The Connection Between Exercise and Sexual Health: How Working Out Can Improve Your Sex Life
Think about the best sex you’ve ever had. Remember how you felt afterwards: exhilarated, calm, and pleasantly tired, much like how you’d feel after a great workout. Surprisingly, there is a strong link between sex and exercise. If you enjoy breaking a sweat at the gym and in the bedroom, you might have noticed that both activities are stress relievers.
Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, a certified sex therapist, explains that both sex and exercise release a similar group of feel-good hormones, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and adrenaline. These hormones can enhance your mood and reduce stress levels. In fact, a study in Sexual Medicine Reviews found that exercise can not only benefit your cardiovascular health and mood but also improve your sexual arousal, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
Immediate Effects of Exercise on Sexual Health
When you engage in moderate exercise, such as resistance training or cardio, it increases blood flow to the genitals by activating the sympathetic nervous system. This increased blood flow can enhance physiological sexual arousal. Resistance training, for example, can lead to the release of androgens like testosterone, which play a role in sexual desire. Cardiovascular training, particularly at a high intensity, can also trigger the release of testosterone and endocannabinoids, which contribute to a “runner’s high” and increased sexual arousal.
Furthermore, exercise can help you become more in tune with your body, enhancing your capacity to be present during sexual activities. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all ideal timeframe between working out and having sex, focusing on your own energy levels and preferences can help you optimize the benefits of exercise on your sex drive.
Long-Term Effects of Exercise on Sexual Health
Maintaining a regular exercise routine can have numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and sexual health. Over time, your testosterone levels may increase with weightlifting, boosting your sex drive and libido. Cardiovascular fitness can improve your endurance in bed, allowing you to last longer and have a more satisfying sexual experience.
Regular exercise also enhances blood circulation, providing tissues with oxygen and nutrients that can improve your stamina and vitality during sex. Additionally, the mental health benefits of exercise, such as reduced stress hormones like cortisol, can positively impact your sex drive in the long run. Feeling confident and physically strong from regular workouts can enhance your overall sexual experience and satisfaction.
Exercise During Perimenopause and Menopause
For individuals going through perimenopause and menopause, regular exercise can help mitigate the effects of hormonal shifts that may decrease libido. Pelvic floor training, in particular, can increase sexual satisfaction and reduce sexual dysfunction in women of all ages. Strength training can also help address muscle loss and bone density issues associated with menopause.
While the impact of exercise on vaginal dryness during menopause is unclear, it can still benefit overall sexual health and functioning. Consult with your doctor if vaginal dryness is causing discomfort during sex to explore treatment options.
Improving Sexual Health for Various Health Concerns
Exercise can also benefit individuals with other health concerns that may impact libido, such as those on SSRI medications, post-hysterectomy patients, and cancer survivors. By boosting mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving overall well-being, exercise can help counteract the libido-diminishing effects of certain conditions. Moderate exercise that activates the sympathetic nervous system can enhance sexual arousal and blood flow to the genitals, improving sexual satisfaction.
The Best Types of Exercise for Your Sex Drive
When it comes to optimizing your sex drive through exercise, a moderate approach is key. Resistance training and weightlifting can release testosterone and increase libido. Pelvic floor and core training can also enhance blood flow to the genitals, improving sexual arousal. Cardiovascular exercises like running at a moderate-to-high intensity level can further boost your sex drive by increasing oxygen utilization and endurance.
It’s important to listen to your body and avoid over-exerting yourself with strenuous workouts that may deplete your energy reserves. By finding a balance that works for you, you can enjoy the benefits of exercise on your sex life without feeling too fatigued to engage in sexual activities.
Enhancing Your Relationship Through Joint Exercise
Working out with your partner can not only improve your physical fitness but also strengthen your emotional bond. When you exercise together, your nervous systems sync up through a process called entrainment, leading to a shared experience of the benefits of working out. This synchrony can co-regulate your nervous systems and emotions, boosting your mood and enhancing your relationship.
In Conclusion, regular exercise can have a significant impact on your sexual health by improving blood flow, increasing hormone levels, enhancing endurance, and reducing stress. By incorporating various types of exercise into your routine and listening to your body’s signals, you can optimize your sex drive and overall sexual satisfaction. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.
