A Guide to the Health Benefits of Sex

1. Sex can provide pain relief

Orgasms or paracetamol? Research from the State University of New Jersey has found that sex to the point of orgasm can release a hormone that raises your pain tolerance. Reaching climax is also the point where your muscles relax the most, which takes your mind off any pain and aches you’ve been feeling through the day.

2. It's a form of exercise

For most of us, sex is a form of light exercise (it can be rigorous exercise for more experienced players). As you’re busting your moves, you’re also getting your heart pumping, which can have long-term benefits on your heart health. Sex can help lower your blood pressure and your risk of heart problems.

3. It helps you get a good night's sleep

After you’ve climaxed, are you ever left with a surge of sleepiness? If so, this is a sign that you’ve done the right thing. Orgasms release a hormone called prolactin that creates a relaxing effect, which often makes it a lot easier to get a peaceful night’s sleep.

4. Sex can reduce your stress levels

Getting intimate with your partner feels oh-so-good because sexual experiences can trigger the release of mood-boosting hormones including endorphins. These chemicals can calm you down and boost your mood, creating a more stress-free you. Not only that, but communicating about sex will help you become a better lover while showing your partner that they're valued and desired.

5. It strengthens your emotional and physical bonds

Sex and everything you do to build up to it raises your libido and strengthens your bond with your partner. If you or your partner have a lower libido, don't underestimate the power of intimacy. Even the smallest actions, like holding hands, can release a chemical called dopamine that gets you in the mood.

You can also experiment with sex toys for couples to see if novel new sensations help get you both excited. When you stimulate and caress each other more regularly, you might find your sex drives naturally grow.

6. Sex improves your brain function

As you now know, regular sex can have a lot of benefits for your mental or emotional wellbeing. But you might be surprised to find out it can also impact your brain function. Studies have shown that regular sexual intimacy can enhance your memory and cognitive function. How cool is that?

7. It may boost immunity

Regular sex has been found to benefit your immune system and can limit your chances of catching certain illnesses or infections. This means you stand a greater chance of fighting any colds and staying healthier throughout the year. That's right, washing your hands, taking your vitamins, and introducing sex toys to your relationship are all ways to keep you in peak condition!

8. It gives you an all over body glow

All those delicious feel-good endorphins can have positive effects on the rest of your body. Reports have found that it can improve your teeth, digestion and even give you more glowing skin after sex. Take us to the bedroom!

How to look after your sexual health and wellness

When it comes to your sex life, your safety and pleasure should be your priority. Here are a few things you can do, either solo or with your partner, to help maintain sexual wellness:

• Stay safe and use protection: Whether it’s hormonal birth control or condoms, choose the method that works for you and your body. Your GP will be able to talk you through your options, so book an appointment if you're unsure. Remember that condoms are the only form of birth control that also protect against STIs.

• Get tested regularly: Did you know that some STIs won't give you symptoms right away? That's why it’s important to get tested regularly even if you feel fine. It's especially important if you have multiple partners or change partners often, as you're increasing the risk of contracting or spreading an STI. Find your nearest sexual health clinic to get an appointment or test-at-home kit.

• Get into lube: Lube makes sex softer and slicker for everyone involved, reducing friction without reducing pleasure. The wet feeling can even enhance stimulation and alleviate discomfort you might experience during sex. Some people with vulvas find using lube helps protect them against urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's a must for any kind of penetrative sex and can even enhance foreplay – especially if you like flavoured lube!

• Keep yourself clean: There's nothing sexier than the smell of clean skin, plus good personal hygiene reduces the risk of UTIs.You don't necessarily need fancy products to keep your genitals clean, especially if you have a vagina (they're self-cleaning). But you should wash your anus, vulva, or penis properly using warm water. When you do use soap, make sure it's a gentle one that won't disrupt the pH balance of your skin.

• Get to know what makes you tick: Understanding your own needs, fantasies, and desires will help you advocate for yourself in the bedroom. Masturbate and experiment with toys to learn what you like and how you like it. Pleasuring yourself can feel liberating and can give you the confidence you need to deliver with a partner in the bedroom.

• Choose quality products you trust: Whether its sex toys or bondage gear, buying from brands you know and trust makes the difference. At Lovehoney, we use high quality materials and offer advice on how to use, clean, and care for your sex toys.

• Take a visit to your GP: If you're worried about anything to do with your sexual health, get a check up. You're always better safe than sorry. Whether it's an unexpected lump or a routine smear test, your GP can offer guidance and peace of mind.

Finally, it's important to notice and understand your feelings about sex. If anxiety, pain, or lack of confidence have ever impacted your relationship with sex, it's worth speaking to your GP or a sex therapist to get support. It's never too late to start having amazing, confidence-boosting sex.

If that's what you want, but it feels out of reach, take a look at Lovehoney's Health range. It's designed to put your sexual, mental, and physical wellbeing first.

For example, if you struggle with vaginal tightness or discomfort during intercourse, you might find or kegel balls help strengthen your pelvic floor. A a dilator set can also be used to reduce vaginal narrowness. Meanwhile, a penis pump can boost the size and strength of your penis before you have sex.

All the toys in our Health range are completely safe to use and have been developed with a healthcare professional, so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.