Sex can strengthen relationships. Science and studies agree.
In this article:
- How Does Sex Affect a Relationship?
- Why Is Sex so Important in a Relationship?
- How Often Should You Have Sex?
How Sex Can Strengthen Relationships: The Benefits of Having Sex More Often
How Does Sex Affect a Relationship?
Quality sex in a supportive relationship is linked to holistic health benefits as well as societal benefits. Regular intimacy has helped lower the divorce rate and relationship deterioration throughout the years.
When it comes to its direct effects on the parties involved, i.e. monogamous partners, the following can strengthen the claim that sex can strengthen relationships:
1. Sex Strengthens the Connection Between Couples
The closeness created and experienced during monogamous sex strengthens emotional connection, bond, and commitment. It maintains a healthy level of intimacy, love, and belongingness, which human beings need naturally as per Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Sex can strengthen a relationship by maintaining the “spark.”. It preserves the desire to stay together in spite of life’s struggles.
Intimacy in the form of sex also establishes and strengthens a support network, namely your partner. People who have a good support network tend to be able to form meaningful relationships and manage stress better.
2. Sexual Satisfaction Boosts Mood and Happiness
Scientifically speaking, does sex strengthen a relationship? The answer is yes.
Basically, the less stressed you are, the happier and more content your state of mind.
For one, orgasm triggers the release of the hormone prolactin. While its main function benefits lactation, it also promotes good sleep and relaxation. And, a well-rested body is more capable of sustaining physical and social relationships.
Sex is also a stress management technique. It reduces the secretion of the fight or flight hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, which both create physiological stress responses like exhaustion and increased blood pressure.
The brain also releases endorphins or feel-good chemicals during sex. These enhance mood and reduce feelings of loneliness and irritability.
Another chemical is released with further sexual stimulation. It’s called oxytocin, and it creates a sense of satisfaction and calmness.
What is oxytocin? It is a peptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary for sexual bonding and childbirth.
3. Sexual Interaction Improves Esteem and Self-Image
Confidence increases with sexual satisfaction. This is because sex helps boost one’s self-esteem.
This, in turn, can create a good and healthy impact on social and romantic relationships.
As mentioned before, sex brings about intimacy through increased amounts of oxytocin. It helps fulfill a part of the human emotional need.
Sex develops the desire to cuddle, the urge to bond with the other person, and the need to hold another and be held by another.
4. Sex Creates Spontaneity in the Relationship
How important is sex in a long term relationship, you ask?
There’s always a sense of excitement when there’s something new to look forward to. The same concept applies to sex.
Spicing up your love life in the bedroom helps add passion and romance in a relationship. It reassures couples of their commitment to each other.
5. It Renews Feelings and Rekindles Romance
Married life can get busy and demanding with the many responsibilities laid on the path — work, raising children, financial obligations, health concerns, personal time, making decisions beneficial and rationale for all family members, among others. Rekindled love is among the many benefits of sex in marriage and in long-term relationships.
Sex can strengthen relationships by encouraging two parties to actively engage in a loving activity, despite the hectic schedules and taxing chores. It reconnects two people and brings them back to the discovery phase, allowing them to grow both as individuals and as partners in life.
Make time to have sex. Spark the drive by:
- Fostering intimacy even outside the bedroom. Plan date nights. Work on projects together.
- Discussing important matters, e.g. how you can have better sex, what’s keeping you from having an interest, and the like. Identify and eliminate stressors. Open communication is the key to satisfaction in the bedroom.
- Keeping tech devices away from the bed. Minimize the use of your mobile phone. Put the TV remote control at a distance.
- Introduce new stimuli. Try new activities, positions, and toys. Experiment!
Why Is Sex so Important in a Relationship?
By talking about sex and by actually having sex, partners communicate openly and compromise more effectively.better. Consensual (and enthusiastic) Mutually consented sexual intercourse, in a way, fine tunes the lapses and gaps in relationships.
But the benefits of sex go beyond emotions and psyche. It has its own lineup of health perks.
A national study executed through the partnership of representatives from Michigan State University and the University of Chicago reported that partnered sexuality is linked to lower risks of cardiovascular conditions in older women.
Another study published first published in the medical journal Psychoneuroendocrinology lead to a preliminary conclusion that regular sexual intimacy can prolong life. Long telomeres were found in the female subjects who reported sexual activity during the course of the study.
What are telomeres? These are DNA strand protectors. The longer these are in appearance, the less the likelihood of dying young or developing a degenerative condition.
Other reported health benefits of sex include:
- Lower risk of cancer, especially in the reproductive and endocrine systems
- Increases pain threshold
- Better immunity
- Improved bladder control
- Serves as exercise
How Often Should You Have Sex?
Americans in their 20s tend to have sex at an average of 80 times per year on average; Americans in their 60s do it at an average of 20 times per year. These data were drawn from a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2017.
But can we consider these frequencies healthy?
According to a study done at the Kinsey Institute in Indiana, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to sex. The reasons why one engages in sexual intercourse is far more important — relationship satisfaction, happiness, and better intimacy should be the focus outputs.
Positive interpersonal interactions such as sex and affection are essential to human well-being. More so, they can strengthen relationships.
So, don’t hesitate to discuss how you can be happier and more fulfilled between the sheets with your partner. It’ll keep the romantic vibes going and the excitement alive.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment about your sexual health in Las Vegas, NV call Las Vegas Aesthetics Med Spa at (702) 664-1300.
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