By: Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Did you know that regular servings of S-E-X is a great way to improve your physical and emotional health? Oh yes it’s true, sex does a body good! And if you’ve been on the receiving end of some really good lovin’, then you can surely cosign on how great sex can seem to brighten even the gloomiest of days and put extra spring in your step. If you’ve already got that frisky feeling for a lil’ sumthin’ sumthin’ tonight (or maybe even before work), I’ll share a few extra reasons to grab your boo and tell them you’re in the mood for some “sexual healing.” Here are 8 ways sex does a body good.

1. Sex relieves stress

Having a stressful week? Then you might want to spend some more time in bed before heading into work. Did you ever notice how one (or several consecutive) romps in the sack can alleviate even the most stressful of days? Well that’s because sex is a big stress reliever. How you ask? Well sex lowers blood pressure. And studies have shown that people who engage in regular intercourse (and masturbation) have better responses to stress than those who don’t.

2. Sex boosts immunity
With all the worrisome statistics about STD’s and HIV, would you ever guess that sex could actually boost your immunity? Well it can! As I like to say, “An orgasm a day, keeps the doctor away!” Sexual arousal and orgasm has been linked to increased levels of an antibodies and white blood cells, which helps your body fight colds and infection.

3. Sex burns calories and improves heart health

If you’re having the good kind of sex, you know- the hot, panting, rolling around, limbs getting intertwined, sweat-out-your-perm (or when you used to have a perm) kind of sex, then I don’t have to tell you that sex is a great cardiovascular workout. Sex helps keep your heart healthy, and on average, burns 260 calories or more in 60 minutes. While that may not sound like much, consider that one pound of fat equals 3500 calories. So if you’re looking to lose weight, some good ole’ lovin’ could be the perfect alternative if you’re not a big fan of the gym.

4. Sex reduces pain (and PMS)

Stimulation of your clitoris, vaginal walls, and orgasm, triggers the body to release oxytocin, endorphins, and corticosteroids. These are all natural painkillers. And for women, these painkillers becomes useful if you want to ease the symptoms of PMS. So ladies, if you’re trying to get out of sex with your boo, be careful about using the “Baby, I have a headache” or “Baby, I have cramps” excuse to turn down your lover. Because if they’re reading this, they may just suggest that you relax and take a big dose of vitamin “D” instead of Excedrin.

5. Sex does a prostate good

Did you know that celibacy can lead to prostate cancer? Yup, your man wasn’t lying when he said “I’ll die if I can’t have you.” A groundbreaking study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that frequent sexual intercourse and masturbation protects men against prostate cancer. More specifically, the study found that frequent ejaculations (21 or more a month- yes, I said 21!) were linked to lower prostate cancer risk in older men.

6. Sex does a vagina good

Ladies, have you heard the saying, “If you don’t lose it, you’ll lose it.” If you don’t want to wake up one day with the Sahara desert between your thighs, it may help to keep the “garden watered” and “soil fertile” with regular sex. Regular sex (and Kegel exercises) helps to keep your vaginal tissues supple and healthy, as well as strengthen your vaginal and pelvic floor muscles. And this becomes even more important later on in life when concerned about maximizing sexual pleasure and minimizing the risk of urinary incontinence.

7. Sex is a great sleep aid

After putting in major work, does your guy moan a “Damn baby!” and then promptly roll over into a coma-like, snore-filled slumber. Well biologically he can’t help it. Sex and orgasm promotes sleep because they cause the body to release the hormone oxytocin. And oxytocin (aka the “cuddling hormone”) is responsible for relaxation, feelings of intimacy, and sleep.

8. Sex keeps you happy

Did you know that semen (aka your man’s “lil’ soldiers”) acts as an antidepressant? Yes, semen helps fight the blues. A study at the State University of New York in Albany found that females who had sex without condoms (and allowed lovers to ejaculate in their vagina) had fewer signs of depression than women who used condoms or abstained from sex. That’s because semen (which also contains female hormones FSH and LH) can enter the bloodstream and fight to counteract depressive symptoms. Remember, it’s always best to practice safe sex (and use birth control if desired). And if you’re in a healthy, committed relationship and battling a bit of the blues, you may want to close the door, grab your man, send his “lil’ soldiers” to war.

Question: What did you think of this article? In life, do you view sex as a basic “want” or a basic “need?” Have you noticed a positive effect in your mood when you have sex on a regular basis?

Dr. Phoenyx Austin is a physician, author and media personality who enjoys offering advice on how to achieve health and happiness. She regularly blogs on topics related to beauty, relationships and life. Be sure to order a copy of Dr. Phoenyx’s fabulous new book If You Love It, It Will Grow! A Guide To Growing Long Afro-Textured Hair. You can find Dr. Phoenyx on her blog, Facebook and Twitter.