Sex in pandemic times

The pandemic has affected the sex lives of many people discreetly. The velocity of sexual activities and performance has tremendously increased because of the lockdown. For some, unfortunately, health-related protocol against physical contact caused the sudden dramatic turnoff of sexual drive or libido.

Without birth control, baby boomers will be expected nine months after the lockdown. It is nature’s way to replace the mortality rate on this planet because of the pandemic.

Interestingly there are health benefits of sex for young and old couples alike with or without the health crisis.

Sex can reduce stress and anxiety. Sexual arousal can decrease levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which explains why sex can feel so relaxing. People who engage in sex generally have less anxiety and stress according to Dr. Barb Depree founder of MiddlesexMD. Sexual activity can also boost overall mood as it releases endorphins, the neurotransmitters associated with increased feelings of pleasure, motivation, and energy.

Sex increases intimacy and libido. Having sex is a normal part of any healthy relationship because it increases oxytocin, also known as the love hormone associated with the feeling of trust and empathy. The key to building intimate relationships thus increase the libido.

Sex burns calories. It is no substitute for regular exercise but it does boost the heart rate and burn more calories compared if you were just doing nothing at all. According to the study, heterosexual couples burned 70-100 calories during an average sexual session roughly equivalent to running 10 minutes on a treadmill. The number of burn calories depends on the intensity and duration of your sexual adventure.

Sex can help get better sleep. After orgasm couples have better sleep. In general, it helps release oxytocin and boosts prolactin a hormone associated with feeling sleepy and relaxed.

Sex may boost the immune system. A study suggests that sexually active women had a higher level of the antibody called immunoglobulin A in their saliva compared to sexually inactive women.  A deficiency of this antibody can increase the risk of certain respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis as well as other infections of the sinuses, ears, and eyes.

Sex can lower blood pressure and help prevent heart disease. According to Depree, having sex can lower blood pressure. It ramps up heart rate which when done regularly, can help the heart pump blood throughout the body more efficiently and lower blood pressure in the process. Except for people who are having an underlying history of impaired cardiovascular health. Regulating blood pressure is one of the leading recommendations for preventing heart disease.

Sex may relieve pain. For women sex releases endorphins, which may help manage pain from menstruation and during childbirth. It may also help relieve chronic pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The benefits of having sex are a serious matter for couples. In case you haven’t noticed people who are sexually active live longer than those who are not. Don’t ever let the pandemic spoils these biological needs. If sex can boost your immune system then it is your inborn defense and a free vaccine against the coronavirus.