Experts Reveal Health Benefits of Regular Sex: From Immunity Boost to Depression Reduction
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Regular sexual activity can offer significant health benefits, including improved immunity and cardiovascular health.
- Studies suggest sex can boost the immune system by increasing immunoglobulin A levels and act as a natural decongestant.
- Beyond physical advantages, sex is linked to better mental health, potentially reducing the risk of depression.
Sex offers a surprising array of health benefits, extending beyond pleasure to impact immunity, mental well-being, and heart health. Experts highlight that regular intimacy can bolster the body's defenses and even act as a natural remedy for congestion.
Studies indicate that engaging in sexual activity once or twice a week can elevate levels of immunoglobulin A, a key component of the immune system. Furthermore, the physical exertion involved in sex can have a decongestant effect, similar to a nasal spray, by increasing body temperature and promoting the flow of nasal discharge.
Immunity, cardiovascular health and depression are just some of the areas where studies show that sexual activity could be beneficial.
On the mental health front, research suggests a correlation between sexual activity and reduced rates of depression. Individuals who maintained sexual relations during periods of isolation reported significantly lower instances of depressive symptoms compared to those who did not.
Cardiovascular health also stands to gain from a healthy sex life. Regular intimacy may contribute to preventing heart disease by improving circulation and maintaining healthier blood vessels. Some findings suggest that frequent sexual activity, such as multiple times a week, is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and can even positively impact skin complexion.
As a doctor, you are happy to ask women about their menstrual cycle, but sexual activity is something we rarely discuss. The problem is even worse with men, but knowing whether a man has regular erections tells me a lot about his health.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.