frequency of sex. The results showed that 36 % of men and 35 % of women who engaged in sex once a week or less dedicated themselves entirely to their work.
12. A study published in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” revealed that lowering cholesterol levels improves erectile function in men. Conversely, high cholesterol levels can lead to problems in the bedroom.
13. Women don’t always need a man, a vibrator, or direct physical stimulation to achieve orgasm. A study published in the “Sexual and Relationship Therapy” journal showed that some women can experience orgasm or sexual pleasure during physical exercise.
14. A survey of millennial moms born between 1977 and 1994 showed that there is no intimate moment for them where they can’t use their smartphones. Among the thousands of young mothers surveyed, 210 admitted to using their phones at least once during sex.
15. A study published in the “British Journal of Psychology” revealed that people who reported being altruistic engaged in sex more frequently. Scientists believe that altruism serves as a demonstration of a person’s value as a sexual partner since it involves caring for others and a greater likelihood of future cooperation with a partner.
16. Many equate sex to a workout session at the gym, but that’s not the case. In half an hour of light morning jogging, you burn as many calories as in 200 minutes of sex. Even vacuuming or playing table tennis expend more energy. According to the “British Heart Foundation” scientific journal, sex burns approximately the same number of calories per minute as ironing clothes.
17. Specialists from Cleveland have discovered what happens to the human body without regular sex.
Scientists found that people become less intelligent without regular sexual activity. In the study, individuals who engaged in sex on a regular basis scored higher in tests measuring verbal and spatial skills. Furthermore, those who had frequent sexual activity showed higher cognitive test results.
Scientists believe that increased brain activity may be linked to the release of hormones during lovemaking.
18. Couples who engage in sex at least four times a week appear 10 years younger than their inactive peers after the age of 40. “The key to preserving youth lies in the pleasure experienced during sex, specifically the release of adrenaline, dopamine, and norepinephrine,” says neuropsychologist David Weeks from the Royal Edinburgh Hospital (UK). “Sex also triggers the release of human growth hormone, which combats free radicals in the body, preserving skin cells and relaxing muscles to prevent wrinkles”.
The researcher emphasized that sex with a regular partner provides the greatest benefit. Casual sex is often associated with feelings of fear and vulnerability, which are not conducive to youthfulness. “Furthermore, foreplay and post-sex caresses play a special role between committed partners. To trigger the body’s rejuvenation process, these caresses should last at least 15 minutes”, –– recommends Weeks.
19. Orgasm can reduce bodily pain by half.
“In a matter of minutes, sex increases the levels of endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers», explains Professor Stuart Brody from the University of Paisley (Scotland). “There is specific evidence that sex helps alleviate back pain and migraines”.
Therefore, if you’re experiencing pain, avoid excessive activity and move at a calm pace.
“Try the starfish position», — suggests Paula Hall. – “Lie on the bed face up with your legs intertwined and use your hands for movement”.
To replenish energy after such experiments and eliminate pain completely, fruits like black grapes and oranges, which are rich in potassium, vitamin C, B, and B12, can help increase the level of endorphins in the body.
20. Men who experience ejaculation at least seven times a week during their 20s have a one-third lower risk of prostate cancer in adulthood compared to those who have only three orgasms per week. Regular ejaculation protects the prostate ducts from the development of oncogenes that cause cancer. It’s the regularity that matters, not occasional marathons.
Daily ejaculation brings much more benefits than multiple ejaculations with a one-month break. Additionally, a partner is not necessary for this purpose.
21. A ten-year study conducted by the University of Bristol revealed that the risk of death is 50 % lower among sexually active middle-aged men who experience two or more orgasms per week.
“Regular sex increases the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone, which fight against free radicals, the cause of cancer and heart diseases», — explains Professor George Davey Smith, the study’s author. – “So, balance on the edge to intensify the orgasm. When you feel that ejaculation is close, penetrate as deeply as possible – penis will be in the widest part of the vagina, reducing stimulation. Hold still for 30 seconds and then resume movement”.
22. To understand what happens in the brain of an aroused woman, scientists from Rutgers University in the USA used MRI. During the study, they discovered that stimulation of the vagina, cervix, clitoris, and breasts activates different areas of the brain.
23. During a kiss, a couple exchanges 9 ml of water, 0.7 mg of protein, 0.18 mg of organic substances, 0.71 mg of fat, and 0.45 mg of salt. According to research, people transmit between 10 million and 1 billion bacteria to each other through a kiss. Kissing is a part of the mating ritual encoded in our genes, as it is for other mammals.
24. Contrary to popular belief, not all men always achieve orgasm during sex. According to the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles in the UK, only 75% of men can boast of regular success. Among women, the figure is even lower, with only 29 % of British women reporting pleasure in every sexual encounter. This is likely why every 10th married couple prefers to sleep in separate beds. At least, that’s what researchers from the National Sleep Research Project in England claim.
