Sexual behavior and its advantages
At least when it comes to having quality sex in a relationship, there are several reasons to have sex more frequently.
Greater intimacy and a lower divorce rate in relationships are both associated with more regular sexual activity. It is also linked to medical benefits like lower blood pressure and emotional ones like reduced stress.
Optimum frequency
In relation to optimum frequency, a 2015 study discovered that, up to a degree, sexual frequency is connected with general well-being.
From no sex to once a week, there was a progressive improvement in relationship satisfaction, but after this point, it stopped improving (and even started to fall slightly).
Adults now have sex nine times less frequently each year than they did in the late 1990s, according to a 2010s analysis of sex frequency.
What’s the typical?
54 times a year on average for adults (about 1 time each week).
20-year-old adults: about 80 times per year.
60+ year old adults: 20 times a year.
*Results based on research released in the Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2017
Sexual activity in older individuals continues to be quite essential for many people, despite the fact that it frequently decreases with age.
More married people engage in sexual activity than unmarried people do.
Psychological advantages
Making love has numerous emotional and psychological advantages that are closely related to improving one’s overall quality of life.
A few of these are:
Happiness
A 2015 Chinese study found that having more sex of higher quality makes people happier (although unwanted sex decreases happiness).
Stress reduction
It is common knowledge that many people experience chronic stress, and it has been suggested that this may be why adults engage in less sex.
Due to the fact that sex is often used as a stress-reduction strategy, this can be particularly effective.
As part of the stress reaction, our bodies release the hormones cortisol and adrenaline (epinephrine).
The fight response hormones can cause exhaustion, high blood pressure, and other problems.
These hormones can be reduced during sex, and the effects may persist the next day.
Better mood
During sex, our body releases a number of substances that might impact how we feel.
Our brain releases endorphins during sex, which are substances that might lessen irritation and depressive symptoms.
Oxytocin is a different hormone that is released during nipple stimulation and other sexual activities.
Oxytocin can induce a state of peace and contentment, much like the impact it has on nursing mothers (oxytocin is responsible for the “abandon” reflex in breastfeeding).
Finally, the orgasm triggers the production of prolactin, a hormone that can improve sleep.
Improved sense of self
Sex can increase self-esteem and lower feelings of insecurity, which results in a more optimistic outlook.
Physical advantages
It makes sense that having sex would enhance one’s mental well-being, but there are also some physical advantages.
A few of these are:
Increasing physical fitness
Sex is a physical activity, and numerous studies have shown a connection between physical activity and improved health.
An American Heart Association press release claims that engaging in sexual engagement is equal to engaging in moderate physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs.
The abdominal and pelvic muscles can be toned and tightened through sex-related activities.
This increased muscular tone benefits females by giving them better bladder control.
Additionally advantageous are the 200 calories burned in 30 minutes of sex and the decrease in food cravings brought on by the hormones released during sex.
Improved immunological response
Increased sexual activity is also beneficial for immune system health.
This results in a decreased likelihood of contracting the flu or a cold.
Decreased pain
The endorphins stated above offer more than just a sense of tranquility and well-being; they also appear to lessen pain (such as migraines and backaches).
Heart effects
Lower systolic blood pressure has been associated to sexual activity, but not masturbation.
In turn, having high blood pressure raises your risk of developing heart disease, a stroke, and many other conditions.
It is thought that sexual activity lowers blood pressure and helps to widen the blood vessels, boosting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that having sex can increase the risk of having a heart attack in people who are already at risk, while having sex more frequently can mitigate this risk.
Although having sex can result in a heart attack, anyone at risk should consult their doctor first.
Sexual effects
Increasing one’s sexual activity actually boosts a woman’s libido and vaginal lubrication.
Making love is more frequently linked to less painful cramps and lighter menstrual cycles.
Although it was traditionally believed that sex increased the risk of prostate cancer in males, a 2016 study discovered that men who had more ejaculations (21 or more monthly) had a lower risk of the illness (seven ejaculations or less per month).
This is significant since prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among males.
Other tangible results
Additional physical benefits of increased sexual activity include better digestion, a better sense of smell, healthier teeth, and healthy, glowing skin, all of which are related to an increase in the body’s DHEA production.
The advantages of connections
Sexual activity frequently has advantages for both you and your spouse, but it also has various positive effects on your bond.
In a monogamous relationship, regular sex can deepen your emotional connection and level of commitment.
When they can do this, couples are more likely to remain together, and the divorce rate is considerably higher for couples who don’t have sex.
The chemical molecules that our body creates help sex’s relationship benefits:
In addition to being relaxing, the release of oxytocin can promote intimacy and connection between people.
