The Science Behind Why Sex Is Good for Your Body and Mind
- Brainz Magazine
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Kres is well-known when it comes to intimacy and their work in couples therapy. She is the founder of Metro SexTherapy, a group Therapy Practice in Chicago., the author of the book How to Kick Life's Ass and Look Dope Doing it, published in 2021, and a major activist in the LGBTQ+ community.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on depression, how it affects us, and how we try to manage it. And you know what? That train of thought led me straight to sex. Surprising? Maybe. But as a sex therapist (and a human who craves peace, love, joy, and fun), I can tell you that intimacy and connection do a body good. Adulting is complicated and can sometimes get the best of us. But there's sex, which I promise makes it all better. Well, it makes most things better. I want you to let me explain. I have a few examples to make my point.
1. Sex relieves pain & inflammation
Sex actually improves joint and arthritis pain. It provides immediate relief. AARP did a beautiful article where they said, "Sex involves gentle, range-of-motion exercise, which minimizes pain and inflammation. It also releases endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. Sex strengthens the muscles around the joints, which helps support them. And it's mood-elevating, which likewise helps alleviate pain."
2. Struggling to sleep? Sex helps
If you can't sleep, have sex! There is a direct link to sex and masturbation that can assist with insomnia and restlessness. When having sex, we release oxytocin and endorphins, which reduce stress and create a calming effect to help sleep!
Wait, there's more!
3. Orgasms boost brain chemistry
When you orgasm, your brain releases a surge of dopamine. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter. During orgasm, your brain is working in overdrive to produce hormones and neurochemicals. This is great because dopamine is responsible for pleasure, motivation, and a sense of relaxation.
4. Sex fights anxiety & depression
Sex has a direct positive correlation to reducing depression and anxiety. MRI studies and thousands of research articles show us that the physiological responses our bodies have to sex can minimize the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Deficiencies in nitric oxide are associated with irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and less energy. Having sex increases your body's nitric oxide levels. Sex also increases the neurotransmitter serotonin! This is beautiful when you're feeling down! Why? Because serotonin is known to help regulate your mood, social behaviors, emotions, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sex drive. Some of the more prominent symptoms of anxiety and depression include erratic sleep, bad memory, hard-to-manage emotions, and mood swings that alter your social behavior. So have sex!!!
5. Sex enhances motivation & focus
Finally, sex also releases noradrenaline. Noradrenaline affects the behaviors of individuals, including modulation of arousal, attention, motivation, reward, and also learning and memory. These are all things we need for work, for making these New Year's goals, and for committing to hobbies and tasks. In the end, you need sex.
If you’re struggling with desire, motivation, or intimacy, or if anxiety and depression are making connection difficult, reach out. We’re here to support you. I have coaches and therapists available to chat not only about improving intimacy and connection but also about depression, phases of life, issues, and all relationship dynamics affecting your joy. You can email me at kres@metrosextherapy.com or directly book a consultation on-site. Click here. We are 100% virtual, so don’t let a difference in state or country stop you from reaching out.
Final thought
Sex isn’t just about pleasure; it’s about connection, healing, and feeling alive. Your body and mind crave intimacy for a reason: it reduces stress, eases pain, lifts your mood, and helps you show up as your best self. If you’re feeling stuck or disconnected or just need a little support, don’t wait. Prioritize your well-being, nurture your desires, and remember you deserve love, joy, and pleasure in every part of your life. And if you need help along the way, we’re just a call away.
Read more from Dr. Kreszentia Ashford
Dr. Kreszentia Ashford, Aasect Certified Sex Therapist
Kres is a leader in intimacy, kink, and couples therapy, embodiment, and building lasting unions. She spends time in the interactions of bridging kink and intimacy in her couple's work to dramatically enhance and strengthen couple bonds. She has dedicated her practice to helping others, especially LGBTQ+ and other marginalized folks. She runs a group practice, Metro Sex Therapy, a fully remote therapy practice dedicated to individuals and couples who wish strength, communication, intimacy, and pleasure. Her motto: Pleasure is your birthright
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