The Meriam Webster’s dictionary explains sex to be a short term for sexual intercourse which refers to heterosexual intercourse involving the penetration of the vagina by the penis (coitus). Copulation, as it is otherwise, called involves the complete insertion and thrusting of the male penis inside the female vagina for various reasons which include reproduction, pleasure, and bonding. However, one key importance of sexual intercourse that is seldom discussed in several articles is its role in boosting the immune system. Meanwhile, the immune system is responsible for protecting human organs against several diseases. The weaker an immune system, the more susceptible an individual is to diseases and pathogens. This explains why the strengthening of the human immune system has been a topic of major concern in the medical world over the years. To buttress this fact, several research papers have shown that women tend to have innate and adaptive immune systems than men making them capable of fighting off viruses more effectively. It is important to mention that the human immune system comprises cells and antibodies that carry out different functions in protecting the body from these infections. In a descriptive, survey-based, cross-sectional study conducted among 16,000 people above the age of 18 across 33 countries in 2021, it was discovered that people who frequently have sex have strengthened immune systems that protect them against COVID-19. At the same time, an article by WebMD explains that regular sex boosts the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies. This is to say that sex plays a major role in boosting the immune system.

During sex, three major hormones, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, are released and they are often referred to as the happy hormones due to the effect they have on the body. According to an article by the Because Health Team, when sexual arousal or orgasm occurs, the happy hormones reach a peak that causes the circulation of the cortisol level in the human body to reduce thereby rebalancing the immune system. This is because, despite the importance of the cortisol, excess cortisol in the blood can cause complications of which inflammation is one of them. Meanwhile, Cortisol is a steroid hormone that the adrenal glands, which are found above the kidney, produce. It is essential for controlling several bodily functions, such as immunity, metabolism, and stress response.

Also, white blood cells (leukocytes), which are major parts of the human immune system are increased during sexual arousal or orgasm according to an article in the Journal of Neuroimmunomodulation. The phagocytes and lymphocytes, which make up the white blood cells, play key roles in identifying and attacking pathogens in the body.

Furthermore, according to another article published in the Journal of Psychology Reports, frequent sex increases the level of immunoglobin in the body. As part of the immune system’s reaction to infections, B cells, a subset of white blood cells, produce specialized proteins known as immunoglobulins, or Ig. They are essential in locating and eliminating foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, and poisons. Immunoglobulins attach themselves to particular antigens, which are pathogen-surface proteins, designating them for eradication by other immune cells or counteracting their deleterious effects.

Conclusively, sex plays a major role in the strengthening of the immune system. It also has other health-related benefits like lowering the risk of heart disease, reducing or regulating blood pressure, reducing the risk of prostate cancer, increasing libido, and so on. A robust immune system depends on getting enough sleep, which is enhanced by sex. Prolactin, a hormone that induces relaxation and sleepiness, is released by the body following an orgasm. Having sex regularly can help you obtain better sleep, which is essential for your body to repair and replenish. Since numerous immunological activities, including the synthesis of cytokines, which are proteins that combat inflammation and infection, take place during deep sleep, sleep is essential for immune system function. Therefore, better sleep brought on by sexual activity can strengthen your body’s resistance to disease.