4/12/2012

To Sex or Not To Sex

Having sex versus not having sex is a life long issue that drives the frustrations and pleasures of every person on this earth. It starts in early childhood when we first discover our own sexual parts. We become obsessed with them, wanting to touch them as often as possible. However, our parents teach us that our private parts are not for touching and certainly not for talking about in public. There is still that older generation waiting to remind us that sex is a private matter between a couple in love and that sex is only for the union of a male and a female to reproduce children of their own, or even (depending on how religious they are) the “Son of God”. (Seems a little dramatic, but trust me, I have a grandmother who actually talks like this!).

However, times are changing and sexuality and discussion of sex are becoming more acceptable in the public eye. Indeed, some may say that the pendulum has swung dramatically the other way. For those who are pro-sex, there is good news; science has finally proved that sex is good for your health! Read on to find out how …

Sexual Benefits throughout the Ages
Baby Joys
We are very young when we first learn about the wonderful sensations produced in our sexual areas. On average young boys discover their thingyes at 7 – 8 months. At the same time they begin regularly having erections due to the stimulation of touching, friction, or the need to urinate. This erection is not a response to sexual stimulation as such, but more of a physical reflex response, much as the exercise and development of any other part of the young body.

Strange as it may seem, this is one area where boys excel before girls in development. Typically girls do not discover the vulvular area until they are 9 – 10 months old. Again, similar responses of fondling and stimulation of the clitoris can be seen even at this young age, but still more so as a response than a sexual stimulation.

All of this fondling is a vital part of infant growth and development physically and psychologically. Discovery of the genitals during infancy helps adults become more comfortable with their own body parts and to be familiar with their usual appearance and feelings. Furthermore, this comfort development also leads to adults who are more likely to recognize and seek assistance (if needs be) for medical problems later in life.

Toddler Tales
Around the age of two, when children have become well acquainted with their own genitals, they begin to become curious about these types of parts on other humans, especially those of the opposite sex. This is often the time when “doctor” and “house” become very popular games, or for the less subtle of mouth, “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours”. All of these games continue to help children learn about their genitals, others genitals, and develop a curiosity for the human body in general. During this time, a primitive form of masturbation begins in which many young boys and girls will rub their privates at nap time to help them sleep or relax.

The Middle Years
Between the ages of five and eight, many children begin to ask the question that every parent dreads: “where do babies come from?” It is during these milestone years that children begin to learn about the reproductive system, and many psychologists believe that they even start to connect the ideas of pleasurable sensations with baby production. The practice of masturbation continues to develop in children (although it is more prevalent in boys than girls). At this age, we also begin to develop a sense of sexuality and sexual orientation. Curiosity based sex play becomes common near the end of the middle years.

The Later Years
From 9 – 12 years of age puberty hits in both boys and girls. While the sexual organs become capable of reproduction, and secondary sexual features develop (such as Pubic hair), sexual self stimulation becomes focused on pleasure and orgasm. This is the period when children typically begin “dating” type behavior and experiencing physical intimacy through kissing and petting.

The Adult Years
Finally, we reach the years where the focus shifts to exploring our bodies sexually with other people. These years are not only fun, but also (according to the scientists) as beneficial to our health as self play was to our psychological development as a child.

Sex Your Way to a Better You
So just what health benefits does sex bring?

Improved sense of smell:
Prolactin (a hormone produced after sex) stimulates the olfactory nerve, the center for smell, increasing smell perception.

Reduced risk of heart disease:
For men! Having sex 3 – 4 times a week will cut your risk of heart attack or stroke in half! Women also benefit in this category though the results are not as clear in percentage.

Weight loss, overall fitness:
During sex, the average person maintains there heart rate above 70% of the maximum, making sex a wonderful workout. (So although quickies are fun, marathons can be great cardiovascular workouts!)

Reduced depression:
Sperm contains prostaglandin (a male sex hormone) that when absorbed in the female reproductive tract helps to regulate female hormones maintaining a balance and decreasing mood swings and depression.


Pain Relief:
Endorphins released immediately upon orgasm are natural pain relievers that remain active in the body for several hours after climaxing. Intercourse also produces more estrogen in the female body which helps to reduce the discomfort of monthly PMS.

Improved immunity:
People who have sex once or twice a week have been shown to have higher rates of immunoglobulin A, a known immune booster.

Better bladder control:
The muscles used during sex are the same used in doing the infamous “kegel exercises”. Yes, this applies to men too!

Nicer teeth:
Seminal fluid contains zinc, calcium and minerals that retard tooth decay! So a girl, going down isn’t just fun for you and great for him, it’s an awesome way to put a great smile on both your faces!

A happier prostate:
To produce seminal fluid, the prostate and the seminal vesicles take minerals, zinc, and calcium and concentrate them up to 600 times. However, any carcinogens in the blood would also be concentrated to this amount. Urologists support ejaculation as a measure of prostate cancer prevention by removing the concentrated carcinogens rather than allowing them to cluster and cause damage.

The Moral of the Story
Sex has many health benefits throughout all our different stages of life. Overall, it promotes physical, psychological and sexual health. And if you are in between lovers, abstaining, or waiting for that one special person, remember your roots; masturbation. It is a natural part of your sex life that will bring along many of the benefits of sex with a partner, plus provide a great time learning more about your own body and sexuality.

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