Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: msnbc.msn.com Be safe and reap the benefits

Sexual intercourse should be pleasurable. And if it is for you and your partner, you may be receiving all the benefits that come along with it. Science has proven that sex has many potential benefits. However, most benefits are seen when there is a relationship between the people engaged in the act, rather than those who are promiscuous.

Sex is sometimes thought to be a form of exercise and therefore has comparable benefits. While engaging in sex, there is no doubt that calories are burned. How much, however, depends on many aspects, such as duration, speed, intensity, etc. Does this mean that sex will help you lose weight? Like all weight loss methods you must burn more calories that what you consume. Relying on sex alone may not be the answer. However, studies have shown that the pulse rate raises a substantial amount, increasing by an average of 50 beats per minutes. In addition, a study conducted in Britain has shown that having sex three times a week for a year is sufficient enough to burn off the amount of calories in six Big Macs, which is equivalent to 3,240 calories.

Any activity that promotes exercise releases testosterone in men. Testosterone functions in the body as a bone and muscle strengthener. Muscles that are worked out include the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, etc. Like other exercise, sex may help reduce cholesterol levels.

Even though sex is considered exercise by some doctors, Nicole Nichols, a Certified Fitness Instructor, would not consider it exercise, especially cardio exercise. Nichols defines a cardio workout as "anything that raises your heart rate for an extended period of time…it works all of the major muscle groups [repetitively], and you should find yourself sweating and breathing hard…" Nichols further goes on to state that sex may work major muscles, but not in full range of motion that it usually does in a cardio workout, such as running continuously where you are continuously using larger muscles in the legs.

Only if a person's sexual activity meets these requirements would Nichols consider exercise is being performed. Simply burning calories is not enough to be a workout. Nichols says that indeed calories are being burned, but the benefits may not be equivalent to "a true workout." The only way to be sure that a good workout is accomplished is if one uses a calorie counter or takes their heart rate several times during sex. Realistically, this isn't done, and if it were the results would most likely show that the calories burned are minimal and most likely less than those burned from "walking and not much more than just sitting."

If one's heart rate does rise however, this increases blood flow to the brain. In turn, this reduces risk for a stroke according to a study conducted at the State University of Albany. An increased heart rate also improves circulation of blood throughout the rest body.

Another study conducted at the State University of NY in Albany shows that sex acts as an antidepressant and stress reliever. A third study provided information that oxytocin, a hormone, raises five times its normal level. When this occurs endorphins are released. Endorphin's actions include reducing pain, such as headaches and joint pain. Endorphins also improve the immune system's ability to fight off stress. Relieving stress in some cases also relieves depression. Alleviating stress and depression could influence a good night's sleep. Being well rested helps our bodies function better throughout the day and promotes relaxation. In addition, reduced stress helps lower anxiety levels and helps prevent over-eating or under-eating, stabilizing weight.

At Wilkes University in PA, 30% of students sexually active showed a higher amount of an antibody called immunoglobulin A. This antibody helps fight off the flu and cold by enhancing the immune system's job.

Having sex also reduces the likelihood of men suffering from prostrate cancer. Doctors believe that when men delay their ejaculations it reduces the risk of prostate cancer because this contracts the muscles. It has been proven that this exercise helps keep the prostate healthy. When women perform similar contractions to their muscles to prevent urination, it can help women become more orgasmic or increases the intensity of their orgasm.

Even though sex has many benefits, it is important to be safe. The best way to have to sex is with protection. There are many cautions that follow sexual intercourse. Of course, the best protection is abstinence. However, if you choose to engage in sexual activities, a condom offers the best protection against pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS. Be responsible with whatever actions you choose to engage in order to provide yourself with the best protection against any unwanted diseases.

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