Eight ways having sex boosts your health from relieving pain to beating wrinkles

SPRING fever is here – and as the temperatures begin to rise, so do our libidos.

Almost three quarters of us feel sexier when the weather gets warmer.

Spring fever is here – and as the temperatures begin to rise, so do our libidos

Regular sex has been shown to prevent mental health conditions including anxiety, stress and depression

Sex burns calories, is great for the heart, can lower blood pressure and help you to sleep better too.

GP Dr Rachel Ward told The Sun on Sunday: “We know that increasing our heart rate and getting out of breath from physical exercise is good for our heart health, and doing that in the bedroom is no exception.

“The impact on your heart of having an orgasm is similar to light exercise and therefore beneficial to your heart.

“Sex has also been shown to lower blood pressure.”

Here we reveal how making love can do everything from boosting your immunity to toning your muscles and improving brain function.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY

US researchers asked students how often they had sex each week, then compared levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that functions as the body’s first line of defence, in their saliva.

Those who romped once or twice a week had the highest levels, around 30 per cent higher than those who had no sex.

Students in longer-term, satisfying relationships also had higher levels.

GOOD FOR THE HEART

MEN who make love twice a week are 45 per cent less likely to have heart disease than those who only have sex once a month or less, according to a study by the New England Research Institute, which tracked 1,000 men aged 40 to 70.

A 2016 study found women who had frequent sex also reap the heart-healthy benefits as they were less likely to suffer high blood pressure.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Graham Jackson said: “As far as the heart is concerned, sex is just another form of exercise. In fitness terms, it’s the equivalent of going for a mile-long walk or climbing up and down two flights of stairs.”

GettySex burns calories, is great for the heart, can lower blood pressure and help you to sleep better too[/caption]

BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH

REGULAR sex has been shown to prevent mental health conditions including anxiety, stress and depression.

“During sex your brain releases chemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin, leading to positive feelings, reducing stress and improving mental health,” Dr Ward says.

FEWER WRINKLES

THOSE who have lots of sex look younger than those who don’t.

Neuropsychologist Dr David Weeks questioned more than 3,500 about their sex lives over a ten-year period.

Those who had sex two to three times a week looked up to seven years younger than those who did not get intimate so often.

Dr Weeks thought it was down to the release of endorphins, which boost circulation and reduce stress, as well as the production of human growth hormones which promote skin elasticity.

GettyResearchers found that keeping your sex life active into old age can improve your brain function and recall[/caption]

NATURAL PAIN RELIEF

CONTRACTING genital muscles can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by everything from headaches to arthritis and menstrual cramps.

Harvard researchers found that the endorphins you release during sex may relieve pain and create a general feeling of well-being.

BETTER SLEEP

A RECENT survey of insomniac adults found 75 per cent reported better sleep if they had sex before bedtime.

Around 64 per cent thought it was a more effective sleep aid than medication.

Sleep specialist James Wilson said: “Sex is incredibly helpful to our sleep as it releases those feel-good hormones like oxytocin, making you feel very emotionally secure.”

A survey of insomniac adults found 75 per cent reported better sleep if they had sex before bedtime

IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION

BRITISH researchers found that keeping your sex life active into old age can improve your brain function and recall.

They recommended doing it at least once a week after finding sexually active men aged 50 to 89 were better at recalling words and number sequences.

Women having regular sex were also found to have better memories.

BURNS CALORIES AND TONES MUSCLES

THE average sex position can burn more than 200 calories an hour.

“Keeping fit and burning calories reduces your risk of obesity and chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes,” Dr Ward says.

“But many positions will also work your muscles, keeping them toned, which can help to reduce the risk of falls as you age.”

You may have concerns about the physical demands of sex if you have underlying health issues.

Your GP would be happy to discuss your concerns and reassure or advise about this.