What is sexual wellness?
Sexual wellness is understanding your body’s desires and needs and taking good care of them too. It encompasses all aspects of sexual enjoyment, including your physical, emotional and social connections.
Caring for your sexual wellness can feel different for everyone, because what you want is unique to you – and can change over time. Focus on what feels good while practicing healthy boundaries and the rest should follow.
What are the key health benefits of sex?You know sex is meant to feel good, but it can actually be good for you too. And, we mean really good.
Having sex is found to have a wide range of benefits, including on your immune system and your mental state. So, let’s take a look at how your sexual health and wellness can improve with sex.
1. Sex can provide pain reliefResearch 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 exerciseFor 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 sleepAfter 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 levelsGetting 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.
