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Five Healthy Reasons to Have Sex Valentine’s Day Weekend

"Giraffes on the sly do it...eagles as they fly do it. Let’s do it." Cole Porter

Vanessa Serpas/Unsplash
Source: Vanessa Serpas/Unsplash

Yet another Valentine’s Day. Even though the conventional wisdom is that buying flowers and an expensive dinner are good lead-ins to intimacy, over the years, I’ve suspected Valentine's Day (or VD) is a corporate-sponsored, BS holiday.

Oh, did you forget to make a reservation at that Italian place? Another option is for the partner who doesn't usually spend much time in the kitchen to make a special meal, and if it’s delicious, go upstairs together after. It gets the job done.

If you’re on the bubble regarding sex with your partner this weekend, here are five incentives. If the catchphrase “If it feels good, do it” doesn't appeal, think instead, “If it’s good for you, do it.”

1. Sex counts as exercise

That is if you are more active during it than just sitting on the couch, watching TV. It really helps if your heart rate goes up, and you move a little. Laying there and thinking of (insert your country of origin here) does not cut it. And the more you do it, the more you want to do it.

2. Lowers your blood pressure

Sexual intercourse lowers the first number on your BP test (studies have been done). What’s that, you say? If you don’t have to buy flowers or take your partner out to dinner and a movie, why not just stay home alone and take matters in hand? Autoerotic activity doesn’t produce the same benefits, unfortunately.

Charles/Unsplash
Source: Charles/Unsplash

3. Optimizes your immune system

Did you know that if you have sex more often, your levels of an antibody rise, and you have fewer sick days (WebMD)? Of course, that cancels out if you have sex with someone who has an STI, so keep condoms handy.

Are you solo? Alternatively, you can rev up the immune system with oregano oil, zinc, and Echinacea. But sex smells and tastes better.

4. Reduces the chances of a cardiac event

Your heart is pleading with you to be its Valentine this weekend. Men who have sex twice a week cut their risk of a heart attack in half compared to men who get busy rarely.

And women? Come on. You know the male-centric medical world has only recently bothered to study women’s heart health. But proceed to the next reason to achieve gender parity.

Thought catalog/Unsplash
Source: Thought Catalog/Unsplash

5. Enhances women’s bladder control

Think adult diapers don’t make a fashion statement? Sex leading to orgasm (you must climax; keep going to the finish line) causes contractions of the muscles in one’s pelvic floor (WebMD). This strengthens them, improving bladder control. Do it like there’s no tomorrow, and avoid incontinence.

The bottom line is, life is short. Do it like rabbits. Only make it last a little longer.

And if you don’t have a partner, make yourself some Echinacea tea, eat 70 percent or higher cacao dark chocolate (trust me), and do push-ups and planks while watching Netflix or Hulu. Sometimes we are our own best company. Good night, and good luck.

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More from Kyle D. Killian Ph.D., LMFT
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