When it comes to a long-awaited night of lovemaking, few of us think about the real health advantages it may give. Many people associate a good sex life with reproduction, easy satisfaction, pleasure, and increasing intimacy.

The effects of sex on our mental and physical health are sometimes the last thing on our minds. However, studies have revealed that there may be more advantages to a healthy sex life than just pleasure. Here is a list of seven health benefits of sex you should know about.

1. Sexual activity helps to control stress and anxiety

Sexual stimulation has been demonstrated to lower cortisol levels, which may explain why sex might feel soothing or tranquil. Lower cortisol levels can help lessen stress and anxiety over time.  People who have sex often experience less stress and anxiety.

2. Sex increases bladder control

We undervalue the role of pelvic floor health, particularly in women. Weak pelvic floor muscles, especially in postmenopausal women, lead to pelvic organ prolapse, sexual pain, and urine leakage. 

One of the finest things you can do for your pelvic floor health is to have orgasms. They not only increase blood flow to the vaginal tissue but also induce intense, pleasant contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, which improve strength and tone.

3. Sex helps keep your immune system in balance

People who have sex have a greater amount of what protects and defends their bodies against viruses, bacteria, germs, and other potentially harmful substances. Research from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that students who had sex more frequently had greater levels of the antibody that helps you stay healthy than those who were not as sexually active.

4. Sex helps relieve pain

Despite the fact that a headache is frequently used as a reason for not having sex, neurologists have discovered that sexual activity can ease head discomfort associated with a migraine or cluster headache in some people.  According to a study done in Germany, 60% of migraine sufferers reported a reduction in pain after engaging in sexual activity. Moreover, 37% of people with cluster headaches reported an improvement after engaging in sexual activity.

Sex can cause the body's natural painkillers, endorphins, to be released. Another study indicates that when women experienced pleasure through vaginal self-stimulation, their pain sensitivity decreased and their pain tolerance rose.

5. Sex reduces the risk of having a heart attack

A healthy sexual life is beneficial for your heart. Sex, in addition to increasing your heart rate, helps maintain your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance. When any of these is low, you start to develop a variety of issues, including osteoporosis and heart disease. Having sex regularly may help. According to one study, men who had sex at least twice a week had a 50% lower risk of dying from heart disease than men who only had sex occasionally.

6. Sex improves sleep

After an orgasm, prolactin, a hormone that calms you, is also produced. Most individuals sleep better after sex because of the combination of prolactin and the other "feel-good" hormones. To receive the most prolactin, scientists recommend having an orgasm with a partner if feasible.

Unfortunately, sleep deprivation, which affects one-third of all Americans, can have an effect on sexual satisfaction. A study of over 10,000 women aged 50 to 79 discovered that those who slept for less than seven to eight hours per night were less likely to be sexually active. The older the woman, the less sex she reported when she was sleep-deprived.

7. Sex lowers blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common disorder that affects around 103 million people in the United States. It can lead to significant problems if left untreated, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Stress, among other things, contributes significantly to raising blood pressure levels. As already mentioned, regular sex may successfully decrease stress levels and boost mood, which may play a part in lowering blood pressure.