The Health Benefits of Sexual Expression

Abstract

The desired conception is not the only benefit of sexual intercourse. There are many more benefits of sexuality. That is part of the reasons to include attention to sexuality and intimacy in good care. (1) Sexuality is, for many people, highly relevant to their general quality of life. (2) Properly addressing sexuality and intimacy appears to improve the contact between the healthcare professional and the couple. (3) Sexual activities have direct physical and mental health benefits. This chapter concentrates on those health benefits. For some people, the idea of having sex for better health can seem a strange fact. Whereas some might consider it nothing more than just another transient media trend, others might consider it an attractive idea. Though it is an infrequent research topic, there is gradually more information about the various health benefits of sexual expression. This chapter will focus on those health benefits, especially regarding fertility and pregnancy. This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.