"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.