6 Benefits of Sex for Men

When you think of the benefits of sex, one perk probably immediately comes to mind: the feeling you get when you orgasm. 

But it’s not the only benefit. It turns out the benefits of having sex are plentiful for men, and include things like better heart health, reduced risk of prostate cancer, and improved sleep.

Without a doubt, sex can be fun and pleasurable — and should be! But there are also numerous sex benefits for men that extend beyond sexual satisfaction. This article covers a few of the impressive health benefits of sex for men and what you should do if you’re not having as much sex as you once did.

Is having sex good for you? Some research suggests sex may boost certain aspects of a person’s well-being and physical health. However, we should note that more research is needed on the topic, as several studies are limited, and not all potential benefits apply to everyone.

Let’s explore the relevant research and take a look at the possible health benefits of sex for men.

1. May Help Heart Health

Sex with a partner may have some protective effects on your cardiovascular health.

A 2015 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had sex twice a week or more had a lower risk of cardiovascular events — like stroke or heart attack — compared to those who had sex once a month or less.

And while masturbation has its benefits, one older study from 2006 found that sex is more likely to lower blood pressure than masturbation, indicating a better stress response and a reduced risk of developing diseases related to high blood pressure (hypertension).

Another study from 2016 found that sexual activity with a regular partner might lower the risk of cardiac events later in life — but only for women. Researchers concluded that high levels of sexual activity might actually increase the risk of cardiovascular events in older men, which contradicts earlier research. 

So, is it okay to have frequent sex if you’ve had a heart attack or have cardiovascular disease? This is something you’ll want to discuss with your healthcare provider. At your appointment, let your provider know if you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat.

The bottom line: More research is needed to determine this risk.

2. Serves as a Form of Light Exercise

Though more research is needed to know the full heart benefits of sex for men, sexual activity with a partner is considered a form of exercise. Hormones may be responsible for getting your heart rate up when you see a sexually stimulating image, but sex itself is a physical activity. 

According to a 2013 study, men who engaged in a half-hour of sexual intercourse burned 101 calories (or 4.2 kCal per minute). This is higher than the amount you might burn from other forms of moderate exercise, like walking at a pace of around three miles per hour.

So, while you may not break a sweat the same way you would with, say, a challenging game of tennis, regular sex does give you a chance to burn more calories than just sitting and watching TV — plus, there are fewer commercials. Win-win. 

3. May Offer Pain Relief

Another possible benefit men enjoy by having sex? Pain relief.

One study found that sex may partially or completely relieve headaches in men and women who suffer from migraines and cluster headaches. This may be due to the release of endorphins during sex or because of how orgasm influences the hypothalamus part of the brain, the same area that serves as the culprit of migraines and cluster headache pain.

Another study published in PLoS One found that participants who looked at photos of their romantic partners or attractive strangers experienced significantly reduced thermal pain (pain caused by heat or cold).

However, this study was incredibly small and conducted on just 15 college students, only seven of whom were men. Size may not be everything, but sample size matters — so we can’t really call this conclusive evidence.

4. May Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer

Studies have found that frequent ejaculation is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

A 2016 study published in the journal European Urology found that men who ejaculated more than 21 times per month were 20 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ejaculated only four to seven times a month.

While more research is needed to confirm this link, men with higher ejaculation frequencies (which could be a higher sex frequency with a partner) appear to have a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

5. May Improve Sleep

A 2019 study observed that orgasms release the hormones prolactin and oxytocin and inhibit cortisol, a combination that makes you feel drowsy and sleepy.

This release of hormones may also benefit your mental health, as cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. And previous research has linked oxytocin with higher self-esteem.

The same 2019 study found that people who had an orgasm — either with a partner or through masturbation — experienced better sleep.

6. Supports Immune Health

A study from 2021 found that frequent sexual activity seemed to boost the immune system and made subjects less susceptible to contracting COVID-19.

This finding echoes earlier research that found both sexual arousal and orgasm increased the number of leukocytes (white blood cells), particularly natural killer cells in the blood. This is evidence that sex activates the innate immune system.

There’s no set rule for how often you should be having sex. Some people are satisfied with having sex just a few times a year, while others might desire it every single day. It’s up to you and your partner to figure out what sexual satisfaction looks like to you.

However, if you’re going through a sex dry spell, you don’t have to worry about any significant negative effects of not having sex. While a sex drought might hurt your pride, it’s important to know that ups and downs in your sex drive and sexual frequency are normal.

If your lack of sex is causing distress, it may be worth investigating. If you’re in a relationship and not happy with the amount of sex you’re having, it’s important to talk to your partner and tell them how you’re feeling. Open communication is an essential component of a healthy (and sexually active) relationship.

It may also be time to rule out other medical issues that may be impacting your sex life. If you’re dealing with a sexual dysfunction that’s putting a pause on sexual relationships with regular intercourse, there may be many factors at play. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), heart disease, depression, anxiety, or lifestyle choices may affect sexual health.

Schedule an online consultation with a healthcare provider to see what options are available if you’re struggling with issues like low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, or premature ejaculation (PE). Whatever’s going on, there are solutions — like medications and/or therapies — that can get you back on track.

Explore a full range of sexual health products, including medications for sexual dysfunction, sex toys, and more.

We mentioned above that high levels of sexual activity may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in older men, but are there any other negative consequences to having an active sex life?

Not if you’re having safe and consensual sex that you and your partner feel good about. That said, you should always use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and get tested frequently.

Having a lot of sex in a short amount of time can also put you at risk of friction burn on your penis. So be sure to use plenty of lubricant to keep things slippery and comfortable for you and your partner.

While there are some positive effects of sex beyond an orgasm, more research is needed to determine if the perceived benefits of sexual intimacy are fact or fiction. Here’s what we know:

• Current research has found that sex may improve various aspects of men’s health. Some of the promising benefits are improved heart health, pain relief, better sleep, enhanced immunity, and a lower risk of prostate cancer.

• If you struggle with ED or another type of sexual dysfunction, consult with a healthcare professional to figure out the best treatment plan. They may recommend ED medication, PE medication, therapy, and/or lifestyle changes to improve your sex life.

• If you’re having safe and consensual sex you and your partner feel good about, there are no downsides to having a lot of sex. But you should use condoms to prevent STIs, practice good hygiene, and make sure there’s enough lubrication to prevent chafing and friction burn.

Want to find more ways to have better sex and a healthy sex life? Get tips on how to revive a relationship sexually, learn how to use a vibrator during sex as a man, and check out these 11 tips to improve sexual performance.