Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.

For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled. sexual intercourse has many healthy benefits. It can help feel happier, be healthier, and live a longer life. It can also protect against disease and possibly prevent cancer. A study published in the journal Biological Perspective asked participants to take part in a stressful activity, such as giving a speech or taking a complicated math quiz. The participants who had vaginal intercourse before a stressful task had lower levels of stress and lower blood pressures when compared to people who had no sex, those who masturbated, and those who had sexual contact without intercourse. Frequent sex may improve a man’s sperm quality, reduce DNA damage to sperm, and increase fertility. Embracing someone special can lower blood pressure, according to researchers. In one experiment, couples who held each other’s hands for 10 minutes followed by a 20-second hug had healthier reactions to subsequent stress, such as public speaking. Compared to couples who rested quietly without touching, the huggers had: 

• lower heart rate 

• lower blood pressure

• smaller heart rate increases.

Indeed, research is now showing that sex provides a ‘triple-whammy’ of benefits by combining a workout for the heart and lungs, the release of hormones that could lower stress and the production of new brain cells. And  for women, the added plus is a toning effect on the muscles in the pelvic floor.

Having sex on the regular is part of a healthy, normal adult life. But when sex gets in the way of day-to-day, it might be time to seek professional help from a doctor or therapist. Appetites for sex grow and shrink, and successful couples need to manage those ups and downs.