Sex isn’t just amazing (for most people), it also comes with a whole host of health benefits. If sex can help support your overall health, it begs the question, “Does sex help slow the aging process?”
Let’s be clear – sex does not ‘slow down aging’. Aging is inevitable and a beautiful part of life. But there are many tools you can use to support your body along the way. These tools can help reduce your risk of aging-related health conditions and help you feel better and more energetic as your body changes.
We understand that sex is a broad term, especially for those in the LGBTQI+ community, so by sex, we don’t just mean penetration, it can also mean oral sex, anal sex, etc. It is also important to note that although some benefits sex has to do with connecting with another person, many can be experienced masturbation.
Here are some of the ways sex can help support your body as you age:
Reducing Stress Levels
We are all now well aware of the many dangers of high stress levels. The body releases the hormone cortisol in response to stress. This is completely normal and part of a healthy, functioning body. However, too much cortisol can wreak havoc on the body.
Chronic stress can increase the risk of serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. Sex can help with this.
Physical activity, including sex, can help reduce stress hormone levels between genders. Sex, especially during orgasm, helps release oxytocin, the “love hormone.” This helps boost your mood and increase intimacy levels, which can also help reduce stress levels.
A healthy, satisfying, consensual sex life with either one or more partners also has a positive impact on stress levels from a social perspective. Getting emotional support and experiencing intimacy, trust and safety with another person can do wonders for stress.
Better sleep health
Sleep doesn’t always get enough attention in the wellness area. But getting enough sleep is just as important to your health as eating well and exercising.
Researchers at University of California Los Angeles found that partial sleep deprivation can cause cells in the elderly to age faster. This means that just one night of poor sleep can age your cells, even if it’s a small one. When you sleep, your body performs a number of biological processes that affect you brain and general health.
Adequate sleep is key to immune function, reducing your risk of chronic disease and helping you feel better throughout your days. A study published in Journal of Sleep Research found that people who had sex that led to an orgasm before bed tended to sleep better and have better sleep quality.
Stress is also a big factor when it comes to sleep health. When you lower your stress levels by having sex, you also promote your sleep hygiene. Unfortunately, there is limited research on the sleep-enhancing benefits of people who masturbate before bed, but first-hand experience can tell you that it definitely helps a lot of people!
Support heart health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular deaths are the leading cause of death worldwide. More than 80% of these deaths are due to strokes and heart attacks. The biggest contributor to cardiovascular health is lifestyle choices.
Things like diet, physical activity levels, and tobacco and alcohol use can all affect your cardiovascular health. Another lifestyle choice can too – your sex life.
A study found that women who had regular sex with a partner had a lower risk of heart attacks later in life. They also found that older women who reported having a satisfying sex life were less likely to have high blood pressure – another factor that contributes to cardiovascular health. These benefits were mostly found in cis women.
Strengthening Immune Health
Your immune system is essential for fighting infectious diseases, illnesses and infections. Having a healthy immune system can help prevent serious complications when a foreign pathogen enters your body or you happen to get sick.
Immune health is even more important as you get older, when you become more susceptible to a wide range of health issues. Researchers found that college students who reported having frequent sex (three or more times a week) had higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their saliva.
IgA is an antibody found in mucous membranes such as the digestive and respiratory tracts, as well as saliva. This antibody is necessary to fight off attacks from infectious organisms such as viruses and bacteria, especially on your mucous membranes.
Other study found that people who had sex more than three times a month had a lower risk of contracting COVID-19. The immune status of the participants showed a positive correlation with the levels of sexual activity. This means that the higher the levels of sexual activity, the less likely they are to get sick.
Sex and aging
As research on sexuality continues to grow, we are seeing more and more of the many health benefits of sex. While these benefits may not stop aging, sex can be a part of a healthy lifestyle. It can be difficult to make time for intimacy, but a healthy sex life is not only an important part of your relationships but also of your overall well-being.
For many people, sex is an essential part of human connection. It is also a huge source of pleasure and joy. These are some of the most important parts of life and if you can live them while also boosting your physical health, then more power to you!
A satisfying sex life is not just about having orgasms. When you can increasing intimacyyou also improve your overall quality of life and support the aging process while you’re at it.
