The relative health benefits of different sexual activities.
BACKGROUND
Although many studies examine purported risks associated with sexual activities, few examine potential physical and mental health benefits, and even fewer incorporate the scientifically essential differentiation of specific sexual behaviors.


OBJECTIVE
This review provides an overview of studies examining potential health benefits of various sexual activities, with a focus on the effects of different sexual activities.


METHODS
Review of peer-reviewed literature.


METHODS
Findings on the associations between distinct sexual activities and various indices of psychological and physical function.


RESULTS
A wide range of better psychological and physiological health indices are associated specifically with penile-vaginal intercourse. Other sexual activities have weaker, no, or (in the cases of masturbation and anal intercourse) inverse associations with health indices. Condom use appears to impair some benefits of penile-vaginal intercourse. Only a few of the research designs allow for causal inferences.


CONCLUSIONS
The health benefits associated with specifically penile-vaginal intercourse should inform a new evidence-based approach to sexual medicine, sex education, and a broad range of medical and psychological consultations.
Brody
Stuart
S
School of Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK. stuartbrody@hotmail.com
D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology; D003075:Coitus / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000502:physiology; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000503:physiopathology; D009948:Orgasm / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology