Occasional Sexual Arousal is Beneficial for Health
Sexual arousal, even on an occasional basis, is beneficial for your health as it provides cardiovascular benefits similar to moderate physical exercise and contributes to overall well-being. 1
Cardiovascular Benefits
Sexual arousal provides several physiological benefits:
- Equivalent to moderate physical activity of 2-3 METs (metabolic equivalents) during arousal and 3-4 METs during orgasm 1
- Comparable to walking at 3-4 miles per hour or climbing two flights of stairs
- Helps maintain cardiovascular health through regular, moderate exertion
- Low risk of adverse cardiovascular events in healthy individuals 1
Psychological Benefits
Sexual arousal offers significant psychological advantages:
- Contributes to overall quality of life and well-being 1
- Provides stress reduction and relaxation
- Enhances mood through release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters
- Helps maintain normal sexual function through regular arousal 1
Relationship Benefits
For those with partners, sexual arousal can:
- Improve communication between partners 1
- Enhance relationship satisfaction and intimacy 1
- Provide opportunities for emotional connection
Health Considerations and Precautions
While generally beneficial, be aware of these important considerations:
- If you have cardiovascular disease, you should be able to achieve 3-5 METs of exercise (equivalent to brisk walking) without symptoms before engaging in sexual activity 1
- Report any concerning symptoms during sexual activity such as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid/irregular heartbeat, or unusual fatigue 1
- If you experience persistent unwanted arousal (Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder), seek medical attention as this is a different condition requiring treatment 2
Maintaining Healthy Sexual Function
To maintain healthy sexual function:
- Regular sexual arousal helps maintain normal sexual response 1
- For those experiencing decreased desire, various treatments exist including psychological approaches and, when appropriate, medications 3
- Different sexual positions or practices may help increase arousal if experiencing difficulties 1
Important Caveats
- Sexual arousal should be pleasurable and not distressing
- If sexual arousal causes anxiety or distress, consider speaking with a healthcare provider 1
- Increased sexual arousal may temporarily affect decision-making, so be mindful of this effect in certain contexts 4
Sexual arousal is a normal physiological response that, when experienced occasionally and in appropriate contexts, contributes positively to physical and mental health, with benefits comparable to other forms of moderate physical activity.