Sex to Promote General Health
Sexual health typically is used as a sign of general health, and the possible therapeutic uses of sex to promote general health remain mostly ignored. A couple of benefits that are more widely known, such as calories burned during sex and a reduction in urological problems with masturbation, are questionable and with minor effects.
Evidence for benefits of sexual activities on general health is growing. Three studies showing the positive effects of sexual stimulation on health are reviewed. Orgasm afterglow results in a high alpha state indicative of decreased neural control and stress arousal. Men and women with a history of childhood sexual abuse show reduced stress biomarker when they have more sex partners. Viewing sex films increases positive emotions broadly. Future plans use sexual stimulation to improve treatments for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Repositioning sexuality as not merely reflecting good health, but driving good health, may better communicate the importance of human sexual functioning.
