Health Benefits of Sex

The uninitiated keep wondering how it feels, the more seasoned ones vow by its pleasures and no one can ever say NO to it—yes, I am talking about Sex.

Though it occupies the human mind unlike anything else, it seems that most people don’t realize that sex isn't just about fulfilling your carnal desires. There is sufficient, unquestionable scientific proof that underlines the health benefits of sex. In fact, sex surfaces as one of the most comprehensive and effective activities you can indulge in from a health perspective. Some of the most documented and proven health benefits of sex have been listed below:

Sex Boosts Your Immunity

The principle of your mind and body’s health being interrelated is best exemplified by sex. For starters, the act raises the synthesis of immunoglobulins. These are antibodies or our immunity compounds that help us fight infections. People with a more-than-basic level of sexual activities, per week, tend to retain a higher immunoglobulin concentration, making them more immune to common infections.

Sex Alleviates Common Infertility Problems

With stressful lifestyles, many men are prone to suffering from lowered sperm count or poor semen quality. These are serious barriers for couples trying to conceive. It has been researched that regular and enjoyable sex helps men to overcome these issues. Their semen improves in quality and quantity and the stress-relieving properties of sex ensure that their sperm is healthier, more motile and penetrable. The act of sex ensures that blood is properly circulated across the body, including the penile tissues, and absorption of nutrients is more uniform.

Sex Relieves Stress

Overall reduction of stress is perhaps the biggest, most widely-accepted benefit of sex. It is believed that higher anxiety and stress levels are responsible for initiating most health problems prevalent today. With regular sex, psychological health is improved, particularly problems related to mood swings, depression and sleep. The act of intercourse helps to stimulate production of hormones that are required for overcoming stress and ensuring healthier behavior.

Sex Keeps You Physically Fitter

Sex has an amazing calorie-burning and cardiovascular conditioning effect. It exercises nearly every muscle of the body, including areas like the abdomen, hips and thighs that are the common weight-gain areas for most people. Sex might not help you become muscular but it works-out the body in a beautiful manner. The increased supply of blood means that the body has a greater chance of eliminating waste products and providing nourishment in a more balanced manner to various organs. Increased levels of sexual hormones help to fortify the muscles and bones with critical nourishment. These hormones help to prevent onset of heart diseases. Working the pelvic muscles, intercourse helps to prevent conditions like incontinence and hernias.

Sex Gives Your Skin Unique Radiance

It is usually thought that only women have the after-glow that is essentially a result of their hormones being produced aplenty during sex. However, this is applicable to men too. Yes, sex behaves like a psychological and physical boost for the human body. The circulation of blood rises, more oxygen is pumped into the body and sexual hormones are released copiously. The result is a sort of radiance that the best of moisturizers and make-up kits cannot compete with. It seems to take off years from your face, making you appear refreshed and cheerful.

Sex is an Instant Pain-killer

The feeling of happiness that accompanies and follows intercourse is due to the rise in the secretion of endorphins. These hormones are required for establishing a relaxed state of mind. Sex also induces release of oxytocin, which along with endorphin, is one of nature’s most potent painkillers—everything from unexplained bodyache to serious conditions like arthritic or PMS pains can be relieved.

7 ways to make sex more exciting

Your guide to better sex

Enticing, thrilling and hot; would you use these words to describe your sex life? If not, then it’s time to take a look at our guide. You’ll soon be enjoying some sumptuous, pillow-biting sex:

Go back to school

Awkward teenagers, bells and bad food doesn’t sound romantic but reverting back to a pupil may put the kick back into your sex life. Whether you’ve been with your partner a few weeks, or a few years, there are always new things to learn about what the other wants from sex. Take it in turns to play the role of teacher and pupil. The teacher needs to take control, show the pupil what they want and how to do it. The pupil needs to listen, comply and also remember these frisky moves for later. Make sure you both get a go in each role and on different days.

Have a curry

If you want hot sex then take your date for a curry. A UK study has shown that you don’t even have to eat a curry to raise your heart rate, just thinking of your favourite spicy dish is enough to increase both your heart and your blood pressure to a level similar to one reached during sexual arousal. Spicy food was also found to release endorphins, which provided extra pleasure. After your curry, why not have a chili eating competition. A chemical found in spicy peppers, capsaicin, stimulates nerve endings, which means your sex will feel amazingly good.

Love Yourself

Sex is a hugely intimate act and requires a lot of trust. Considering this, it’s not surprising that many people feel uncomfortable about sex. If you don’t feel confident, don’t worry, there are a few things you can try. You could play a new sport. Sport players have healthier relationships with their body because they value its function, not its aesthetic value. You could also invest in some sexy lingerie that covers areas you feel uncomfortable with. And remember, psychologists have found that people who are considered beautiful are just as likely to be unhappy as anyone else.

Never been touched?

Sex can become a routine; another thing to tick off your list. You do the same moves, the same tired tricks and it all gets a little bit dull. If this sounds familiar, stop. There are lots of new things and new places you can touch. The thighs and knees may not be the most obvious place to begin, but they often get overlooked and yet they are very sensitive spots. Another neglected part of their body is the fingertips. Take their hand and rub their palms, then pull on their fingers. Touching each other in new ways is simple, exciting and fun.

Play a game

If foreplay has become a timed race to see who can turn off the lights, pull off their clothes and reach the safety of the covers first then it is definitely time you learnt how to slow down. Take a pack of cards and play a game you both know well. The loser must remove one item of clothing. Once you have both stripped off, continue the game, but this time the winner can choose an act they’d like the loser to perform on them. Keep a timer close by, so the game progresses. Playing this game will not only allow you to enjoy each other it will also build sexual tension.

Go alfresco

Doing bad things we shouldn’t do is a turn on. Everyone enjoys it, but only the daredevils seem to give it a go. A fun and safe way that would allow you to take your loving outdoors is to find a compromise. You could have sex in the secrecy of your garden, or your balcony if it is secluded. Make sure both of you are comfortable and take necessary accessories, such as a blanket or pillow. Having sex outdoors will give you huge adrenalin surges, which not only make you feel great, you’ll also perform better than normal.  Be safe though; if you get caught expect trouble.

Reinvent yourself

You’re a brother, you’re a sister, you’re a wife, husband, dad or mum. When you get under the covers though, it’s important to forget who you are during the day. Adopting another persona in bed helps you de-stress and become sexy. There are lots of tools or accessories you can use to help you make the transition. You could wear a costume, a wig or even some exotic make-up. Play with different looks until you feel comfortable. Dressing up will give you a confidence boost, make your sex fresher and enable you to try new things with ease.

Sex addiction laid bare

Sex addiction has more exposure today than ever, with household celebrities such as Russell Brand speaking openly about the condition; but what causes sex addiction and what does the problem entail? 

Dr Abigael San, a clinical psychologist at The Priory Hospital, says, “Sex addiction, like other addiction problems, is a way of escaping when things get difficult. It’s a coping strategy and it can be very preoccupying. Sex addicts might find themselves spending lots of time sourcing pornography, looking at it and trying to get hold of it.”

Most people think that a sex addiction must stem from a sex-related issue, but usually it comes from the nature of addiction itself and is more about the feeling of helplessness. Dr. San explains, “Sex addiction runs a lot deeper than just sex. Of course, factors like a high sex drive are going to be relevant but they’re rarely the cause of sex addiction.” Although it’s an easy stereotype to place, sex addiction is usually more common in men than women, but that could be for a number of reasons, ranging from the fact we might expect men to carry the addiction, to the possibility that it’s more acceptable for a man to have it. With the Internet being readily available, sex addiction has more accessibility, so anyone who might have a tendency to be a sex addict would be able to go down that path.

Dr. San believes that with the right course of action, people can beat sex addiction, “Sex addiction should be treated in the same way as any other addiction problem, which means looking at the reasons behind the addiction and building up other areas of the addict’s life, such as going to therapy meetings, where they’ll meet new people and have less opportunity for encouraging their addiction.”

The best way to deal with sex addiction, or even worries about sex addiction, is to have an assessment by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, and then take relevant addiction treatment from there. 

Busted: Top Myths Related to Male Fertility

Whenever a couple is diagnosed as infertile, fingers are always pointed towards women first.

People think that there's something wrong with and that is why she can't conceive. This is nothing but a myth. The fact is that men too can be infertile. In fact, during the last few years male fertility cases have shot up and it is on the rise. In this article, we'll bust more such myths related to male fertility because we, at MensXP, love busting myths:

Having Sex Daily Will Increase Your Chances of Conception

Contrary to all the popular beliefs out there, conceiving is all about timing. Generally, the best time for conceiving is from the 11th to the 17th day of a woman's menstrual cycle. Now, a man's sperm can live up to 48 to 72 hours in a woman's reproductive tract so having sex daily won't really help. However, daily sex may improve the quality of your sperm.

Men Don't Have Fertility Cycles

Sperm count can go up in the winter and can come down during the summer time. This is probably owing to the fact that cooler temperatures aid sperm production. Sperm count for the males is also highest during the morning as the male hormones at that time of the day are at the highest level. These observations aside, experts do not say that the time of the day or year have any bearing on fertility rates when one looks at the bigger picture.

Body Weight and Sperm Count

While it is a known fact that obesity can affect sperm production, people aren't really aware of the fact that being too thin can also reduce sperm count. This is linked to hormonal imbalances and malnutrition. Some recent findings have shown that people with optimal BMI (body mass index) of 20 to 25 had higher levels of normal sperm as compared to men who were overweight or underweight.

Bicycling and Fertility

When you sit on the bicycle saddle for durations more than 30 minutes, the temperature of the scrotum goes up and this temporarily affects sperm production. Soit's not exactly bicycling but the increase in scrotal temperatures that affects sperm production. Even keeping a laptop on your lap for long durations can affect sperm count. What one really needs to do here is taking frequent breaks while using laptop and riding a bicycle.

Top 5 Foods to boost your sex life

The Top 5 Aphrodisiacs Foods

Before you go for costly medical techniques and psychological therapies togive a boost to your sex life, you must give a try to some readily available aphrodisiac foods.

This is a good way to rev up your sexual drive. Having a good time with your partner and at the same time indulging in aphrodisiac foods can give a tremendous boost to your libido. These foods rouse our pleasure senses and stimulate glands to enhance both male and female sexual performances.

Let's explore some such exotic foods that work as natural stimulants to add that much-needed spice to your sex life:

Watermelon

It may be a cool fruit but multiple servings of watermelon everyday can add fireworks to your sex life. It is often called “natural Viagra.” Watermelons contain an amino acid called citrulline which aids blood vessel dilation and thus heightens sexual pleasure. It can also be used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) naturally.

Asparagus

It's not for nothing that this exotic plant is also called “erotic asparagus.” It has the special quality of evoking a feeling of lust in both men and women. Ancient sexologists also advocated the use of asparagus for improving sex life. Back in 19th century, the prenuptial dinner for French bridegrooms included three servings of the juicy asparagus spears. Asparagus is ripe with potassium, fiber and vitamins like A, C, Folic Acid and Thiamine. Folic is one of the key substances which boost the production of histamine in the body which is necessary for the attainment of orgasm in both sexes.

Chocolate

And then we have chocolates, the good ol' aphrodisiac. They have been viewed as a symbol of love and passion for a long time. Some experts believe that women's capacity of producing endorphins (chemicals which are produced by the pituitary gland hypothalamus during excitement) increases four-fold after they eat chocolates as compared to a passionate foreplay.

Garlic

Garlic is once again a famous aphrodisiac. People have been consuming it for a long time for augmenting their sex drives. It works wonder for both men and women. Actually, garlic contains a chemical called allicin that increase blood flow to the sexual organs.

Oranges

It doesn't really have some really awesome aphrodisiac properties but it is indeed a sweet and seductive fruit. One can use it as a good alternative to chocolates to entice and pull your partner for a stormy sexual experience.

Top 5 Foods You Should ‘Avoid’ for a Good Sex Life

Unless you have been diagnosed with a rare form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that makes you sexually hyperactive to extent of being self-destructive,

you are likely to be on the lookout for the best and worst food choices that can impact your libido. However, it seems that information in this niche is one-sided with very little being said about foods that can lower your sexual life. The emphasis has always remained on exploring aphrodisiacs or libido-boosters. Take care to avoid the following foods to keep yourself conserve and improve your sexual health:

1. Carbohydrate-packed Processed Foods: Swear-off Cornflakes & White Breads

Carbohydrate-rich foods are usually recommended for boosting energy but excessive intake of carbs can impact the body in an unwanted way. Carbohydrate-dense foodstend to induce arteriosclerosis or thickening of articles. This leads to the gradual decrease in the flow of blood. Genitals need more-than-average blood supply to ensure that the sexual desire is translated into long-lasting and pleasurable intimate moments. Excessive intake of carbohydrates is known to hamper the sexual stimulus apart from impairing your sensitivity and response to such stimuli. Natural, high-carb foods like potatoes aren't as guilty as processed breads here. Common breakfast items infused with carbs like corn flakes were developed as a special diet for controlling sexual drive among people!

2. Fried Foods With High Trans Fat Levels: Stay-off Burgers & Paranthas

Fried Foods are among the most discriminated of food choices for maintaining better, overall and sexual/reproductive health. Fried Foods contain a higher concentration of Trans-fasts (or hydrogenated fats). These fats have an inverse relationship with testosterone—the basic male hormone critical for a fulfilling sex life. Even processed foods found in super-marts bearing the label of ‘Trans Fat-free’ like frozen meats, packed soups and cakes are concentrated with trans-fats. Eternal fast-food favorites like burgers and the humble paranthas are equally guilty.

3. Soy: Packed With Proteins, It Can Derail Your Bedroom Enthusiasm

Soy is a rich source of many amino acids and essential vitamins. It is a popular low-fat replacement to many dairy products. However, it is known to lower the testosterone levels. Monks in Central Asia were fed a high-soy diet to help them curb their sexual desires. The testosterone-lowering effect of soy is more likely to surface when soy is consumed in excessive amounts.

4. High Oxalic Acid Foods: Keep a Tab on Green Leafy Intake

Oxalic acid is required in the human body but in a very trace amount. Higher levels of oxalic acid can impact the kidney. When the urine-filtering and urine-formation performance of kidneys are compromised, internal infections are bound to seep into the genito-urinary tract. Such internal inflammations are hard to diagnose but can significantly lower testosterone levels and affect the quality of sperm. Foods like spinach are recommended for your overall health but when consumed continuously over a sustained period, they can lead to an unwanted oxalic acid spike.

5. Foods Flavored with Mint (Pudina) & Liquorice (Mulethi)

Mint-flavored food items like Chutneys, Pudina Paranthas, Pudina Yogurt-mixes, etc. are very common across Asian homes. However, mint is one of the rare herbs that are known to lower libido. It was often recommended and chewed by saints because of this reason. Mint has anti-androgenic properties that tend to lower testosterone synthesis. One of the most common herbal teas in India is Liquorice Tea. Liquorice or Mulethi is loaded with phyto-estrogens. These active compounds have an established, testosterone-lowering property.