We’ve all heard the expression, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But did you know an orgasm a day works twice as well? Regular sex is the key to longevity in life. This contradicts some advice about health in certain cultures. In traditional Indian culture, ejaculation was seen as a drain on men’s vitality. In French, an orgasm is called ‘la petit mort’ aka – the little death. Yikes!

Not only can sex prolong your life, but it can increase self-esteem and happiness.  Well, there’s several exciting explanations and here are some.

6 Health Benefits of Sex

1. Sex improves the immune system

Did you know that if you feel a cold coming on, it’s a good idea to have sex?!? A study out of Wilkes University in Pennsylvania revealed that people who have sex frequently possess greater levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that prevents colds. While there are also other ways to help boost your immune systems if you’re beginning to feel other the weather like increase your Zinc, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D intake, if you and your partner are feeling up to it, a little romp in the hay may help curb an impending cold or virus.

2. Sex reduces the risk of heart disease

It’s no secret that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in America. A study out of the New England Research Institute showed that men who have sex twice a week can reduce their risk of heart disease by half! Sex is great form of exercise and it gets your heart pumping. According to research from the University of Montreal, men burn 100 calories in the average sex session while women burn 69. I don’t know about you, but burning calories and having more orgasms sounds like a pretty good deal.

3. Sex reduces stress & Blood Pressure

Everyone gets stressed out from time to time. And some more than others. Did you know that stress leads to serious health problems which can shorten your life? Research has shown that people who have regular sex exhibit lower blood pressure in stressful situations.

4. Sex keeps the cells healthy

We all know that cells are the building blocks in our bodies. But I bet you didn’t know that sex keeps them healthy and increases lifespan. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco discovered that frequent sex helps to lengthen the telomeres – the set of proteins in the cell’s nucleus that stabilizes the ends of the chromosomes. This lengthening helps to increase the vitality of the cells. So, now that you know, get to it!

5. Sex reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer

A study revealed that women who had sex more than once per month, had a lower risk of getting breast cancer. During sex ‘feel-good’ hormones like oxytocin and DHEA are released which may help prevent breast cancer. Similarly, Australian researchers published a study showing men who ejaculate often between the ages of 20-50 are less likely to develop prostate cancer. Get to it!

6. Orgasms can add years to your life

Regular romps in the hay can lengthen your life. One study found that men who had multiple orgasms a week had a 50% lower risk of death than those who didn’t orgasm as much. Other studies show that women who have frequent orgasms are more likely to live longer than those who don’t. Seems pretty simple to me. Sex = longevity (among other wonderful things too).

If you’re having frequent sex, this means you have greater intimacy in your relationship. These studies prove that increasing the frequency or sex in your relationship not only enhances your intimacy levels, but also improve your health and extend your life. So next time you have sex, remember that you might just be prolonging your life! ????

James Killian, LPC is the Principal Therapist & Owner of Arcadian Counseling in Greater New Haven, CT where they specialize in helping over-thinkers, high achievers, and perfectionists reduce stress, increase fulfillment and enhance performance so they can move From Surviving To Thriving.