Everyone's attitude toward sex is different. It can depend on your age, religious views, relationship status, and a whole host of other factors.
Many of us have the tendency to view sex as a guilty pleasure. If you're not trying to make babies, how can something that feels so good possibly be a productive activity?
The truth is, there are so many amazing things that happen to the female body during sex that have nothing to do with reproducing.
In fact, getting busy also has a number of health benefits that might make you consider heading to the bedroom instead of reaching for the medicine cabinet.
Sex is one of the most natural human processes out there, so it makes sense that it can really do wonders for your body and mind.
In other words, Marvin Gaye wasn't kidding when he sang "Sexual Healing." Check out the many ailments that sex can help.
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Atwood
1. Headaches
Having a headache may not exactly put you in the mood, but sexual activity has been shown to reduce headache symptoms.
Women's Health reports that researchers at the University of Munster in Germany conducted a study that found migraine patients reported improved symptoms after sex.
No one is positive why sex has pain-relieving qualities, but it probably has to do with the natural release of chemicals in your brain.
2. Heart Troubles
We all know that physical activity is all part of maintaining cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes a day for at least five days a week.
A sex session can double as a workout session and help keep your heart healthy! Just remember that you get as much out of your sex workout as you put in.
3. Stress
They say stress kills, so it's important to do what we can to reduce our tension and anxiety.
According to the NHS, people who had more sex performed much better in stress tests than those who didn't.
It must have to do with all of the endorphins and happy hormones that the deed releases!
4. Insomnia
We all know the feeling of being beat after an intense lovemaking session.
While sex can certainly keep you up at night, it can also cure your insomnia.
According to an interview with Laura Berman, director of Berman's Center for Women's Health, sex helps relieve the tension and release chemicals that will make it easier for you to drift off to sleep afterward.
5. Hiccups
Having the hiccups is a real annoyance, and the old wives tales definitely don't always work.
Hiccups usually go away on their own, but sometimes a nasty case can haunt you for hours.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, doctors have considered sex as a potential cure for hiccups.
Letting your body succumb to a different kind of spasm can help end your annoying hiccup spell.
6. Depression
One of the whole points of sex is to make you happy. Part of the reason for this is that your brain releases what are known as "happy hormones."
Endorphins and dopamine both help make us feel good. If you're feeling down or suffer from depression, sex can be an easy and quick fix!
7. Cramps
Cramps can be extremely uncomfortable and make anyone want to curl up into a ball.
However, the next time your cramps are giving you pain, you might want to consider sex as a solution.
Medical Daily explains that a woman's uterus relaxes right before orgasm, which in itself helps to relieve the cramps.
The real magic happens during climax, when blood flow increases and takes the pain away with it.
8. Low Self Esteem
While this may not be medically proven, we've all experienced the confidence boost that comes after (or even during) sex.
If you're feeling down in the dumps, you might not feel like getting naked. However, your body and mind will thank you once the deed is done.
9. Lack Of Bladder Control
Although we can't see it, our pelvic floors are important parts of our bodies that help support all kinds of functions.
According to the National Continence Helpline in Australia, the pelvic floor is made of muscles and tissues that support a woman's bladder, womb and bowels.
These muscles are also used and strengthened during sex, which gives you superior bladder control.
10. High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure has to do with how hard your heart is working and general cardiovascular health.
According to the NHS, intimacy can have an amazing impact on your blood pressure, and can even lower your heart rate.
This is probably thanks to the stress relieving and cardio benefits that come along with sex.
Be sure to SHARE these benefits with your loved ones or a special someone!
