We’re not sure why we’re on such a kinky sex kick lately, but, because it’s been on our mind so much, we’ve been writing a lot about it. Hey, that’s not a bad thing, though, considering kinky sex is fun and really helps break the same old routine while in the bedroom.

While girls helped us understand the ways to have kinkier sex, we came across some information the other day that we found very interesting — that kinky sex actually has tons of health benefits, meaning you can now feel good about all those whips and chains you and your girl use.

We’re all about sex education here, so here are some ways that, according to DailyMail and MedicalDaily, sex experts say getting freaky in the sack is good for your well-being.

Provides stronger mental health

Confidence is sexy in all things, but it’s one of the main traits that’s popular in people who are more willing to have kinky sex. That’s according to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, which, in a 2013 study, found that BDSM participants were shown to be less neurotic, more extroverted, more open to new experiences, more conscientious, less rejection sensitive, with higher subjective well-being than ‘vanilla’ couples.

Encourages infidelity

There are a number of different reasons why people cheat — none of which are ever good — but a popular one is dissatisfaction in the bedroom, where couples either stop having sex or things get stale. But, since kinky sex keeps things interesting and adventurous, having it more often encourages infidelity, since many sexual fantasies are being lived out.

Increases communication with your partner

Like all sex, communication between both people is key to feeling comfortable and knowing what one another likes. When it comes to kinky sex, though, talking about stuff is even more important because there’s a little bit more adventure involved in what’s going on. After all, for a girl to be into anal while using a dildo and other sex toys takes a lot of trust. So it’s no surprise that psychotherapist Dr. Jeffrey Sumber said that BDSM couples have impeccable communication.

“BDSM friendly couples require impeccable communication whereas many mainstream relationships communicate about their sexuality as a result of ‘inflammation’ or challenges that arise. For a BDSM relationship to thrive, it must rely on a foundation of transparency and effective interaction.”

Expands intimacy

It take a lot of trust to let someone blindfold you, tie you up or gently whip you, so, unsurprisingly, kinky sex expands intimacy and builds that trust between couples. That’s according to Patricia Johnson, an award-winning co-author of Partners in Passion: A Guide to Great Sex, Emotional Intimacy, and Long-term Love. Here’s what she had to add.

“If someone is going to bind your wrists or tie you to a Saint Andrew’s cross and flog you, there has to be a high level of trust at work. This is also why you should seek instruction before trying anything but the mildest forms of kinky play.”

As Johnson points out, the aforementioned communication is key to all of this kinky sex play, so make sure it’s consensual and desired before just doing something in the heat of the moment.

Reduces stress levels

In general, sex reduces stress because, let’s face it, it’s allowing your brain to free itself from tension and anxiety. So, along the same lines, kinky sex does the exact same thing, but even more so! According to a 2009 study that was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, BDSM lowered cortisol levels in couples, while those people also reported lower stress, too.