In this article, Megan Harrison from Couples Candy provides a rundown on all of the health benefits of having sex. From living longer to being smarter and having a ton of fun while doing so. Unadulterated, consensual, fabulous sex is often a taboo topic. Many people don’t realize that in addition to being fun, there are many health benefits of sex—30 to be exact!

Megan Harrison is a licensed marriage and family therapist who created Couples Candy to be a hub of quality information surrounding relationships and sex. Her website is a helpful resource that promotes a sex-positive attitude towards consensual sexual activities, and she writes encouraging blog posts across a broad range of topics!

Tender closeness can strengthen your bond and help you to lead healthier and happier lives. Intimacy can also be an enjoyable distraction from depressing news and an uncertain future. Not only that, but sex supports health and well-being, which is so important every day, and especially now.

1. Sex Can Make You Live Longer

Research shows that people who have more sex tend to live longer lives. This could be due to several factors:

  • People who have frequent sex are often in committed relationships. Many Experts believe that folks who maintain close relationships live happier, healthier, longer lives.
  • People who have sex are physically active. Sex itself is a cardiovascular workout, and physical activity is one of the key elements of optimal overall health.
  • Sex is a stress-management technique. Sexual activity allows us to relax and unwind from our otherwise hectic lives. Individuals who don’t have effective coping mechanisms—like sex—are more likely to experience health complications and even early mortality.

2. Sex Makes You Smarter

Individuals who have regular sex may experience a boost in brainpower. According to a 2014 study by University of Maryland researchers, sex may lead to the production of new neurons in the brain and improved cognitive function.

The best part? Sex can actually ward off memory loss and dementia!

3. Sex Relieves Stress

Stress is unavoidable. We experience it on a daily basis, and it can wreak havoc in every area of our lives, including our intimate relationships.

It probably comes as no surprise that regular sex reduces stress due to decreased cortisol—the body’s stress hormone—during sexual activity.

Sex can also lead to improved relationships and make us better equipped to deal with daily stressors.

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"The Ultimate Guide to Sex After Baby"
by Orgasmic Birth's Founder,
Debra Pascali-Bonaro