KentNewsNet.com

Issue date: 2/5/09 Section: Features

Photo illustration by Jessica M. Kanalas | Daily Kent Stater

1. Sex relieves stress

Sex lowers blood pressure and reduces stress overall according to a Scotland journal titled Biological Psychology.

2. Sex boosts immunity

Having sexual intercourse once or twice a week has been linked to higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that can protect you from getting colds and other infections.

3. Sex burns calories

Thirty minutes of sex can burn 85 calories or more.

4. Sex improves cardiovascular health

Researchers published the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, which was a study that found by having sex twice or more a week, you can reduce the risk of heart attack by half.

5. Sex boosts self-esteem

Assistant Professor Donna Bernert from the College of Health, Education and Human Services said, "How one perceives their sexuality relates to self-esteem and body image. It implies skills."

6. Sex improves intimacy

The hormone oxytocin, also known as the "love-hormone" is increased by having sex and orgasms. This hormone helps people bond and build trust. Bernert also said pregnancy - as a positive aspect - improves intimacy between couples.

7. Sex Reduces Pain

As oxytocin is released, a surge of endorphins, natural pain relievers produced in the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, follow.

8. Sex Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk

Frequent ejaculations may reduce the risk of prostate cancer later in life, especially in 20-year-olds.

9. Sex Strengthens Pelvic Floor Muscles

For women, doing exercises known as Kegels during sex will offer more pleasure and reduce the risk of incontinence later in life.

10. Sex Helps you Sleep Better

Once again, the "love-hormone" oxytocin has been reported to help people sleep better. Sleep has been linked to numerous benefits, such as maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure.

-Additonal information from WebMD.com.

Contact features reporter Laura Lofgren at llofgren@kent.edu.

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