The Health Benefits of Sexual Expression

Abstract

Objective: Sexual activity is a fundamental human function with short-term and long-term emotional, social, and physical benefits. Yet within healthcare, sexuality has been marginalized and many HCPs are unaware of its beneficial implications for immediate and longterm health. Methods: To challenge this assumption we combined the data that already had been collected by the authors with an extensive search of articles on the various health benefits of sexual activity. The results of this process are displayed according to short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term benefits with some explanation about potential causal relationships.Results: For the time being, it cannot yet be proved that "good sex promotes good health" since good health also favors good sex. Conclusions: Despite lacking such convincing evidence, the article concludes with recommendations for the relevant professions. The balance of research supports that sexuality anyhow deserves greater attention among HCPs and that sexuality research needs better integration within health research.

The Impact of Household Context on Self-Perceived Changes in Solo and Partnered Sexual Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Probability Survey

“…It is also worthwhile to note that that solo masturbation significantly increased for both non-cohabiting partners and unpartnered individuals as compared to cohabiting partners. Solo masturbation has long been recognized as a key contributor to individual mental and physical well-being, general happiness, sexual pleasure and relationship satisfaction (Gianotten et al, 2021;Kaestle & Allen, 2011;Lindau et al, 2007;Mitchell et al, 2013). It also remains one of the only sexual behaviors that is accessible to everyone regardless of age, class, race, living situation and as underscored by Herbenick et al (2022), particularly in terms of relationship status.…”

Sexual Pleasure Matters – and How to Define and Assess It too. A Conceptual Framework of Sexual Pleasure and the Sexual Response.

“…Importantly, specifically sensual pleasure has been shown to associate with painless penetrative intercourse (Brauer et al, 2014) potentially due to opioid-related analgesic effects (Paredes, 2014;Gianotten et al, 2021) and enhanced genital arousal (Toates, 2009, p. 170 & 173).…”

“…We would like to discuss eight limitations in need of clarification. contexts (Gianotten et al, 2021;Metz, & McCarthy, 2007;GAB, 2016;Fava & Fortenberry, 2021;Kleinplatz et al, 2009). Third, the introduced facets describe categorizations intended to provide an overview, and like any categorization, simplify their content.…”

Aspecten van prostaatkanker vanuit een seksuologisch perspectief

“…Dat geldt zowel voor de gezondheid van de penis als die van de vagina'. 'Seksuele activiteit heeft allerlei gezondheidsvoordelen voor lichaam en geest' [19]. 'Seksuele opwinding (met en zonder erectie) werkt ook als sport'.…”

“…Opwinding kan ook zonder partner, en een orgasme kan ook zonder erectie. Allerlei elementen van seks hebben kortetermijn-en langetermijn-gezondheidsvoordelen [19].…”