Whether alone or with a partner, sexual activity is good for the mind, body, and soul [1]. According to Dr. Laurie Mintz, LELO sexpert [2] and author of Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters — and How to Get It, the benefits of regular sex range from emotional connection to physical health.

"When sexually active with a partner, your body benefits from the feel-good hormones released by both the physical contact with another human and the hormones released via orgasm. When sexually active alone, you still get the benefits of the hormones released during orgasm [3], which will make you feel less stressed, sleep better, relieve pain, and more," she said.

And, Dr. Mintz said, there are pretty amazing benefits for both men and women. For example, for men who have sex on a regular basis, their risk of a fatal heart attack is cut in half. For women, blood flow to the vagina during sexual activity and arousal helps keep the tissue smooth and supple.

Want to know what else having regular sex can do for your body? Read on!

Your Pain Tolerance Will Be Better

According to Mintz, sex can help to relieve and manage pain. The hormones secreted during orgasm can alleviate pain from headaches, arthritis, menstrual pain [4], and more. Mintz said that in one lab study of women, orgasm increased the women's pain threshold and lessened their ability to detect pain.

You'll Look Younger

Sex improves overall health, and, generally, healthy people look better. In studies, women who have regular sex tend to look younger — seven to 12 years younger, Mintz cited. The after-sex glow isn't a myth; it actually is the real deal.

You'll Be Healthier

Sex is good for your immune system. According to Mintz, in one study, women who had genital contact or stimulation from their partner once or twice a week had higher amounts of immunoglobulin A (an antibody that is the body's first line of defence in fighting off disease and infections) than those who had sex less than once a week or not at all.

You'll Be Less Stressed

Sex decreases stress [5], said Mintz. While some of the benefits in partner sex may be due to the physical contact, most of the stress-reduction benefits are from orgasm, which means you can get these benefits alone or with a partner.

You'll Sleep Better

Sex also enhances sleep, although that's also more likely due to the orgasm than to the sex, noted Mintz. However, the bonus here is that whether you're getting it on with your partner or by your own damn self [6], you're going to sleep just fine tonight.