18 Oh-So Good Reasons to Have Sex

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1. You'll burn calories.

Hate the gym? Head for the bedroom. OK, it's not actually a replacement for working out, but it does help: Having sex burns around 150 calories per half-hour. "It's not the only exercise you should do," says Dr. Marina Catallozzi, assistant professor of Pediatrics and Population and Family Health at Columbia University's Mailman School. "But you can increase your heartrate, use certain muscles, and burn at least 5 calories a minute."

2. Stronger muscles — yes!

Most sexual positions can help tone your core and buttocks. And if you're more adventurous (think standing up), you can also target your thighs, calves, and even arms. "Sex improves muscle tone all over your body, especially areas women are most concerned about," says clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Shannon Chavez. Even better: When you're aroused or have an orgasm, you release testosterone, which is key in building and maintaining lean muscle tissue.

3. Your heart will thank you.

Use it as an excuse to get your heart racing. Not only does sex improve cardiovascular health and circulation, but "a lot of studies show that increasing frequency to two times or more a week can cut your risk of heart disease by half," says Chavez. "That's a really important benefit for women."

4. It's a natural stress-reliever.

Feeling tired or anxious? The endorphins released during an orgasm have a positive impact on stress levels. "It improves stress response and helps your body be able to handle stress in the future. We think, 'I'm too tired or fatigued to have sex,' but it actually balances things out so you're feeling less stressed and more energized," says Chavez.

5. You'll sleep like a baby.

Ditch the camomile tea! According to Catallozzi, sex releases prolactin, which can help you catch some ZZZ's. Fun fact: Levels of this hormone are highest during deep sleep. Plus, when you're relaxed and deeply satisfied — or just tired from the exertion — drifting to dreamland is so much easier.

6. Younger-looking skin? Sign us up!

Afterglow is a real thing. With increased circulation from regular sexual activity, skin looks brighter and more toned. "The whole science behind afterglow is true — everything is flowing and there's been a lot of release there," says Dr. Chavez. "It makes you look younger and healthier — all the things you want in good skin."

7. Kiss aches and pains goodbye.

A headache may be a reason to have sex. Orgasms send a wave of oxytocin and endorphins into your system, which are "natural painkillers," says Chavez, who adds it helps with arthritis and menstrual cramps, too. As a bonus, she adds, "if your cycles have been off, frequent sex can help them be more regular because it regulates hormones like estrogen and testosterone."

8. Curing hiccups has never been more fun.

You read that right. Orgasms are a pretty reliable cure. "We don't think about that," admits Dr. Catallozzi. " But the vagus nerve is stimulated during sex, and that alleviates hiccups."

9. More sex = fewer bathroom trips.

Yes, your bladder isn't usually what comes to mind — unless you really have to go — when you're about to have sex. But experts agree that sex improves pelvic floor strength and bladder control (and is way more fun than Kegel exercises). "As we age, our pelvic floor health is even more important," says Chavez. Translation: Add more sex to your routine.

10. Keep your vagina in shape.

The pelvic floor isn't your only lady part getting a boost. "The more sex you have, the more the health benefits to your vagina increase," says Catallozzi. Benefits include increased lubrication and healthier skin. "And with improved blood flow to the vagina, you also see decreased menopausal symptoms."

11. Same goes for your guy.

Though the theories why differ, several studies link frequent sex to better prostate health. "Ejaculation is a way for men to release and clean out their system, which is important for prostate health," says Chavez

12. You're more likely to live longer.

A 1997 Australian study found that men who had sex twice a week or more were 50% less likely to die than men who had sex less than once a month. "Sex is important for overall health and well-being. The more people have sex, the healthier they are, the longer they live. They have less disease, less risk factors," explains Chavez.

13. You'll get sick a whole lot less.

Researchers at Pennsylvania's Wilkes University found that having sex once or twice a week boosts the immune system by lowering immunity-weakening cortisol levels and increasing immunoglobulin A (IgA), a protein that acts like an antibody. It's simple: The more sex you have, the less colds and flu, says Chavez.

14. Your fertility will get a boost.

Having more sex can increase your odds of conception. In fact, studies show that semen can trigger ovulation, and conversely, going more than a week without sex can negatively affect sperm. Dr. Chavez suggests couples have sex at least two times a week, while engaging in some form of intimacy — kissing, touching, talking — daily.

15. Raise your confidence.

"Decreased stress, increased intimacy, emotional health, increased libido — all of that can also be linked to increased self-esteem," says Dr. Catallozzi. It can give your confidence a lift, adds Chavez: "You also feel better about yourself and your body overall. And the more sex you have, the happier you tend to be." Thanks, endorphins.

16. It helps you feel closer to your partner.

Oxytocin, a.k.a. the cuddle hormone, is released when you kiss, hug, touch, and have an orgasm. Chavez suggests couples stop planning for perfect sex and just do it. Being adventurous is also a good idea: "Our sex drive is like our hunger for food. We don't eat the same things every day. Sometimes we want gourmet, sometimes we want something quick and easy. We like to try new things and be curious."

17. You'll have better communication.

"For sex to have all these benefits, you have to engage with someone in a trusting environment, and be clear about what you want and don't want," explains Catallozzi. "That communication helps make these benefits, like less stress, possible."

18. Sex leads to more sex.

It's not rocket science. As your self-esteem, libido, and relational closeness increase, you want more sex. "If you're having the sex that you want to be having, that you're enagaged in, with someone you love, you're more likely to enjoy it and want to have more," says Catallozzi. "It's a cycle."

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