by K.J. Howe

The theme for the Rogue Women Writers this month is…sex. Well, an interesting topic to be sure.  If you’re writing an international thriller featuring espionage, you might want to consider giving your protagonist a romp in between missions.  After doing a little research on the hidden benefits of sex, I finally understand why James Bond was so active in this milieu…all in sacrifice of His Majesty’s Service.

FIVE REASONS SPIES SHOULD INDULGE…

*Sex reduces stress.  If you had to face Odd Job, Goldfinger, and other nefarious villains, wouldn’t you struggle with the demands of your job?  Studies show that people who had sex at least once over a period of two weeks were better able to manage stressful situations.  Endorphins and Oxytocin are released during sex, and these feel-good hormones activate the pleasure centres in the brain, helping stave off anxiety and depression.  It’s a must to stay in good mental shape.

*Sounder Sleep.  Spies combat jet-lag, long nights of surveillance, and intense missions.  To survive and prosper, these elite professionals need to grab some shut-eye whenever and wherever they can.  And sex is the perfect primer for quality rest.  During orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released–and prolactin levels are naturally higher when we sleep,   And if you need to pull a all-nighter to pick up a dead drop message, just have some chandelier acrobatics, as it can make you feel energized, ready to take on anything and anyone.

*Minimizes pain.  Any self-respecting action hero gets in a few tussles now and then, and sex is the perfect antidote for pain.  The surge of hormones can ease any annoying battered body parts.  Endorphins closely resemble morphine, and they can be the ideal answer to bruised and cracked ribs.

*Enhances the immune system.  The life of a spy is go, go, go…after all, espionage happens 24/7.  No time for illness or annoying colds.  People who have sex have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), and these antibodies help combat diseases and keep the body safe from colds and flu. You’ll notice that Q doesn’t make any special tools using Kleenex.

*Fitness.  It’s critical for spies to stay in shape given the gruelling nature of their jobs.  Sex counts as cardio!  A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories, depending on the length and intensity of the session.  Skip the treadmill and get a fabulous back, butt, and thigh workout instead.

Whether you’re a fan of Daniel, Sean, Roger, Pierce or any of the other talented actors who have played the uber-spy, I hope you’ll agree that half the fun of watching the movies is to see the connection Bond has with the opposite sex.  I’m hoping now that there is a female Doctor Who, there might be a female Bond in the near future.  If so, who do you think would do the part justice, both in and out of the bedroom?