The orgasm.
If not the culminating act of love, it is arguably the goal and completion of sex. For a long time, there has been a dichotomy in the motivation to have sex, namely reproduction versus pleasure.
At my age, I’m not looking to procreate just yet, so I must admit I equate sex with pleasure. Still, I am aware that the risks of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections always remain.
There are obvious pros and cons to being sexually active. For example, studies have found that 63 percent of all cases of sexually transmitted diseases occur among people younger than 25 years old.
However, when the proper precautions are put into place every time you and yours slip between the sheets (or hop on the counter or pounce to the backseat), you have less to worry about and more you can actually benefit from, physically and emotionally.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Laboratory studies have demonstrated that latex condoms provide an essentially impermeable barrier to particles the size of STD pathogens.”
Therefore, using a condom will allow you to reap the recently discovered benefits of sex without fear of some of the potential consequences.
Doctors are beginning to get a better understanding of the biochemistry of arousal. They found the hormone oxytocin, which is five times more prevalent in the human body during orgasm, to be at the base of all arousal.
“Scientifically, it’s an exciting time that will lead to a lot of rethinking and reconceptualizing of human sexuality,” said Dr. John Bancroft, former director of the Kinsey Institute.
A sex study by Time magazine described this hormone as having the ability to travel through the blood, as well as along nerve fibers: “Released in the brain, oxytocin works in the blood, where it travels to tissues as distant as the uterus.”
Oxytocin also regulates body temperature, blood pressure, wound healing and pain relief.
Researchers are still experimenting with hormonal influences on behavior in humans, but many correlations have already been discovered.
For instance, when aroused, both men and women experience an extreme increase in heart rate. The average resting heart rate of 70 can jump all the way to 150 during sexual activity and stimulation.
This heart rate increase is comparable to lifting weights or doing a short session of cardio at the gym. Whether or not running on a treadmill and having sex are equal in the aerobic workout category has not been completely determined, but one of the choices is clearly more fun.
According to the health status calorie calculator, a 130-pound woman will burn 21 calories in 15 minutes of foreplay and 83 calories in 20 minutes of intercourse.
A 170-pound man will burn 28 calories in foreplay and 109 with intercourse in the same time period.
The more you weigh, the more you burn.
Changes in weight are not the only factors that influence the effects of sex. Men and women also benefit differently from hormonal increases during sexual activity.
An increase in testosterone, important for libido, has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and raise the protection of the heart muscle after a heart attack.
Now, not to get mushy on you, but oxytocin is also a strong indicator of bonding between partners.
Sex isn’t called “making love” for nothing. Believe it or not, both men and women psychologically feel an intense connection to their partners during orgasm.
Once that climax has lapsed, the oxytocin hormone level drops significantly and acts as a natural sleep aid.
The combination of physical fatigue and chemical, emotional bonding could explain why some people want to cuddle and others need to fall fast asleep, depending on the intensity of the orgasm and hormonal level during its increase and decrease.
Generally speaking, it seems that more frequent sex has actually been correlated with longer, more successful marriages.
Ultimately, when it comes down to the choice of whether or not to have sex, the decision is completely personal, and you alone have the final say.
But remember, as adults, sex no longer has to be a scary, taboo subject. Being responsible while having sex can actually improve the longevity of your life, your relationship and even your overall happiness.
Stay true to yourself while keeping in mind the benefits of sex. Biologically, we were made to do it; the choices of when, where and with whom are all yours.
Curious about getting down and dirty? E-mail Forde at nforde@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.