How important is sex in a relationship? – healthmag.gr

In a supportive relationship, there are many benefits to having more sex. Higher rates of sexual activity are associated with positive changes, such as lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, greater intimacy and even lower rate divorces.

Why sex is important in relationships

Can a relationship survive without sex? Yes. Sex is not always necessary. But it can be an important part of one healthy, satisfying relationship. How important sex is can vary from one person to another. Some people may feel that being a sexual partner is absolutely vital. Others may feel that other types of intimacy and connection are more important.

Some of the reasons you may feel that sex is important in a relationship include:

• You feel closer to your partner
• Showing affection to your partner
• You find sex fun and enjoyable
• The desire to have children
• You feel confident and sexy
• Stress relief

Research shows that frequent sex can play a role in a person’s overall well-being. Frequent sex is associated with more affection. When couples experience more affection, they are also more likely to have more frequent sex.

The benefits of sex in relationships

Beyond the individual benefits for you and your partner, regular sex supports a healthy relationship in several ways. For example, the oxytocin released during sex enhances the sense of connection and improves emotional intimacy.

Sex in a monogamous relationship increases your level of commitment and emotional connection with the other person. Expressing love through sex increases the likelihood that couples will stay together. As a result, sex is positively associated with a lower divorce rate.

Psychological benefits of sex

There are many emotional and psychological benefits to making love (sex is closely associated with one better quality of life ). Some of these benefits include:

• Better self-image : Sex can boost self-esteem and reduce feelings of insecurity, leading to more positive perceptions of ourselves.
• Higher rates of happiness : According to a 2015 study conducted in China, more consensual sex and better quality sex increase happiness.
• More bonding : Brain chemicals are released during sex, including endorphins, which reduce irritability and feelings of depression. Another hormone, oxytocin (the “cuddle drug”) increases with nipple stimulation and other sexual activities. Oxytocin helps cultivate a sense of calm and contentment.
• Stress relief : Chronic stress can contribute to lower sex frequency. However, sex can be an effective stress management technique . Sex reduces stress response hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline (epinephrine), with the effects lasting until the next day.
• Improved sleep quality : Orgasms trigger the release of the hormone prolactin, which aids sleep. 6

Physical benefits of increasing sex

It’s pretty intuitive to understand how sex improves emotional health, but there are some physical benefits to sex as well. Some of these include:

• Better physical condition : Sex is a form of exercise. According to the American Heart Association, sexual activity is equivalent to moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or climbing two flights of stairs. The act of sex can tighten and tone the abdominal and pelvic muscles. For women, improved muscle tone improves bladder control.
• Improved brain function : Preliminary studies in rats found that more frequent contact was associated with better cognitive function and the growth of new brain cells. Similar benefits have since been seen in human studies. A 2018 study of more than 6,000 adults linked frequent sex with better memory performance in adults age 50 and older.
• Improved immune function : Being more sexually active has positive effects on immune function. Regular sex can even reduce your chance of catching a cold or flu.
• Lower pain levels : Endorphins from sex promote more than just a sense of well-being and calmness. The endorphins of sex also seem to reduce migraine and back pain.
• Weight loss : Sex for 30 minutes burns an average of 200 calories. Rewarding brain chemicals released during sex can subdue the desire for food and support weight loss.
• Positive cardiac effects : Penivo-vaginal sexual activity (but not masturbation) has been linked to lower systolic blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Sexual activity helps dilate blood vessels, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, while lowering blood pressure.
• Additional natural benefits : Being more sexually active boosts libido and increases vaginal lubrication. Frequent intercourse is associated with lighter menstrual periods and less painful menstrual cramps. In addition, an improved sense of smell, healthier teeth, better digestion and glowing skin may be related to the release of the DHEA hormone from the body after orgasm .

Sex can have a variety of benefits. It can help support healthy relationships and can improve overall well-being. It is also associated with individual benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, increased immunity and better heart health.