Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

It is 2007 and many persons still view sex-related topics as being taboo.

Articles written on the subject in this magazine, have been frowned upon by many.

So to put a positive spin on the issue, this week we look at the health benefits of sex. (Note that sexual intercourse is only for adults, not children).

Relief

Some folks have maintained that sex provides relief from headaches and other pains, helps to maintain a healthy prostate, keeps you fit and improves the overall quality of life.

But are these myths or facts?

Consultant gynaecologist obstetrician Dr. Errol Daley confirms that sex and orgasms do help to relieve pains.

"Sex helps to release the hormone oxytocin which is good for a number of things including headaches, it gives a feeling of well-being and causes the blood flow to increase to major parts of the body including the brain," Dr. Daley said.

"Oxytocin can also help with PMS pain. It does not cure it, but it helps."

One's well-being and quality of life have to do with the quality of relationship in bed.

However, several factors may affect the overall experience for women.

For men, the phases of sex are linear, meaning that it follows the same pattern, excitement, plateauing, orgasm and then resolution. In the case of women, the phases are circular, they could begin anywhere in the cycle.

Sexual satisfaction

Dr. Daley points out that pain and relationship issues interfere with sexual satisfaction, thus affecting a person's quality of life.

"The most difficult issue to treat is that of sexual arousal disorders (one reason could be rape) and inhibition of orgasm where women unconsciously suppress orgasms," Dr. Daley explained.