When most of us think about sex, we think about bodily pleasures -- the lead-up, the climax and the quiet after the storm. Admittedly, the health benefits of sex never enters our mind.
Sex is a high-priestess with many powers. She has the power to heal, the power to eradicate pain and the power to pacify. Unfortunately, she is often repressed and denied. Western society requires a quick-fix for everything and primarily, it can be pharmaceutical.
If you've got a headache, take an aspirin.
If you're depressed, take an anti-depressant.
If you want to lose weight, take a diet pill.
Ironically, sex is pushed out of the equation when we are feeling down and out. It's reserved for when we are feeling amorous and in the mood. Well, it's time to get in the mood because sex is a "rock-star" people!
A study conducted by Harvard Medical School found that males who ejaculate frequently are less likely to get prostate cancer. This is inclusive of penile ejaculation through masturbation, oral sex and coitus. And you boys thought it was only about the pleasure? Go for gold, I say -- your prostate will thank you.
There's some good news for the ladies too. Are you a woman who suffers through menstrual cramps every month? Having an orgasm may be your answer. According to neuroscientist Barry R. Komisaruk, orgasms can help block pain, and vaginal stimulation doubles a woman's pain threshold. "There are intriguing connections between pleasure and pain in the brain that we do not yet understand, but we are working on it," Komisaruk said.
A third of all Australians have an issue with sleeping and up to 33 percent suffer from chronic insomnia. How do we cure our sleeplessness? We reach for prescribed medication. Not only are sleeping pills addictive, but prolonged usage of them can damage your liver and kidneys.
It's best to use a natural remedy and a potent efficacious one is sex. Doing "the nasty" increases the production of oxytocin in the body and decreases cortisol levels -- leaving you relaxed, relieved and ready for shut-eye.
It seems that sex has endless magical powers, far too many to list here:
It can help reduce heart disease.
It can help you burn calories and lose weight.
It can help strengthen your immune system, increase lifespan and prevent illness.
It can help improve skin condition and helps it to glow.
I've never needed an excuse to have sex. I've always had a great fondness for the sport and would have no hesitation in recommending it as an Olympic event. But if I do need an excuse one day, I now have a barrage of them.
I don't know what your question is but I do know that sex is the answer. It's time to jump to it, wallow in its myriad benefits, and start enjoying it right now.
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Vanessa de Largie is an actress, author, writer and sex-columnist based in Melbourne.