Plus, 6 Major Health Benefits of Sex
Stress and sex are linked in several ways.
And scientific evidence supports these instincts.
Sex can relieve stress and anxiety by triggering the release of “feel good” hormones, including oxytocin.
Marili Forastieri/Digital Vision/Getty Images
These hormones promote relaxation and can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
Sex not only boosts your hormones and other brain chemicalsbut it also reduces levels of stress hormones.
It’s also important to note that sex with a partner isn’t your only option.
In many cases,solo sexcan relieve stress and have other health benefits too.
The physical closeness of sex, along with orgasm, delivers oxytocin.
This hormone can relieve pain.among other positive effectsincluding stress relief and improved trust and mood.
Like oxytocin, they can relieve stress and improve mood.
Sexual activity seems to be one way to release stress by reducing cortisol.
Emotional support alone didnt have the same effect.
How Often Should You Have Sex?
How often do you oughta have sexto reap these health rewards?
When people feel stressed, they may be less in the mood for sexual activity.
Stress can also lead to problems such as erectile dysfunction and pain during sex.
One study found that stress during the COVID-19 pandemic was linked to less partnered sex and greater sexual dysfunction.
This, in turn, can improve mood both in the moment and beyond.
However, it also showed that work-family strain and conflict reduced the likelihood of sex.
Because sex can boost mood, you might wonder if it might also help combat symptoms of depression.
Because sex plays a role in reducing stress, this can also have a beneficial impact on brain processes.
One study found that sex helped improve memory in adults between the ages of 50 and 89.
Once again, hormones may play a role.
Sex for Cardiovascular Health
Another benefit of sex is that it may help improve your heart health.
Research has found that men who have sex twice a week have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Is it safe to have sex if you have heart concerns?
Learn More About What Your Partner Likes
Everyone has differentinterests and needs in the bedroom.
Take the time to understand what your partner wants, including their desires, dislikes, and fantasies.
Safron A.What is orgasm?
A national study on partnered sexuality and cardiovascular risk among older men and women.J Health Soc Behav.
2021;18(1):35-49. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.008
Allen S.Sexual activity and cognitive decline in older adults.Arch Sex Behav.
47(6):1711-1719. doi:10.1007/s10508-018-1193-8
Wright H, Jenks RA.Sex on the brain!
Associations between sexual activity and cognitive function in older age.Age Ageing.
Earnest CP, ed.PLoS ONE.
2013;8(10):e79342.
2010;105(2):192-197. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2009.08.671
American Heart Association.AHA scientific statement: Sexual activity and cardiovascular disease.
2016;8(8):53109. doi:10.5539/gjhs.v8n8p74
Finley N.Lifestyle choices can augment female sexual well-being.Am J Lifestyle Med.
2018;12(1):38-41. doi:10.1177/1559827617740823