Health Benefits of a Good Sex Life: Top 5

We all know it feels good, promotes intimacy in relationships and perpetuates the species. However, there are serious health benefits to having sex with your partner which are lesser known. Next time you or your partner may not be in the mood, keep these in mind:

Sex lowers blood pressure

While hugs have also been cited as a stress-reducer in women, regular intercourse has twice been found to lower diastolic blood pressure and general stress levels in both sexes.

Sex boosts the immune system

People who have sex frequently tend to catch colds less frequently. This is because having sex at least once or twice a week boosts the body's natural store of the antibody immunoglobulin A.

Sex is great exercise

Well, we all kind of know this. Still, studies have shown that, in addition to the calories burned, sex is great for your cardivascular health, reducing the risk of fatal heart attacks. So, yes, kids, being intimate with your partner is good for your heart in every sense. Plus, you're working out the most fun way possible!

More sex = less pain

It turns out the age-old, "Not tonight, honey, I have a headache" ploy to get out of sex is really working against the women who use it. Sex releases oxytocin into the body, an endorphin that reduces pain levels. Plus, oxytocin is the same endorphin released into the body by new and nursing mothers, since it encourages bonding and feelings of love. So, not only can it cure the "headache," it can cure the excuse-makers desire to make an excuse!

Sex helps you sleep better

The same surge in oxytocin that boosts intimacy and lessens pain also helps you sleep like a baby. Next time you're having a bout of insomnia, try expending a little energy with your partner instead of a sleeping pill.

In addition to all these cold, logical reasons to be in the mood more, there are also benefits to emotional and relationship health. The increased bonding can lead to more intimacy in relationships that have become distant and/or combative. The exercise can lead to maintaining a healthy weight, which, especially when coupled with feeling desired by your loved one, has been found to greatly boost self-esteem. All that, and it's a lot cheaper and more fun than a visit to the therapist!

"Health Benefits of Sex", http://www.webmd.com