While there may be some moral benefits to abstinence, there is now conclusive proof that having regular and enjoyable sexual activity offers a host of health benefits for men and women.

One of the most credible and comprehensive studies conducted by Queens University in Belfast tracked the mortality of 1,000 middle aged men over the course of a decade. The study was published in the 1997 British Medical Journal, in which men who reported the greatest frequency of orgasms had a death rate of half from the stragglers. There are other studies that show that having sex even a few times per week has an affect on the following:

-An improved sense of smell: Production of the hormone prolactin surges after sex, which in turn develops new neurons in the brain’s olfactory smell center.

-A reduction for risk of heart disease: There was a follow up to the Queens University study which showed that men who had sex three or more times per week, reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke by half.

-Overall fitness and weight loss: Sex, can be considered exercise. A vigorous jaunt can burn about 200 calories or about the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill. The pulse rate of an aroused person rises up to 150 beats per minute from 70, the same as an athlete in training. Muscular contractions during sex work the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, and thorax. Sex also increases testosterone production which leads to stronger muscles and bones.

-Depression reduction: Prostoglandin, a hormone which is found in semen, can be absorbed in the female genital tract thus regulating female hormones.

-Pain relief: Levels of the hormone oxytocin increase up to five times their normal level right before orgasm, which in turn releases endorphins that alleviate anything from a simple headache to arthritis. In women this can even reduce symptoms of PMS.

-Less Colds and Flu: A study conducted at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania shows that individuals who have sex once or twice per week have 30% increased level of immunoglobulin A, which boosts the immune system.

To keep your body healthy for sexual activity a good multi-vitamin is recommended. Anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, and coenzyme Q10 are essential for proper recovery and healthy semen production. Ginkgo Biloba may also help with sexual activity as its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and its antioxidant properties.