"Good sex is good for you", a wise man once said, and if you don't believe him, then perhaps the words of Henry David Thoreau are more convincing — he compared life without sex to a dried up coconut.

Yes, some may say any excuse to have a good time between the sheets could be good for your health, or in other cases, very, very bad for your health — if you're practising unsafe sex, or if you're hitting 90 and have a young wife named Anna Nicole.

But it has been scientifically proven that, in a healthy relationship, a little bit of whoopee goes a long way and does wonders for your self esteem. Studies show that people in a loving relationship who have a healthy sex life are happier.

"This is one of the primary factors that create happiness, contentment, stability and effectiveness in life generally," says Cape Town sexologist Dr Eve.

And not only are they happier, but healthier as well. Self Help Magazine columnist Dr Anthony Fiore writes that "good sex not only adds great enjoyment to our lives, but it also actually improves our health and may even contribute to our longevity."

Intimacy inoculation

Dr Paul Pearsall, a Clinical Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a motivational speaker and author of over 200 books on human behaviour writes in his latest book 'Sexual Healing' about an "intimacy inoculation" — that engaging in intimate acts within a healthy environment can actually build up our immune systems.

He refers to research and his own clinical experience, concluding that little or no sexual activity is prevalent among heart attack victims or those who have a high probability of suffering a heart attack.

On the other hand, Pearsall claims that sexual satisfaction appears related to less severe headaches, fewer symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and a decline in symptoms related to chronic arthritis for both genders.

Bedroom workout

It's been well documented that safe sex in a loving relationship can do just as much for your health as pushing weights at your local gym.

For instance, did you know that a vigorous session between the sheets can burn about 200 calories? That's the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill or playing a mean game of squash, according to the British Medical Journal.

During a study by British researchers, they proved that the equivalent of six Big Macs can be shedded by having sex three times a week for a year. Not much work, considering some people work the gym circuit at least five times a week — and sometimes to the detriment of their sex lives.

The muscles that receive the most work are the pelvis, thighs, bum, arms, neck and thorax. Apparently the fitness benefits are so good, that 'Men's Health' magazine once referred to the bed as "the greatest piece of exercise equipment ever invented".

Stroke that ego

Not only does sex provide a healthy dose of exercise, but when you're making whoopee, the hormones that are released into the bloodstream act as natural anti-depressants and pain suppressants.

Dr Eve explains the importance of oxytocin release at the point of orgasm for women. "Oxytocin enables us to tolerate pain and it also brings on the contractions of orgasm which is why it would help to be orgasmic when pre-menstrual."

"Psychologically, the body feels relaxed, even if orgasm hasn't happened as is the case for many women. They feel relaxed from the release of oxytocin which happens with close and consistent touch."

For men, frequent ejaculation can also help protect the prostate from cancer, but that's not all...

"With the male ejaculation prostaglandin is released in the semen — this enhances contractions in the vagina which can bring on labour in pregnant women," says Dr Eve.

But if Pearsall's theory of "intimacy inoculation" is anything to go by, then sexual health should open up a wealth of pain-killing ideas.

"I can understand there is truth in what he says," explains Dr Eve. "As these wonderful sex hormones and chemicals bring all positives mentioned."

"All major diseases can be mainly prevented though healthy lifestyles — and consistent ongoing sexual activity is part of what makes up a healthy lifestyle."

Emotional high

Sex within a loving and safe relationship not only is much better than the heart-breaking one-night-stand, but experts also agree that it is a great confidence booster.

"The feeling of being desired, feeling desirable, allowing one's body to go those places of extreme pleasure, gives one confidence and an incredible sense of satisfaction, which is why unhealthy and unsafe sex is so devastating to our mental and physical well-being," says Dr Eve.

But Dr Eve also warns against acting on these emotions: "Emotionally, the feeling of being desired, satisfying a partner and one's self enhances one's self esteem and confidence. It also unfortunately makes us believe we are in love, even if the person is undesirable for us."

As long as you keep your wits about you, those bedroom aerobics are sure to make you feel on top of the world, even if it’s just basking in the afterglow.

"It frees us up and contains us from many anxieties, including self-esteem, body image and rejection," says Dr Eve, who adds that it takes work to keep things right: "Sex is not the panacea of all ills!"