Text. Prov.5:15-19

Memory:
Let thy fountain be blessed:
and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe;
let her breasts satisfy thee at all times;
and be thou ravished always with her love. (Prov.5:18-19)

Apart from helping relationships to be intimate, active sex life can provide for a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life. The following are some of the health benefits of regular sex in your marriage as adapted from articles.mercola.com.

* Improves Heart Health.
Couples who have sexual intercourse regularly (twice weekly) are 45 percent less likely to develop heart disease than those who did so once a month or less according to a study. Sexual intercourse is also linked with better stress response and lower blood pressure.
* Eases Stress.
During sexual intercourse, your body is triggered to produce feel-good chemicals, helping to ease stress and boost pleasure, calm and self-esteem. Research also shows that those who have sexual intercourse responded better when subjected to stressful situations.
After a stressful day, if you are met with a romantic husband or wife who lures you to bed for an exciting sexual adventure or responds to your sexual moves in a loving way, the effect of stress on your health will be less damaging than if you were met with an indifferent spouse.

* Improves Sleep.
After sexual activity, the relaxation-inducing hormone, prolactin is released, which may help you nod off more quickly. The ‘love hormone’ oxytocin, released during orgasm, also promotes sleep. That is why you may not need any other sedative towards sound sleep after a satisfying sexual round with your spouse.

* Boosts Your Immune System.
It has been observed that people with active sex life are less prone to diseases than people with negligible sex life.

* Improves Mental Health.
There are evidences that healthy sexual life in marriage also affects mental health of the couple. It has been discovered that sexual frequency and satisfaction is directly linked with the mental health and well-being of partners in marriage.

* Helps Weight Control.
Sex is really a great form of exercise. It burns an average of 5 calories per minute, making it a significant form of exercise. It can help you maintain your flexibility and balance.

* Can Help Relief Pain.
Sexual activity releases pain-reducing hormones and has been found to help reduce or eliminate back and leg pain for menstrual cramps.

* Can Help Women With Bladder Control And Men With Prostrate.
Sexual intercourse helps strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which contract during orgasm. This can help women to improve their bladder control and avoid incontinence. Research has also shown that men who are sexually active have a lower risk of prostrate cancer.

Discussion Points With Your Spouse
• How well do you sleep after a satisfying sexual encounter? (Physical health)
• How easily annoyed are you when you are having issues with your spouse on sex? (Emotional health)
• How focused and articulate are you when you are having sexual issues with your spouse? (Psychological health)

PRAYER
Father and my God, help me that sexual intercourse will be a source of pleasure for us in my home in Jesus’ name.

QUOTABLE QUOTE

ILLUSTRATION
MARITAL SEX GOES BEYOND CHILDMAKING AND PLEASURE; IT IS A TONIC WHICH ENHANCES YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. – Dr. Mike Oluniyi