Why sex works wonders for your body

15:10 27 March 2008

Using a headache as an excuse to put off sex may no longer be a valid reason according to new research.

Studies show that making love will actually relieve a throbbing headache by reducing the symptoms of pain.

In fact, it could even boost your immunity to the ailment in the first place, going so far as reducing the risk of prostate cancer in men.

However, a third of Britons quizzed for a survey complained that they didn't have enough intercourse.

"The idea that we are vital, sexual creatures is still looked at in some cases with discuss or in other cases a bit of embarrassment" says Dr Joy Davidson, a New York sex therapist.

Kathleen Doheny of the health site WebMD said: "When you're in the mood, it's a sure bet that the last thing on your mind is boosting your immune system or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet good sex offers those health benefits and more."

But what else can a night of passion help your with?

• Relieving stress
  
• Boosting immunity

  Getting in the mood The natural foods that fuel your libido.

  
  
• Burning calories
  
• Improving intimacy
  
• Suppressing pain
  
• Reducing prostate cancer risks
  
• Helping you sleep
  
• Improving cardiovascular fitness
  
• Boosting self-esteem
  
• Strengthening women's pelvic floor muscles