Home Healthy Living Sexual Health Discover How Sex Affect Your Physical, Mental, And Emotional Health

Discover How Sex Affect Your Physical, Mental, And Emotional Health

sex health

How does your sex affect your physical, mental, and emotional health? Sexuality and sex are a part of every human’s life, and whether they like to talk about it or not, they have an essential role to play. Most of the time, when we talk about sex, it is only from the viewpoint of reproduction, childbearing, childbirth, etc. However, the concept goes beyond these basic functions and physiological processes. Sex can be about pleasure and intimacy. It is also about identifying different sexual interests as an essential part of your life.

Sexual health or sexual drive, also known as libido, is a non-clinical term that means an interest or enthusiasm in performing sexual activity. A viable presence (or absence) of this factor can present the state of your physical and mental health and function remarkably!

There is an imminent idea that women and men are quite different when it comes to temperament and behavioral responses. These differences extend further away from the physical differences which we see in a common way. As a matter of fact, neurobiologists have discovered that there are some remarkable distinctions between female and male brains. This includes function, volume, and structure. Don’t forget to check out: Erectile Dysfunction; Causes, Symptoms, Treatment.

Understanding sex hormones and your health

Hormones are essential substances that the endocrine glands produce and release into the blood. These substances help control several bodily functions, such as sleep, growth, and appetite. Sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, have a significant position in reproduction and sexual development. Contrastingly, they can influence different parts of the brain as well on the cellular, epigenetic, and behavioral levels.

Many of us consider hormones as the gender-specific molecules that our teachers talked about in middle and high school classes-the chemical messengers that come up during puberty to regular reproductive development. Their levels transform throughout the life of an individual. Factors that can influence the levels of hormones include:

  • Menstruation
  • Age
  • Pregnancy
  • Stress
  • Medications
  • Environment

Types of sex hormones in women

Talking about women, there are three main hormones produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. These include progesterone, estrogen, and smaller quantities of testosterone. The details of these hormones are as follows:


We all know this hormone because it is probably the most talked about in studies and publications. Although the significant production of estrogen takes place in the ovaries, the adrenal glands and fat cells also form limited amounts in the body. Estrogen plays an essential function in sexual and reproductive development, which initiates when one reaches puberty.


The adrenal glands, ovaries, and placenta produce progesterone at sufficient levels. Progesterone levels increase during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle; it spikes during pregnancy.

Progesterone helps with the stabilization of the menstrual cycle and supports the body for pregnancy. If the levels of progesterone are low due to any physiological reason, it can cause difficulties in conception, irregular periods, and an additional risk of complications during pregnancy.


Testosterone is a vital sex hormone in males being responsible for reproductive functions and health. In women, it affects menstruation, fertility, sexual health, production of RBCs, and development of bone and tissue mass.


Types of sex hormones in men

The male reproductive system relies on the mechanism of several chemical materials or hormones developed by body glands. These hormones enter the systemic circulation to perform reproductive and sexual functions. Others are tropic hormones because they cause other hormones to be produced.

Contrary to women, men do not go through cyclic hormonal changes throughout the month. Instead, their hormone levels stay constant through reproductive times. Let’s talk about the three hormones which perform essential functions in men.


Formed in the testes, testosterone is present in the body in comparatively smaller concentrations in a mature, healthy male. This hormone is responsible for the production and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in males.

For instance, due to testosterone, men have an enhanced muscle structure, thickened larynx, increased body and facial hair, more resonant voice, and development of genital organs. It is also responsible for the sexual health and functions with follicle-stimulating hormone to start the production of sperm.


This hormone is present in the testes cells that have the function of assessing the role and maturation of sperm. If the levels of sperm are high, causing a depletion of nutrients for the developing cells, the release of inhibin occurs.  The inhibin goes through the blood circulation, reaching the brain, limiting the stimulation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone.


Estrogen is a vital sex hormone in females it is responsible for reproductive functions. In men, it affects energy levels, muscles, breast tissue, sperm, erections, and body fat.

Role of Hormones in Sex and Arousal

Progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone all have an influence on sexual health and arousal. If the level of estrogen in the body is high, it promotes vaginal lubrication and enhances sexual desire. A sufficient increase in progesterone can, on the other hand, can reduce sexual desire.

There are several explanations present regarding the effect of testosterone levels on female sex drive and arousal. Lower levels of this hormone may result in decreased sexual activity in some women. Nonetheless, even if it is introduced artificially through therapy, testosterone does not affect treating low sex drive in women.

According to a systematic research study from 2016, testosterone therapy can improve estrogen effects. But it only works if the physician introduces the hormone on a higher level than average.

How does sex improve your health?

According to different scientific studies and researches, sex can be useful for overall physiological and mental health. Most of them mention it as an effective cardiovascular exercise for younger women and men. Although sex is not a physical activity on its own, it does work as a light exercise.

Some of the significant benefits include:

  • Controlled blood pressure
  • Breakdown of calories
  • Increased heart health
  • Muscle control and coordination
  • Decreased rate of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke
  • Increased libido

People with an active sex life have a tendency to exercise more frequently and have a better dietary routine as compared to those who do not have sex frequently. There are some other health aspects linked with this aspect which we will now discuss individually.

How does sex affect your physical health?

Having sex on a regular basis has benefits for the following:

Effective Immune System

Sex increases immunity which is evident from multiple studies and experiments. In an experiment of immunity conducted on people in close relationships, couples that had frequent sex (one to two times a week) had increased levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA). Couples that performed sex less frequently (less than one time on a weekly basis), had considerably less IgA.

Immunoglobulin A is a prompt antibody that plays a substantive function in the prevention of illnesses. It is the first line of defense against many viral and bacterial infections, including the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Improved Sleep

During sexual intercourse, your body releases oxytocin, also known as the intimacy or love hormone. Orgasms also release endorphins and a combination of these biological components can have a sedation effect.

Better sleep can eventually lead to:

  • a strengthened immune system
  • a well-rested routine
  • an additional amount of energy to perform routine tasks

Bladder Control

Among women, incontinence of the pelvic floor is common. About 30% of women go through this issue due to inconsistent reasons. A strong structure and physiological function of pelvic is essential for avoiding this challenge, which a regular sex routine provides.

Having good sex involves working out the muscles of the pelvic floor. When you have an orgasm, it results in contractions of those muscles, which results in strength and additional support.

Control of Blood Pressure

According to multiple cardiovascular studies, people with a good sex life have lower blood pressure values. One of the major researches indicated that sexual intercourse specifically decreased hypertension in heart patients.

If you have a good sex life, it will ultimately have a positive outcome on your heart. Although the process increases the heart rate significantly, sex keeps the levels of progesterone and estrogen equal.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

If your sex life is great, you are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer. According to a study, men who ejaculated on a frequent basis (approximately 21 times during a month) were not exposed to the toxins produced in prostate cancer.

How does sex affect your mental health

A consistent sexual routine, with a partner or in the form of masturbation, has an influence on some basic emotional and psychological functions. If you are sexually active, you may feel relaxed, calm, and free from the usual anxiety or stress.

People often think of sex as something which is physically taking place but a lot of it happens from the control of our nervous system. It is absolutely necessary to realize the thought that, for all genders, our feelings and emotions play a critical function in getting things going and keeping up the arousal levels.

According to multiple psychological studies, increased sexual activity may relate to:

  • improved satisfaction from psychological health
  • improved trust levels and overall love in relationships
  • enhanced capability to identify, perceive, and express emotions
  • less use of your undeveloped psychological defense processes and interconnections


Here is how an improved sexual appetite indicates how mentally stable and sane you can be:

Boost in Confidence Levels

If you have sex on a regular basis, whether alone or with a partner, sex will make you look younger and improve your health. This is mainly because of the estrogen released during sexual activity.

One study reported an association between consistent sexual activity and higher confidence levels in younger people. As a result, people are more comfortable expressing their identity and feelings. Sex helps to make useful connections which can be useful for psychological rehabilitation

Social Advantages

As mentioned before, sex may result in making meaningful connections. If you have a partner already, it can help you connect better with them. Oxytocin can develop relationships in unique ways. You will note that having mutual and consistent sexual activities help with bonding and finding happiness in each other.

Support for Cognitive Functions

Having sex provides an improvement in multiple cognitive and motor functions. There is evidence present that increased arousal levels make you smart and help with understanding different concepts.

According to the statistics, just by thinking about previous sexual experience, you can improve your analytical and judgment skills. Another research presented that sexually active people have better memory as compared to conventional people. For instance, if you get involved with popular brain stimulation activities (crosswords or Sudoku) after having sex, the brain regions can engage effectively.

People struggle with mental illnesses and having better physical health, you can decrease your chances of feeling unworthy. Sex can also help with issues such as depression, substance use, and even dementia.

In Conclusion: how does sex affect your health

Sex is an integral element of life and it can result in overall wellbeing for people of all ages. For couples, orgasms can have an important role in bonding. As stated, physical and emotional advantages such as the decreased risk of high blood pressure, enhanced self-confidence, and better cognitive functions can be optimum.

Sex cannot be a substitute for physical activity in any form but having an engagement with another human intimately can lead to stronger connections and interactions. It is an effective method of improving your quality of life.

However, if sex is an important element of your life, out of a relationship or need, communication is essential to convey feelings and experience satisfaction. You can find contentment and happiness when you have sex with your partner only through a mutual psychological condition.

Sex is a basic right and it provides physical and mental benefits evidently. If something can improve your mood, decrease and help with stress levels, and increase energy and metabolic factors, you should perform it regularly. You will see the difference eventually!