Is Sex Bad For You?
Also Known As: sexual intercourse, coitus, copulation
Short answer
Having sex is not bad for you, but it's important to strike the right balance.
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Studies show that having sex can be good for you heart health - although, like any exercise, it all depends on how vigorously you do it. Physical contact with your partner can also have a number of health benefits, helping to lower your heart rate and decrease blood pressure. Research shows that physical contact with a loved one can release endorphins in the brain - known as the body's 'feel good' chemical. In short, sex can be great for stress and depression, and provide you with a sense of wellbeing.
A study carried out in Pennsylvania found that people who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of immunoglobulin - a powerful substance which can help fight off illness. In the research, it was found that people who had sex frequently had 30% more of the substance in their body compared to people who didn't have sex at all.
However, there could be an issue if one partner in a relationship doesn't want to have as much sex as the other. A good balance is important; sex shouldn't be the only activity you enjoy as a couple. Both partners will have to negotiate at some point and focus on other aspects of their relationship. If you are single, having frequent sex isn't bad for your health, but it could increase your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. It's important to be safe! Constantly thinking about sex could lead to an unhealthy sex addiction - especially if you are unable to focus on your other responsibilities.
Possible short-term side effects
- risk of std
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sore genitals
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drowsiness
Possible long-term side effects
Benefits
- lowers blood pressure
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lowers heart rate
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fights stress
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fights depression
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fights illness
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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