This week, I want to answer some of your questions about sex and health. Don’t worry; I am not going to preach at you. This ain’t your fourth grade puberty lesson.

Are there any health benefits to sex besides just burning calories?

Absolutely! First off, you are right to bring up the fact that sex burns calories – who can complain about that? Did you know you burn just shy of 100 calories from a half hour of moderately intense sex? Ramp it up to fierce, and you will burn about 200 calories. I would take that over the two-mile run any day.

Besides burning calories, there are few more benefits to having sex. Muscles – including the heart – grow stronger, and self-esteem levels increase as a result of having sex frequently. Orgasm-inducing sex has been proven to reduce stress by lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels in women, increasing health levels overall.

Not only that, but after orgasm, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin. This is sometimes referred to as the “cuddle hormone” because it makes you feel more intimate with your partner, as well as a little sleepy. Oxytocin also signals the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals you produce by hitting the gym, so good sex can literally improve your mood.

For women with menstrual cramps, sex can make you feel better. Orgasms cause your uterus to contract, which relaxes the muscles and relieves your cramps. Cool, huh? If your partner is not comfortable having sex during your cycle, grab a toy and buckle up.

Lastly, did I mention pleasure? One of the biggest health benefits of having sex is getting to know your body and finding the best ways to make yourself feel good.

I am a guy, and I do not masturbate. People reading this might be thinking “yeah, right,” but I do not really like it that much, and I have only done it a handful of times in my life. So my question is this: Is it healthy for a guy not to masturbate?

First, I want to take a second and commend you for challenging the projected cultural “norm” – the idea that “all guys masturbate, all the time.” You’re doing what feels right for you and your body, and I wanted to publish your question to encourage others to do so as well.

Now, recent studies have suggested – but have not officially proven – that male masturbation may reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer, which could be a benefit of masturbating. But choosing not to masturbate certainly will not cause prostate cancer – see the difference? Also, many people claim masturbation helps release built-up sexual tension from not having sex, but if you are not experiencing this “tension,” then choosing not to masturbate is perfectly healthy.

One thing to note: Infrequent masturbation will increase sperm count, which is perfectly safe and may increase your fertility. So, while this is good, if you are in a heterosexual relationship and trying to avoid pregnancy, be sure to take sufficient measures to protect yourselves during intercourse. On the flip side, if you are trying to get pregnant, not masturbating may actually help you and your partner get pregnant more quickly.

Is it true that if I start using a vibrator to masturbate, I will not be able to cum from vaginal intercourse? Can I really get “addicted” to my vibrator?

While it may take longer for you to orgasm from other forms of stimulation (hands, mouth, etc.) if you get used to using a vibrator to orgasm, your body will continue to respond to stimulation regardless of where it’s coming from – in other words, using a vibrator to climax won’t make you incapable of achieving orgasm from other forms of stimulation.

However, if you are only climaxing by using your vibrator, you may want to consider incorporating your vibrator into the bedroom with your partner. If you are concerned that your vibrator will ruin sex, think again: It can be a really fun and pleasurable addition to the bedroom.

As far as getting “addicted” to your vibrator, do not fear, my dear. Addiction involves tolerance, which means it would take more and more of something to achieve the same effect. Vibrators can actually have the opposite effect: Once you learn how to get yourself off with your vibrator, it may actually take less stimulation to achieve orgasm. Yay!

Are aphrodisiacs real? Does my diet have any effect on my sex life?

There is little scientific proof that aphrodisiacs exist, despite many people’s belief that certain foods – chocolate, oysters, strawberries, etc. – can magically increase your libido.

But certain foods do have an impact on your sex life. For example, multiple studies have found that soy, a food that binds estrogen receptors, can help maintain vaginal lubrication. Certain types of chili peppers have also been proven to sharpen nerve endings and to signal the release of endorphins, which can ultimately increase the degree of pleasure you will experience. For men, some foods – kiwis, pineapple, spearmint, green tea and water – will make your semen taste sweeter and lighter.

More generally, it is important to note that your diet affects everything from your mood to your overall level of health. So rather than searching for mystical libido-enhancing foods, you should focus on eating healthy (and exercising) if you are looking to boost your libido. Work on incorporating a good balance of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins into your diet to stimulate stamina and energy levels and to increase overall well being.

‘Til next week.