JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE April-May | Page 13

13 active. Likewise, physical fitness can improve sexual health. Sleep The intimacy hormone, oxytocin, is released during orgasm. Studies show that oxytocin promotes better sleep. And better sleep has been linked to stronger immunity and longer lifespan. Disease Prevention and Management Your chances of having heart problems decrease if you stay sexually active. This is due to higher levels of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that is produced during arousal and orgasm. JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE Research has shown that sexual activity and orgasms may bolster the immune system in women and men. Men In men, high frequency of ejaculation (more than 21 times per month) is related to a decrease in the risk of prostate cancer. Although results are conflicting, some studies have shown that the quality of sperm motility decreases with abstinence. In healthy men these declines can take effect after only five days of abstinence. Men who have frequent orgasms, whether through masturbation or sex, may experience a lower risk of