10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

When you're in the mood, it's a sure bet that the last thing on your mind is boosting your immune system or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet good sex offers surprising health benefits including stress relief, boosting immunity, improving cardiovascular health and more.

Here are 10 surprising health benefits of sex:

1. Helps Keep Your Immune System Humming
“Sexually active people take fewer sick days,” says Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD a sexual health expert.

People who have sex have higher levels of what defends your body against germs, viruses, and other intruders. Researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of the a certain antibody compared to students who had sex less often.

You should still do all the other things that make your immune system happy, such as:
Eat right.
Stay active.
Get enough sleep.
Keep up with your vaccinations.
Use a condom if you don’t know both of your STD statuses.

2. Boosts Your Libido
Longing for a more lively sex life? “Having sex will make sex better and will improve your libido,” says Lauren Streicher, MD. She is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

For women, having sex ups vaginal lubrication, blood flow, and elasticity, she says, all of which make sex feel better and help you crave more of it.

3. Improves Women's Bladder Control
A strong pelvic floor is important for avoiding incontinence, something that will affect about 30% of women at some point in their lives.

Good sex is like a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When you have an orgasm, it causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.

4. Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Research suggests a link between sex and lower blood pressure, says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD. He is CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness.

“There have been many studies,” he says. “One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure.” That's the first number on your blood pressure test.

5. Counts as Exercise
“Sex is a really great form of exercise,” Pinzone says. It won’t replace the treadmill, but it counts for something.

Sex uses about five calories per minute, four more calories than watching TV. It gives you a one-two punch: It bumps up your heart rate and uses various muscles.

So get busy! You may even want to clear your schedule to make time for it on a regular basis.  “Like with exercise, consistency helps maximize the benefits,” Pinzone says.

6. Lowers Heart Attack Risk
A good sex life is good for your heart. Besides being a great way to raise your heart rate, sex helps keep your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance.


“When either one of those is low you begin to get lots of problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease,” Pinzone says.

Having sex more often may help. During one study, men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.

7. Lessens Pain
Before you reach for an aspirin, try for an orgasm.

“Orgasm can block pain,” says Barry R. Komisaruk, PhD, a distinguished service professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. It releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold.

Stimulation without orgasm can also do the trick. “We’ve found that vaginal stimulation can block chronic back and leg pain, and many women have told us that genital self-stimulation can reduce menstrual cramps, arthritic pain, and in some cases even headache,” Komisaruk says.

8. May Make Prostate Cancer Less Likely
Going for the gusto may help ward off prostate cancer.

Men who ejaculated frequently (at least 21 times a month) were less likely to get prostate cancer during one study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

You don’t need a partner to reap this benefit: Sexual intercourse, nocturnal emission, and masturbation were all part of the equation.

It's not clear that sex was the only reason that mattered in that study. Lots of factors affect cancer risk. But more sex won’t hurt.

9. Improves Sleep
You may nod off more quickly after sex, and for good reason.

“After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness" after sex, says Sheenie Ambardar, MD. She is a psychiatrist in West Hollywood, Calif.

10. Eases Stress
Being close to your partner can soothe stress and anxiety.

Ambardar says touching and hugging can release your body's natural “feel-good hormone.” Sexual arousal releases a brain chemical that revs up your brain’s pleasure and reward system.

Sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness, too, Ambardar says. It’s not only a prescription for a healthy life, but a happy one.

Fantastic Foreplay Tips You Haven’t Tried

If you want to really impress your lover in bed, then you will want to know about these fantastic foreplay tips that you probably haven't tried. The right moves in the bedroom can make all the different, so why not give something different that real college try. Here are some ideas that can help improve your sex life with fantastic foreplay ideas.

Show Her What an Orgasm Really Feels Like

Most women claim to rarely get a really good orgasm. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to learn how to give women outstanding orgasms, but it can take a little practice. Once you learn what gets her to that full orgasm, it is kind of like picking a lock. Once you know the combination, it gets easier and so much more exciting. Making a woman cum hard is the way to the best sex, so give it your all.

Give Each Other the Ultimate Sensual Massage

Sexy fun is always made better with a bit of touching and massage to get things started. So much of sex is about intimacy and sensual massage opens doors to greater closeness. The human body has many points of stimulation, most of which can be achieved only through touch. Giving each other a great body rubs will get you both aroused, but maybe more fun than sex by itself. You can never touch each other too much, because it feels so good.

Surprise Her and See Her Excitement Grow

Nothing lights up a woman a good old fashioned surprise. Women love unexpected gifts, spontaneous trips, unexpected rendezvous and anything that gets her in a bubbly mood. This is a great way to lead her into the bedroom mindset, so that she will be extraordinarily aroused. Your surprise could be almost anything, like jewelry, body oils or taking her for a full spa treatment. The point is to make sure that it is completely unexpected; she will reciprocate in equally unexpected ways later.

Treat Her like a Princess

Women loved to treat like the little girl they once were. All women want this, so don't be afraid to treat your baby with some extra tender loving care. Tell her all the things about her that are beautiful, sexy and make her the only woman in the world. Stand with her before a mirror as you do this, giving her sweet compliments while you slowly undress her. Caress her body softly, fondle her hair and kiss her from head to toe. Make her laugh and giggle, tickle her lightly or whisper into her ear. Do these until she can't stand it another moment, then take her! Let her know that you love seeing her inner child smiling and now she is about to become a woman.

Talk Dirty and Be Dominant

More people should try this method of spicing things up, because dirty talk and taking control are big turn on for women. Women love for a man to take control, being the dominant partner fulfills her most primal sexual instincts. Give her instructions; move her head and mouth where you want them, or just stand still, then tell her to pleasure you. Her imagination will run wild and she will respond by hanging on your every word. For most men, this is an ultimately arousing fantasy, so give it a try. Just be firm, very straight forward, but also a gentleman. She will love it, when you do this correctly.

Let Her Tell You What She Really Wants

If you do nothing else, remember this suggestion and make it your sexual gospel. The best way to find out what your lady gets really turned on by is to ask her. Women love open communication, so don't be shy and this will go a long way. A woman wants to know that you listen to her, validate her feelings and care about her needs. S he will be happy to express herself, if you just give her the green light. Now you will find out what her real sexual desires are and she will probably surprise you. Take advantage of this in every possible way, because now you have her full attention and permission to do so.

Above are some of the tips for lasting longer in bed and make fun whole night. They will also make your relationship better and helps to understand each other.

How to Have Safer Sex

On Dec. 1, the world observed World AIDS Day with the theme “Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-Free Generation.” During World AIDS Day, people across the globe unite to fight against AIDS and HIV through showing support for those currently living with the disease, commemorating those who have passed away from AIDS, and educating the world about HIV and AIDS. Naturally, education is the most important part of World AIDS Day, and, if you're dating or having casual sex, it's essential that you remain safe. Whether you’re engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sex, you must do your part to make sure both you and your partner are protected against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

While you may already use condoms when you have sex, you must make sure you take care of other sexual responsibilities as well. By being open and honest with your partners and choosing your bed fellows wisely, you can decrease your chances of getting HIV or any other STD. Although safe sex isn’t foolproof, making the crucial decision to practice it consistently forces you to make a conscious decision to have sex instead of just letting it happen. This makes it less likely for you to do something that you’ll later regret.

You already know you should use a condom each and every time you have sex if you aren't in a committed relationship or are engaging in sex with someone who is infected with HIV/AIDS. However, many people only think to use protection during sexual intercourse and fail to use condoms when engaging in oral sex—an act that can also spread a sexually transmitted disease. Remember to use condoms during oral sex, including female condoms when performing oral sex on a woman. Always check the expiration date of the condom before you open the packet and make certain that the condom package is intact and doesn’t have any holes or air bubbles. If you start to put a condom on inside out, throw it away and start over again with a new condom; do not roll it off and try using it again.

In addition, it’s important to use a lubricant even if you're using condoms that come packaged with it. The reason being that lubrication reduces the risk of tearing and other damages to the condom during intercourse. The best types of lubricants are water or silicone-based. Avoid using lubricants that contain nonoxynol-9. When going down on a woman or engaging in oral-anal contact, use a dental dam or another barrier or even cut a condom. You can find condoms and other products as well as education for practicing safe sex at Adam & Eve.

Honesty is vital to any relationship and, even if it’s just a casual fling, being open and truthful in your sexual relationship is crucial. If you have contracted HIV/AIDS or any other STD, it is your duty to let each and every one of your partners know your status. It’s also imperative that you confront your partner about his or her status, no matter how awkward it may be. Yes, talking about these issues can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it must be addressed if you plan on engaging in sex. For up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS and other STDs, consult the health information and services section of the Planned Parenthood website.

15 Condom Mistakes You Might Be Making

Putting on a condom may seem second nature to you by now, but are you actually doing it the right way? Sadly fellas, the latest research suggests you might not be.

Researchers from Indiana University analyzed 50 studies on condom usage, and after punching the numbers on 16 years of data, they found a laundry list of errors. Could you be making one of them? Check out the top 15 things that couples are doing wrong when gearing up for getting down.

Late application

Across the numerous studies, between 17 percent and 51.1 percent of people reported putting a condom on after intercourse has already begun. (Which doesn't quite cut it when it comes to STD prevention.)

Early removal

Between 13.6 percent and 44.7 percent of the respondents reported removing the condom before intercourse was complete. (We’ll take “defeating the point” for 1,000, Alex.)

VIDEO: Banned Funny Condom Advert

Completely unrolling the condom prior to application

Between 2.1 percent and 25.3 percent of people admitted to completely unrolling the condom before sliding it on. How does that even work?

No space at the tip

Failing to leave space for semen at the tip of the condom was reported by 24.3 to 45.7 percent of the respondents.

Failure to remove air

When looking back to their last sexual encounter, 48.1 percent of women and 41.6 percent of men reported that they didn't squeeze the air from the tip before use.

Inside-out condoms

Between 4 percent and 30.4 percent of participants reported they began rolling the condom on inside out, but then flipped it over and continued its use. And that’s bad, since it can expose her to your pre-ejaculatory fluids, which can get her pregnant. (Nope, that wasn't just a lie your gym teacher told you.)

Failure to completely unroll the condom before use

When looking back to their last sexual encounter, 11.2 percent of women and 8.8 percent of men had began intercourse before the condom was unrolled all the way.

Exposure to sharp object

Between 2.1 percent and 11.2 percent of people had opened condom packets with sharp objects. The problem: If it’s sharp enough to rip the wrapper, it’s sharp enough to rip the condom. Duh.

Failure to check for damage

When removing the condom from the package, 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men reported that they fail to check for damage before use. What to look for: Make sure the wrapper isn’t worn down or ripped open, keep your eyes peeled for expired dates, and check for visible imperfections while unrolling.

No lubrication

Between 16 percent and 25.8 percent of people reported using condoms without lubrication. The trouble? If you’re having sex for an extended period of time, the condom is more likely to tear without lubrication. (Check out our tips for outstanding lube play.)

Lubrication complications

Roughly 3.2 percent of women and 4.7 percent of men reported using an oil-based lube with a latex condom. That weakens the latex, which can make it prone to breakage.

Incorrect withdrawal

Nearly 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women reported that (post-sex) they failed to promptly and properly withdraw after ejaculation. No matter what the Cranberries sang, guys, this ain't a time to let it linger.

Reusing a condom

Between 1.4 percent and 3.3 percent of people reported reusing a condom at least twice during a sexual encounter. Gross.

Incorrect storage

Between 3.3 percent and 19.1 percent of people in the studies had stored their condoms in conditions that did not comply with the recommendations on the package. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or your wallet—both can degrade the latex.

Not wearing one at all

This wasn't actually part of the study, but we should add that #15 is this: Not using one at all. According to the (most recent) National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, only 45 percent of men ages 18 to 24 used a condom with their last sexual partner. And as the age groups increased, the stats only got worse: Only 29.3 percent of men ages 25 to 34 used condoms and 21.3 percent of men between ages 35 and 44.

Source:  Internet

Banned Funny Condom Advert

This advert actually didn't make to TV, it was banned by the censors board...their reason, it's so obvious.

ARTICLE: 15 Condom Mistakes You Might Be Making

When is the Right Time to Lose Your Virginity?

Losing your virginity is a big step, and it’s one that you should make with your partner consensually and with a clear mind.

People often ask me if there is a “right” time for a young person to lose their virginity. Should they wait until college, until they are monogamous, or until they are adults and married? The answer is truly going to depend on your own personal religious and cultural beliefs, but it’s an important topic to discuss because all young people need to be involved and educated when it comes to their bodies and their sexual decisions. Parents and teens both need to keep their communication honest and open, and it’s a conversation that we should have not just once, but frequently, especially as our kids mature and start dating.

As mentioned above, the decision to have sex is an individual one, and there is no specific age when sexual activity must begin. Some people choose to wait until they are married, some until they fall in love, some until they are in a committed relationship, some until they are graduated and living away from home, etc. Despite what you may see in the media, the truth is that many young people are actually waiting to have sex and there is nothing weird or “prudish” about that. In fact,

It is a decision which can protect you from unplanned pregnancies, STDs, and even a broken heart.

Many young people have sex before they are emotionally prepared, perhaps because they are inundated with sexual messaging every day. Sex seems like something that everyone is doing, something that is ‘no big deal.’ Choosing not to engage in sexual activity can feel like social suicide, especially if people mock you for your decision or try to pressure you to have sex before you are ready. Unfortunately, these are issues which teens are forced to confront every day, whether they are at school, at the movies, or hanging out with friends.

So how do you know when you are ready to have sex?

First, it is important to consider the far-reaching consequences of having sex before you are ready. There are potentially very real and very well-known consequences, such as STDs and teen pregnancy, but there are also other less known concerns to take under consideration. For example, did you know that young girls who have sex before they are ready are more likely to struggle with sexual satisfaction and sexual response when they get older? When your first memories of sex are unpleasant, it can negatively color the rest of your sexual experiences. In an ideal world, every woman’s first memories of sex would be of love, mutual respect, and mutual pleasure. By postponing sex until you are in a committed, monogamous relationship with someone who loves you, you can increase your chances of having such a positive experience.

Second, it’s important to realize that there is nothing wrong with having sexual desires and fantasies. As your body changes and your hormones fluctuate, you will no doubt experience sexual thoughts, feelings, and urges. However, intercourse is just one way to release those feelings. Masturbation can help to relieve sexual tension, and can help you get to know your body and your sexual response (all of which will be helpful when you do decide to have sex someday). Rest assured, masturbation is a completely normal activity, and not something of which you should be embarrassed or ashamed.

Third, think outside the box when you are ready to be intimate with your partner. You don’t immediately have to jump from making out to having sex. There are many other ways you can be intimate without having sex, such as through VENIS (very erotic non-insertive sex). With VENIS, you can enjoy sensual and erotic activities with your partner without engaging in intercourse. Ideas include: Give each other a massage, take a bath together, explore mutual masturbation, or have manual sex (hands-only). These are all ways to explore your sexuality without risking STDS or pregnancy, and while postponing actual intercourse until you are ready for those potential risks.

Fourth, remember that you and your partner might have very different ideas and expectations about sexual activity. You might assume that your partner has the same relationship goals as you, but until you ask them, you really don’t know. Are you going to be together forever? Is this a summer fling or a serious relationship? It’s important to find out, especially if it impacts your decision to lose your virginity. You also need to be able to discuss other topics, such as STD testing, sexual history, etc. If you aren’t comfortable having these conversations, then you aren’t ready to have sex.

Fifth, remember that a lot of what you hear from your friends and peers isn’t often true. Your friends might be exaggerating their sexual activity in an effort to look more adult (although it only makes them look just the opposite), so take news of their sexual ‘conquests’ with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is your health and your happiness, so practice good self-care and don’t rush into sex…you have your whole life to enjoy it!

Source: Everyday Health