On Sunday, this article from The Guardian came across my desk. I thought I'd give it a quick glance, check in on the news before moving onto other reading projects, like your messages. Instead, I read it from start to finish.

Remember when I said, "Hey future us, I know that it's probably possible you're not having sex. And that could be because it's messy, transmits diseases, it's hard to earn, and it takes time."

In Japan and many other countries around the world, this reality, my prediction, is taking shape. Of course, some of the disinterest in sex is asexual. Sex? No thanks. No desire.

For others, it's something like sex is a hassle. They abstain for more appealing things, like reputation and career and independent single life. Sex is just pushed out of the picture.

There are a dozen more reasons to explain the opt out practices of Japan's youth. With the trend towards sexual abstinence and a raft of reasons to explain it, it would seem like we should stop having sex ourselves. But before you jump sexual ship, let's look at some of the benefits to having sex.

Here they are in alphabetical order: boost the immune system, burn calories, communicate messages, connect partners, cut the risk of a fatal heart attack in half, and decrease cancer risk. Diminish depression, elevate mood, and elicit pleasure. Energize, enhance skin complexion, and entertain.

Expose vulnerabilities, express attraction, foster desire, free inhibitions, heighten senses, improve sleep, increase blood flow, lessen cramps, lower blood pressure, minimize incontinence, postpone worry, prolong life, raise self-esteem, reduce stress, refocus your attention.

Regulate menstruation, relax the body and mind, and release tension. Relieves pain, shows affection, slows signs of aging, speed up the healing process, stall tooth decay - technically not a sexual benefit, more of a seminal benefit. [Gargles] 

Stoke passion, strengthen bones, support intimacy.

These benefits of sex were brought to you by audible.com, an Amazon company that allows you to find a great book, download it and listen to it whenever and wherever. You own it, and I am quoting Audible when I say, forever.

Take for example, Dan Savage's newest book, 'American Savage'. I go to audible.com/doctor, and type 'Dan Savage' into the search field. I can put it into my cart, and check it out for zero dollars. What?

If you sign up for audible.com, they will give you one month of access to their selection, and a free audiobook download. Mmm, this feels so good, listening to someone else reading Dan Savage's writing while I use my hands for other things.

[Holds up drawing] Audible.com.

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