7 Huge Differences Between Sex and Love

There are many differences between sex and love. #Women enjoy seeing passionate love making in the movies, but sometimes are disappointed by their own experience that doesn't even come close. There is something so sensual and #beautiful  when two people have chemistry together. But that isn't always the case when it comes to sex. Sometimes #people  have sex just to have sex.  #Below ,  I'm going to share with you 7 big differences between sex and love!

1. KNOWING EACH OTHER

The first time you are with someone can sometimes be a bit awkward. It takes time to get to know someone's #body  and pleasure points. When you are in love with someone the #time  you put into getting to know each other's bodies is intimate. You take pleasure in making sure you know what makes them tick. When you have sex with someone and you're just doing it to do it, that is a clear difference between sex and love. Sex is a physical act and when looking at it without any spark or chemistry thats when the love  is missing.

2. FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

A lot of people say you can't be friends with benefits  without someone developing feelings, which does tend to be true. But what is going on before those feelings are involved is simply a platonic need to fill ones craving for sex. If you both find each other attractive, and can turn each other on, then why not enjoy the #benefits ? When the feelings do become involved it becomes more then just a physical act. But again, they are feelings and emotions which is what love  is. So just remember if you want to enjoy the friends part, stick to keeping a clear vision that it is not a #relationship !  Remember, having fears of being intimate is something that everyone deals with.

3. FOREPLAY

One of the best things I have heard is foreplay doesn't start in the bedroom, it starts in the flirting. When you first meet someone and have that chemistry, the sexual tension  in itself is foreplay. Sex is just an action, but falling in love includes the foreplay. Foreplay means you don't want to rush sex, you want to take your #time  and enjoy every bit of it. When there is no #foreplay  there's no desire in wanting to please each other, and that is a major difference between sex and love.

4. ORGASM

A lot of #people misconstrue an orgasm as love. That toe curling, body shaking, want to scream from the top of your lungs feeling doesn't mean you just experienced love. It is just another part of sex, but getting to that moment does include intense passion and love between a #partner. it's hard to find yourself having the big "O" without being able to connect with the person.

5. SEX IS A RELEASE

Sex isn't just about romance. Sometimes #people  use sex as a release the same way you want an after work drink. This is a big difference between sex and love. Love includes emotions, while sex is just the action. Having sex with someone is a release for yourself and can be a purely selfish motive. When you are doing it for that reason, it's not about love .

6. SELFLESSNESS

Love makes you want to please every part of your #partner physically and emotionally. There is something about it that feeds you inside. Think of every romance movie you have seen where the #guy  courts, woos, and pleasures the woman he is fond over. It is never a rushed experience, but a sensual, caressing, and selfless moment. This is a big difference between sex and love. In comparison, sex can be fast with a goal of get off, and get done. When you're motive is selfish it's not about the love .

7. CHEMISTRY

Think of the movie, 'How to Lose a #Guy  in 10 Days' where Matthew McConaghey and Kate Hudson have that epic moment in the shower where you literally see them fall in love with each other. It is not the most romantic love story but it is one I feel most #women  can relate too. There's that moment in a relationship when you connect with your #partner  on a new level, "love making" as most people call it. That chemistry is something two #people  can create only when you have love between you two. Of course you can have sexual #attraction  to each other and a spark. That's what makes sex hot and steamy, but it is not the full definition of lovemaking. There's all different levels of chemistry with someone, its just seeing where you truly connect.

A lot of times girls get confused with the differences between sex and love, but I hope these are helpful in relating to your experiences. With these in mind, whether you are single or in a #relationship , think about how you feel when you are with someone and if its truly love or truly a hot, steamy, passionate sex endeavor? Have you ever confused sex with love?

Original Article: allwomenstalk.com

Sex Can Bring Your Relationship to a Higher Level

by Vanessa Luis

Sex can be a much more passionate experience when you share it with a meaningful partner. Sex may feel like a mere means of pleasure and fun but there is a lot of good that it can do for your relationship. To some people sex may seem overrated, but we give you five reasons why sex is beneficial for your relationship.

Keeps you connected

Sex is an intimate experience, which can bring you closer to your partner not just physically but emotionally. Your bedroom chemistry can also improve the chemistry in your relationship. A sexless relationship can become vulnerable over time and therefore, you need sex to keep the fire burning.

Keeps stress at bay

With the kind of lives we live, stress has become an integral part of it. This often takes a toll on your relationship. However, research shows that sex releases a feel-good chemical in the brain, which reduces stress levels. Instead of resorting to antidepressants, engage in a heated sex session to improve your well being and strengthen your relationship. 

Keeps the romance alive

Sex may seem like a physical activity but it has an emotional appeal to it. It causes the body to release oxytocin, which is also called the love hormone that will make you feel that you need to love and trust your partner. 

Keeps the hormones balanced

We’ve already mentioned that being sexually active will calm stress but apart from that it also helps your body maintain hormonal balance. This hormonal balance will calm other emotional problems like depression and anxiety and will also increase fertility. 

Keeps you both healthy

Sex can also benefit your overall health. Sex can also make you more flexible. It also acts as a metabolic and immune booster and can also fight the ageing process. This ensures that it not only keeps you and your partner healthy but also keeps your relationship vibrant.


Original Article: indiatimes.com

How to Communicate Your Sexual Desires to Your Partner

by Pleasure Mechanics

These questions will change your sex life FOREVER.

To have a fulfilling, hot sex life, it's essential to get honest about your most authentic desires.

Once you know what you want out of your sex life, you're much more likely to get it! Plus, exploring your sexual fantasies gives you valuable insight into your true desires.

Of course, once you know what you want, you need to share your desires with your lover. 

 

This can be a scary step for a lot of people. (Most couples rarely talk about sex, let alone share openly about their desires.) But if you can achieve open communication with your lover, your sex life's potential multiplies.

Think about planning a trip to a new city. If you had two days to explore the city, would you just show up and wander around? Or plan exactly what you want to see and do ahead of time? Planning doesn't eliminate spontaneity — it actually INCREASES the possibility of meaningful encounters. If you're a foodie, you might identify the great outdoor market and take notes about when it is open. If you love art, you'd know where the museums are.

Planning your erotic life is no different. You can spend your life having sex without any plan, simply hoping that you find fulfillment. Or you can get specific about what you want to experience and actually have a wildly satisfying sex life.

When you're in a relationship, you MUST talk about your sexual desires if you want a fulfilling sex life.

Is your partner defensive when you try to talk about sex?

Communicating about your desires can be an incredibly intimate and romantic process. Much is in how you approach one another's vulnerability and disclosures. You'll discover parts of your lover you never knew were there, clear up assumptions and misconceptions, and shatter patterns that don't serve you anymore. Make no mistake, discussing and negotiating your desires together changes your relationship — for the better.

Before you start talking about sex, agree to be as open-minded and non-judgmental as possible.

Be curious! This isn't a critique of your existing sex life; rather, it's a map leading to even more pleasure and intimacy. These conversations are great on a walk, at a dinner date, or during a road trip. Dare to talk about sex whenever you have a private moment together.

If you are new to sharing your desires, start with simple questions.

1. What are your favorite kinds of full body touch — featherlight or deep massage?

2. Are there any parts of your body that you want touched more often?

3. What kinds of daily affection make you feel most loved?

Once successfully begin communicating about sex and desires, start deepening your conversation into more intimate topics.

4. What is something you've always wanted to try but have never done before?

5. Would you ever want to be blindfolded or tied up — or do the tying?

6. What is something you did when you were younger but haven't tried in awhile?

7. Is there a scene from a movie that really turns you on?

The most important thing is to establish open, friendly and relaxed conversation about sex.

The more you talk about sex as a couple, the more freedom and honesty you'll find when it comes to asking for what you want.

Originally Appeared in yourtango.com

Best Foods to Increase Your Sex Drive

by Sarah Barns

Avocados, eggs, watermelon, oysters: Top 10 libido-boosting foods

WANT to improve your performance in the bedroom? Eat your way to a better sex life with these passion-inducing foods

There are a number of reasons why your sex life may have lost it's sizzle but you can help put the va-va-voom back into the bedroom with these lust-inducing foods. 

Leading sex toy company We-Vibe reveals what you should be munching down at dinner to put that spark back into your libido. 

AVOCADOS

The name for this South American fruit derives from the Aztec language Nahuatl, in which it meant "testicle" – a name chosen for the fruit’s unusual shape.

It may seem like a bit of a stretch to us, but avocadoes do have some sexy benefits. They are rich in unsaturated fats, making them very heart-healthy.

And a healthy heart keeps the blood flowing to all the right places. Men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, so feel free to add some extra avocado slices to your salads.

ALMONDS

These healthy nuts are said to act as a sexual stimulant and a fertility aid, so if you’re trying for a baby, start snacking.

They are rich in nutrients and in several minerals that are important for sexual health and reproduction, including zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. Zinc can also help enhance sexual desire.

STRAWBERRIES

Don’t forget to bring this mouth-watering dessert on your next picnic.

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin B, which has been linked to high sperm counts in men.

Go one step further and coat them in chocolate, as it is full of libido-boosting methylxanthines. 

FIGS

These small fruits pack some big benefits. They are bursting with calcium, iron, potassium, and more of that stimulating zinc.

They are also packed with fibre, which boosts heart health and satisfies hunger without adding to your waistline.

EGGS

Poached, scrambled or fried, eggs are sure to rev you up after a long day at work.

They are full of protein, which keeps you going without packing on the calories.

They're also an excellent source of amino acids, which combat certain types of heart ailments as well as erectile dysfunction.

OYSTERS

The classic aphrodisiac! Research conducted by the American Chemical Society showed that oysters contain compounds that raise testosterone and oestrogen levels.

This hormone boost can translate into heightened sexual desire and stamina. These slimy creatures are another source of zinc to help aid blood flow to the genitals in both genders. 

NUTS AND SEEDS

A very easy addition to any salad that can have your sex life rocketing from luke-warm to hot hot.

Cashews and almonds are full of zinc, whilst walnuts are high in omega-3. This may make you instantly think of fish but the essential fatty acids found in omega-3 help with sexual response by raising dopamine levels in the brain that trigger arousal. They’re also important for energy, memory, mood, and libido.

WATERMELON

The nutrient citrulline, found in watermelons can have a Viagra-like effect on the body as it boosts nitric oxide which relaxes the blood vessels.

This is the same effect that Viagra has to treat erectile dysfunction. 

BLACK RASPBERRIES

We used to enjoy picking them off the bushes when we were younger and now these berries can keep bedroom boredom at bay. This phytochemical-rich food enhances both libido and sexual endurance.

GINSENG TEA

Consuming too much coffee on a regular basis leads to over-stimulation of the adrenal glands, flooding the body with hormones normally produced in times of stress.

These hormones negatively impact libido and sexual performance. As an alternative, try ginseng tea which contains the ginsenoside compound that increases sexual satisfaction and can prevent erectile dysfunction.

Original Article: express.co.uk

10 Ways to Be More Intimate with Your Lover

by Jennifer Chowdhury

Honesty and communication make up the foundation for a healthy relationship. But, what exactly does it take to achieve these things? According to certified Sexologist Jaiya Hanauer, there are 10 important ways to build intimacy and make a deeper connection with your partner.

1. MAKING EYE CONTACT
The eyes are the doorways to a connected sex life. Although it may feel a little funny at first, making eye contact during sex tells your partner that all your attention is on him. It builds trust, which ultimately leads to a stronger sexual and emotional bond.

2. TOUCHING
Touching each other throughout the day builds longing for each other. Massaging, stroking, and caressing all produces oxytocin, which is the bonding chemical. To build a deeper connection, try touching each other without having sex. Build up the tension for a few days to make your next intimate an explosive encounter.

3. BREATHING
We do it automatically everyday but most of us don't realize that breathing is a way to heighten pleasure and arousal. When you breathe deeper, you bring more oxygen into the body, which allows you to be aroused at greater heights. Alternating your breath as you breathe into each other's mouths is an intimate exercise that has been used in ancient traditions as a way to share the soul.

4. EXPLICIT TALK
The simple act of sending a sweet text message or complimenting your lover can send blood rushing into the genitals. Not only does it build anticipation, but will also keep your partner thinking about you all day.

5. SETTING THE SCENE
Nothing breaks the mood like cell phones blaring and clutter all over your bedroom. Set the scene for intimacy with sensual music, candles, clean sheets and a shift in environment. Don't limit intimacy to the bedroom only, you can also create a stage for an encore performance in the living room or kitchen. Think of sex as a theatrical piece—you need the right lighting, right mood and sets. Stimulating your creativity as you prepare actually stimulates the sexual drive.

6. DOING SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
Taking the time out to do things for your lover that shows that you care and respect his feelings is very important. Plan to go to his favorite restaurant, run a simple errand for him or cook him an exquisite meal. Doing something for him out of the blue will surely increase the love he has for you.

7. TRYING SOMETHING NEW
Many couples get into patterns when it comes to sex. To break free of the bedroom doldrums, do something adventurous. Take a class together at a sex boutique, go skydiving or do something else that you have never done in bed before, but have always wanted to try.

8. SENSUAL FEATS
Creating a romantic dinner together with specific foods can actually form deeper bonds. Chocolate, for example, contains the chemical Phenethylamine (PEA) which is responsible for the feeling of being in love. Avocados boost both the male and female libido.

9. ROLE PLAYING
Using your imagination always gives a great boost to your sex life. If you consciously take on a fantasy role in the bedroom, the level of intimacy is heightened when you come back to your more traditional roles in the relationship. Try role-playing as an erotic masseuse and client or as a captor and captive.

10. ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE VULNERABLE
In today's world, women are becoming stronger than ever and it takes a lot to let down our guards, especially if we've been hurt before. But, letting the walls around you melt and allowing your partner to penetrate you emotionally and physically are some of the best things you can do in a relationship. Share your deepest feelings with him and allow him to get to know all the different facets of your personality.


Original Article: sheknows.com

Keep Bad Sex from Ruining a Good Relationship

by Flannery Dean

Photo: Getty Images

Just as great sex can prolong an unhealthy relationship, bad or unsatisfactory sex can sadly torpedo a good one. However, that doesn’t have to be the case.

Where there is love, respect, and an equal amount of self-awareness and good humour, there too, exists the possibility of sizzling clinches and tender intimacies.

To get more of the latter, here are five ways to put the snap, crackle and pop back into a committed sexual relationship that’s gone soggy.

1. Bad sex is a warning light not a STOP sign
Unsatisfactory sex is indeed a sign that something’s wrong in a relationship — but maybe not as much as you think…or feel. Unfortunately, bad sex can sometimes loom very large, overshadowing other positives in a partnership.

“There is an oft-repeated saying in the realm of sex therapy that when sex is satisfactory it is an important component of a relationship — adding about 20 percent to the overall positive experience of the relationship. However, when sex isn’t going well, it registers a negative impact of up to 70 percent on the experience for the individuals,” explains Toronto-based sex therapist Marion Goertz.

Don’t think of a stale sex life as a sign that your relationship is doomed. Rather think of it more as a signal alerting you to the fact that a relationship tune-up is needed. “It’s like the engine warning light that a relationship is needing attention.”

2. Your mantra: 
It will get better Complacency and resignation is the enemy of progress in a relationship. And if you’ve given up on your partner’s ability to please you in the boudoir — or your ability to return the same — then that may be part of the problem.

Recognition that intimacy can deepen and become more satisfying is an essential ingredient in solving your sex dilemma. We can “absolutely” change “our ways of interacting, connecting and experiencing intimacy,” says Goertz.

“When two people are open to increasing their intimacy on all levels — not just in the bedroom, when their minds and hearts begin to connect in new and more intimate ways — our bodies quickly follow.”

3. Commit to the process - Change takes effort and commitment.
“Choosing to work to improve any part of our human functioning, to the degree that we are physically and mentally able, is first and foremost a choice — and a commitment,” she explains.

That means you’re going to have to talk about your dissatisfaction with your partner. But before you do that, you may need to sort out just exactly what’s turning you off and why. For example, is the issue that you want to have more sex or less? Or even, perhaps, none at all? Do you long for more variety? Do you want your partner to show greater tenderness and attention?

Once you’ve sorted out what’s turning you off, think about the reasons that may underlie your dissatisfaction.

“When we look closer,” says Goertz, “the couple tends to have lost their safe middle ground and have disconnected due to busyness, outside stresses, illness, etc.” Other factors that may influence sexual satisfaction may be a history of infidelity or suspicions thereof, fertility stresses, feelings of shame that make sexual expression difficult, or unresolved emotional issues.

4. Be nicer to one another outside of the bedroom. 
If your relationship is suffering from a lack of overall enjoyment in one another’s company (clothed or otherwise) boost the pleasure principle in your interactions by applying the golden rule to your loved one.

“Show appreciation, say please and thank you,” suggests Goertz. Buy your beloved his or her favourite brand of potato chips — nothing says ‘I want you’ like a bag of artisanal dill pickle chips — or buy them their favourite magazine, or flowers.

“Say something nice about them that they will overhear. Call as you are leaving for home. So many things that say, ‘I respect you, your feelings matter to me, I want you to know that I delight in you’.”

The more beloved your partner feels by you in the kitchen, dining room and living room, the greater the intimacy and sense of trust in the bedroom.

5. Make a project out of it
“Good sex requires scheduling, planning, creativity…and playful, respectful collaboration around frequency, timing and technique,” explains Goertz.

If performance or technique is the problem, ‘fess up to your partner and tell him or her what you’d like them to do. Be bold and show them.

If time and home life stresses are taking their toll on intimacy then it may be time for a dirty night, or weekend, away.

“The best sex is about taking turns planning and carrying out adult play dates, with fun high on the agenda in a pleasant environment with plenty of time and good appetizers. That’s why many people report better sex when they are away on a holiday together.”

Original Article: chatelaine.com

5 Tips for Improving Female Libido

A common complaint for many women is the loss of libido, or sex drive. Often this symptom is associated with menopause, but adult women of varying age groups have noted a decline in sex drive. While no one resolution exists, certain strategies can offer significant help for this condition and overall well-being.

At the foundation of this issue, most women aren’t aware of all the factors that effect libido, or the treatments available to help. Many are too embarrassed to share their worry with a physician. Patients are often told they are overstressed or depressed and given an antidepressant. Unfortunately, many medications actually make the problem worse. Many women note that stress is not the major issue, and that depression is really frustration that their libido is not in sync with that of their partner.
Focus on the following 5 areas to add flicker back to the flame.

Sleep

Libido is just one of many areas affected by poor sleep. Without quality sleep, energy will suffer and the body is forced to ration its energy. For those needing a good night’s sleep and a libido lift, start a gentle exercise program in the evening. Explore yoga or tai chi which don’t exhaust the body, and provide a nice sense of relaxation for the mind.

De-stress

If stress is a major distraction from your love life, utilize tools to help the body unwind. Massage, exercise and adequate rest are powerful against stress. B complex vitamins help support the stress glands, adrenal glands, as does ginseng and licorice. Eating a healthy diet with limited refined sugar helps keep the body in balance. If depression is an issue, this should be discussed with a significant other and a physician so that you can observe other therapies.

Hormonal Therapies

Fatigue is often a major contributor to low libido. If the body feels that is does not have the strength to get through the day at an optimal level, it will begin to ration its energy. On a biochemical level, fatigue and stress drive certain hormones, like DHEA and testosterone, down. Though these are often considered male hormones, they are also found and needed in females (in lesser amounts). Low levels of testosterone and DHEA can be replaced to help raise libido.

DHEA can be taken orally and is available over-the-counter. Testosterone is available by prescription and is typically given to women as a cream. Both of these hormones may be low in women well before menopause has started. They can be checked through blood, urine or saliva testing. For many, replacement with DHEA and other hormones can also improve sleep and improve mood, both of which provide a natural boost to libido.

Hormone replacement. One may also want to consider the replacement of estrogen and progesterone. This is not always an easy decision, but you may want to consider the benefits of bioidentical hormones.

Herbals

Ginseng has historically been used to improve endurance and stamina. It is tolerated well and combines with DHEA to aid in libido and what is often described as an “improved sense of well-being [Source: Tode].” Observe caution if you experience high blood pressure or have a history of high heart rate.

L-theanine

This extract of green tea has a gentle calming and focusing effect on the mind, lessening the “racing” that keeps the brain awake at night and disrupts the body’s attention toward lovemaking.


Original Article: health.howstuffworks.com

21 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Make Love… EVERYDAY!

Forget anti-wrinkle creams, research claims SEX can make you look seven years younger – but that’s not the only benefit. If you thought that the only benefit of sex was, well, pleasure, here’s some news for you. Making love is good. And making love regularly is even better. Not only does it help you sleep well, relieve stress and burn calories, there are also several other reasons why you need to have sex more often. Stressed, burdened with life’s difficult problems and fear that your health is declining? Then sex is the answer to happiness, longevity and a healthy body. You don’t agree?

According to the latest studies, regular sex can provide some incredible boosts to your health and well-being.

1. Look younger

Last week, Dr David Weeks, clinical neuropsychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, revealed to a psychology ­conference that his extensive research had found older men and women with an active love life looked five to seven years younger than their actual age. But you don’t have to be at it every night to enjoy youth-enhancing effects! In fact, during his 10-year study, ­Weeks found quality was as important as quantity, with the ­anti-ageing benefits stronger if the sex was classed as “loving”.

2. Boost your fertility

This will sound like ­music to most men’s ears – studies have found that the more often you make love, the better quality your sperm will be. If you’re trying to conceive, you increase the volume of semen if you have sex regularly. Regular sex replaces old sperms from the testicles. If there is a natural build of sperms it can lead to DNA damage. Keep sperm fresh and in tip-top shape by having sex everyday, and not only around the time of the woman’s ovulation.

Frequent sex has also been found to help balance a woman’s hormones and regulate her periods, which can further boost chances of conceiving.

3. Fight colds and flu

Having sex everyday has been found to raise your body’s levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, or IgA, which can protect you from colds and flu. One study found people who have sex more than once a week have 30% higher levels of IgA than those who abstain.

4. Disease-proof your body

Having high levels of the natural steroid DHEA, known as “the anti-ageing hormone”, is believed to be key to keeping your body fitter for longer. During sex, DHEA is ­secreted throughout the body, and after an orgasm, the level in the bloodstream soars to five times its normal amount.

5. Lengthen your life

A study carried out in Australia found people who climaxed at least once a day had a 50% lower chance of dying for any medical reason than those who only climaxed once a week or month.

6. Shift your middle-age spread and keep fit

Thirty minutes of vigorous sex burns up to 100 calories, which is the same as a small glass of wine. And if you have active sex on a regular basis, you’ll burn an extra 5,000 calories a year! ­Varying your positions is also a great, fun way to tone different muscle groups and keep limbs lean and flexible.

7. Ease those nasty period cramps

Many women say period pain diminishes if they do the deed during a cramp attack. One theory why is that muscle contractions that occur when you reach peak levels of excitement relieve tension in the muscles of your uterus – the ones that cause menstrual cramps – therefore easing the pain.

8. Helps lower your risk of incontinence

Good sex is a great workout for a woman’s pelvic floor muscles – the muscles that control ­orgasms and also stem the flow of urine, reducing leakage and incontinence. Pregnancy and the menopause can weaken these muscles significantly, but the stronger they are, the lower your risk of developing stress incontinence and prolapse later. And let’s face it, sex is far more ­enjoyable than the chore of doing pelvic floor exercises on your own!

9. Prevent a heart attack

Lots of studies have found that regular sex can ward off heart attacks, not bring them on as it was once feared. One study at Queen’s University Belfast found that having sex three times a week could halve your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Another study in Israel found that women who had two orgasms a day were up to 30% less likely to have heart disease than those who did not enjoy sex or didn’t have an orgasm.

10. Increase your attractiveness to others

High sexual activity makes the body release more pheromones, chemicals that enhance your appeal to the opposite sex. This is why the more sex you have with your partner, the stronger your desire will be to have sex with them again.

11. Smooth out your wrinkles

The hormone oestrogen is pumped out during sex, which can in turn have a plumping effect on the skin, helping to smooth out those fine lines. This is especially useful following the menopause, when a woman’s skin can ­become drier and more wrinkled, as ­oestrogen levels naturally drop. One American study found that menopausal women who had sex at least 4 times a week had ­oestrogen levels that were twice as high as their counterparts who abstained.

12. Give yourself an all-over healthy glow

According to ­research carried out at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, sex promotes skin renewal because it is an aerobic form of exercise. The scientist behind this study found that vigorous sex pumps higher levels of oxygen around the body, increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin, and pushes newer, fresher skin cells to the surface, making skin look healthier.

13. Improve your self-esteem

One of the most important benefits, noted in a recent survey undertaken by the University of Texas, USA, was that participants who had sex regularly felt more confident about their bodies.

14. Lower your blood pressure

A Scottish study found men and women who had plenty of sex coped well with stress and had lower blood ­pressure than those who abstained. Researchers at Brigham Young ­University in the US also linked frequent intercourse to lower blood pressure.

15. Banish depression

Like any exercise that raises your heart rate, sex causes your brain to release feel-good chemicals that boost your levels of serotonin – the happy hormone – to lift your mood. Serotonin is the body’s key antidepressant chemical and one of the major reasons people smile and feel happy and relaxed after sex. Sexually active women in long-term ­relationships are also less likely to feel depressed than women who go without sex, according to a study of nearly 300 women by psychologist Gordon Gallup in the American Archives Of Sexual ­Behavior.

16. Cure that headache (yes, really!)

“Having a headache” might be an age-old excuse not to have sex, but the scientific evidence says that, to the contrary, sex can help shift pain! This is because making love causes a surge in the “love” hormone ­oxytocin, plus other feel-good ­endorphins, which can ease pain. Women have reported that their ­pain from both headaches and ­arthritis improved post-coitus.

17. Slash stress

In a study in the Psychology journal, ­researchers found that people who’d had sex in the last 24 hours coped better with stressful ­scenarios – such as public speaking – than those who had not. Research has also shown that touching and cuddling during and after sex reduces the body’s levels of cortisol – the hormone that is secreted when you’re stressed.

18. Kick your insomnia into touch

The oxytocin released when you orgasm has another benefit – it can help you drop off, research claims. Both men and women release this feel-good ­hormone just before ­orgasm, and as it courses through your system, it promotes relaxation and sleepiness.
So there is actually a genuine excuse for him to fall asleep so quickly after sex…

19. Strengthen your bones

As regular sex can boost oestrogen levels in post-menopausal women, it can offer some protection against the ­bone-thinning condition osteoporosis that is triggered by a lack of oestrogen. And men can benefit too, as testosterone levels have been found to increase during and after sex, which can provide some protection against male osteoporosis.

20. Cut your risk of prostate cancer

Researchers at Nottingham University have found that men who enjoy a regular sex life in their 50s are at lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This is because sex clears the prostate of toxins that could ­otherwise linger and trigger ­cancerous changes.
The link was first suggested after several studies showed that monks appeared to have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer.

21. Feel better all day

If you decide to go for a spot of morning passion to start your day, the boost to your mood it provides can continue right through until night-time, ­according to research. The American scientist Dr Debby Herbenick found that adults who made love first thing in the morning were not only more upbeat for the rest of the day, but they also benefited from a stronger ­immune system than those people who simply opted for a cup of tea and some toast before ­heading out of the door. In other words – why wait until tonight?

Original Article: vamshare.com

The Hidden Health Benefits of Sex

Twisting the sheets comes with a slew of body-boosting side effects.

"Having sex regularly can do more than make you feel closer to your partner—it can actually make you physically healthier," says Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University and author of Pleasure: A Woman's Guide to Getting the Sex You Want, Need, and Deserve. Check out a few of the surprising perks you can reap from great sex.

Less Stress
If you're freaking out about tomorrow's job interview, slip between the sheets. Research from the University of the West of Scotland reveals that people who had intercourse at least once over two weeks were better able to manage stressful situations such as public speaking, says study author and psychology professor Stuart Brody, Ph.D. That's because endorphins and oxytocin are released during sex, and these feel-good hormones activate pleasure centers in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation and help stave off anxiety and depression, says WH advisor Laura Berman, Ph.D., an assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University and author of It's Not Him, It's You! You don't have to climax to net the effects, but you'll get the biggest surge of soothing hormones if you have an orgasm. Just one more reason to shoot for a stellar finish!

Sounder Sleep
It's downright dreamy how an O can lull you to sleep. That's because the same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and body, priming you for slumber, says Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin and coauthor of Why Women Have Sex. Plus, during orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released. "Prolactin levels are naturally higher when we sleep, which suggests a strong relationship between the two," she says. But if you're wild in the sack, take note: Highly active sex can make you feel more energized than sleepy. Sex should never be a snooze, but if you want to use knocking boots as a sleep aid, skip the acrobatics and opt for a subdued session.

Minimized Pain
Talk about flipping the script: "Yes, tonight, honey—I have a headache." The surge of hormones released after an orgasm can help ease any annoying ache, whether it's a strained back or a head pounder, says Meston. A study conducted at the Headache Clinic at Southern Illinois University found that half of female migraine sufferers reported relief after climaxing. "The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain," says Meston. Have a migraine but your man isn't around? Self-medicate by treating yourself with some solo sex. As long as you hit your peak, masturbating will have the same soothing effect.

Fewer Colds
There's nothing sexy about sneezing, wheezing, or that runny-nose look. But getting hot and bothered can help you avoid coming down with the sniffles: People who have sex were found to have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. These antibodies help combat diseases and keep the body safe from colds and flu. Save up your sick days and use them as sex days!

A Youthful Glow
Get busy to get gorgeous: In a study conducted at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, a panel of judges viewed participants through a one-way mirror and guessed their ages. Those who were enjoying lots of nooky with a steady partner—four times a week, on average—were perceived to be seven to 12 years younger than their actual age. Regular sex promotes the release of hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, which can keep the body looking young and vital; estrogen has also been shown to promote soft skin and shiny hair, says Meston. Move over, moisturizer—time to turn back the clock with some shagging.

Lighter Periods (with Fewer Cramps)
"When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts and, in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds," explains Meston. The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster, she adds.

Going horizontal while menstruating has also been shown to help decrease the risk for endometriosis, a common condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing pelvic pain and sex that hurts, according to researchers at Yale University School of Medicine.

Sex during your period may not sound too appealing, but don't stress over making a mess. Just lay down a dark-colored towel and stick to missionary; when you're lying down, your flow tends to be lighter, says WH advisor Michelle Callahan, Ph.D., author of Ms. Typed: Stop Sabotaging Your Relationships and Find Dating Success.

A More Toned Bod
Sex counts as cardio! A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories, depending on the length of the session (obviously a quickie will be less strenuous than an all-night pleasurefest), says Meston. In fact, cardiologists consider sexual activity comparable to a modest workout on a treadmill, according to a study published in The American Journal of Cardiology.

Not only will your ticker get a workout, but you'll also squeeze in some sculpting: "Your abs and the muscles in your back, butt, and thighs get a good workout as you thrust during sex," says Hutcherson. Looks like you have a pretty good reason to skip spin class on Sunday morning and work up a sweat in bed.

Original Article: womenshealthmag.com