Tee-hee, tee-hee. “Sex.”

This word alone can turn heads, but the health benefits of sex can be of even more interest.

The benefits of sexual activity have been debated so often that it is hard to tell what is truth and what is fiction. Myths surrounding the health benefits of sex include pheromones, exercise and the role of estrogen and testosterone in sex and health.

Pheromones, often found in perfumes, have been advertised as strong attractants to the opposite sex.

Robert Hensley, instructor for HD FS 276 (Human Sexuality) and graduate student in human development and family studies, said there is no conclusive evidence to prove pheromones attract the opposite sex.

While increased sexual attraction is not a proven effect of pheromones, they do cause women who live together to have their menstrual cycles coincide, he said.

Malhar Gor‚, physician at Thielen Student Heath Center, said he believes pheromones may play a role in sexual attraction.

“Pheromones are a sense elicited by organism, often used to attract the opposite gender,” he said. “[They] theoretically act with a discharge of the skin … so [the opposite sex] may smell better to you.”

Other myths about sex surround the hormones estrogen and testosterone.

Hensley said the after-sex glow many people experience in their skin is because “sex is a powerful, emotional experience and arousal can have that glow.”

Estrogen has been shown to improve skin, hair, and teeth, Gor‚ said.

Both Gor‚ and Chittenden said there is no research showing the hormones estrogen and testosterone increase during sex.

“If a woman wanted her hair healthier, sex is not a prescription,” said Rhonda Chittenden, regional educator for Planned Parenthood.

Sexual intercourse can be a form of exercise, Hensley said.

“On average, sex can burn around 300 to 400 calories, depending on [the duration of intercourse],” he said.

What is commonly known as “the runner’s high,” an increased amount of endorphins released during aerobic exercise, may be experienced during sex if it lasts more than 20 minutes, Hensley said.

While sex may include some of the benefits of physical activity, engaging in sexual intercourse is not necessary for physical fitness, Chittenden said.

“It really depends on the behavior, how much aerobic benefit [there is],” she said.

Sex is not sufficient for replacing regular exercise, Gor‚ said.

“Unless you are at it all the time, I can’t see how you can replace it with regular exercise,” he said.

Sex can have emotional benefits, Hensley said.

Research supports the notion that being in a close relationship can improve one’s life, he said.

There are benefits to abstaining for sexual intercourse as well.

The benefit to abstinence is that individuals are not “putting themselves at risk for an unwanted pregnancy or STDs,” Chittenden said.

The choice to engage in or abstain from intercourse is personal, Hensley said.

“You can find satisfaction and closeness without sex,” Hensley said.