The benefits of sex in married life for the body and the mind
The main motivation for having sex is the pleasure and excitement that both parties experience right now, and few people are aware of the benefits of sex. As well as improving the health of the body, sex warms the life together, strengthens marriage bonds, and strengthens the psyches of both parties. Stay with us until the end of this article to learn more about these benefits.
A successful marriage depends on sex
Sex is an important part of marital relations, but if it is little, it does not necessarily lead to dissatisfaction. Relationship quality, not the number of relationships per week or month, is what forms a healthy and satisfying relationship. The way people feel about sex varies from person to person. Many people consider it vital, while others use it to increase intimacy and depth. Obviously, you may have other goals, such as:
- Taking an interest in your spouse;
- Having children;
- Enhancing self-confidence;
- Stress relief;
- Mobility of the body.
Besides these, some people also pay attention to the health benefits of sex, and apart from the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction, they are aware of its effects on the body and soul.
Sex has many benefits, but what are the most important ones?
In addition to the immediate excitement and pleasure of sex, this act affects both parties’ emotional lives in different ways. During intercourse, the hormone oxytocin establishes a deep bond between two individuals.
Research has shown that sex plays an important role in the stability of cohabitation. Couples’ marriages end because of lack of or poor quality sex, whether they admit it or not.
How does sex benefit the mind and soul?
Being happier than the benefits of sex in life together
- A deeper connection and more happiness
Sex that causes mutual pleasure makes a person happy, according to research. Moodiness and depression are removed by endorphin, and peace and contentment are filled by oxytocin.
- Stress is reduced
Sexual intercourse is hindered by chronic stress, but sex in marriage can help curb this problem. Stress and fear are battled by cortisol and adrenaline released during sexual activity. These hormones remain in the body for several days.
- A greater sense of self-confidence
Having sex also strengthens your self-confidence, self-esteem, suppresses feelings of insecurity, and improves your mental image of yourself. The brain releases endorphins during sex, which boosts motivation and happiness.
- Enhance libido
As couples abandon sex and close their eyes to its benefits, they gradually lose not only their desire for sex, but also their desire to trust, empathize, and express interest in each other. Oxytocin plays an important role in maintaining intimate relationships by directly affecting couples’ physical and emotional connection. You will feel more desire and inclination towards your spouse as the intimacy increases.
- Enhance cognitive function
New neurons are produced in the hippocampus area of the brain (responsible for learning and memory) during sex, according to animal research. Additionally, several experiments on humans have shown that sex is closely related to a better memory. According to a study in 2019, men benefit from sex by remembering things better. Abstract words were also better remembered by women.
How does sex benefit the body physically?
Sleep is one of the health benefits of sex
- A good night’s sleep
A peaceful, high-quality sleep after orgasm is one of the greatest benefits of sex for both men and women. Sleepiness and relaxation are caused by oxytocin and prolactin.
- Enhance the immune system’s function
Those who have more sex have more immunoglobulin A in their saliva. A lack of this antibody increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. Although more research is needed to confirm this, it can be said that sexual activity has more positive effects on the immune system, so that it even reduces the chances of catching a cold or the flu.
- Pain relief
In the brain, endorphins are released during sex and are associated with relaxation and well-being. Migraine headaches and back pain are quickly relieved by this hormone. Women can experience pain during sex due to conditions such as endometriosis, vulvodynia or menopause, which can usually be treated with physiotherapy or sex therapy.
- Loss of weight
A half-hour of sex burns 200 calories on average for both parties. In contrast, the beneficial chemicals secreted during intercourse prevent the desire to eat. Although sex isn’t a substitute for daily exercise, it burns more calories than sitting still.
- Preventing cardiovascular complications by strengthening the heart
The body also benefits from sex by reducing systolic blood pressure. Sex opens up blood vessels and sends oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, while high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure is greatly lowered by this activity.
- Women’s pelvic floor muscles should be strengthened
Moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, is equivalent to athletic sex. Therefore, sex for women strengthens and tightens the abdominal and pelvic muscles. The pelvic floor muscles (around the uterus and bladder) prevent urinary incontinence, relieve vaginal pain, and prevent urinary tract infections.
- Men’s prostate cancer risk reduction
Sex reduces the risk of prostate cancer for men. It is believed that vaginal intercourse and frequent ejaculation prevent this male cancer; however, more research is needed to confirm this.
- Menopause delayed
By having sex, the body is told that pregnancy is still possible and that ovulation should continue. Consequently, women who have sex at least once a week usually enter menopause later than other women.
- Stones excreted by the kidneys
During sexual interaction, nitric oxide relaxes the ureter muscle, making kidney stones easier to pass and making their pain less and easier to handle.
- Sex has other health benefits
By maintaining vaginal moisture during sexual intercourse, the need to use lubricants is reduced and menstruation is lighter. As a result of the release of DHEA hormone after orgasm, the sense of smell is enhanced, the health of the teeth is maintained, digestion is improved, and the skin is brightened.
Is it normal to have sex several times a week?
We stated at the beginning of the article that although sex contributes to physical and mental well-being, the number of times we have sex per week and month does not matter. Sexual activity is healthy as long as it is sufficient and satisfactory for both parties.
Regular sex poses challenges
Sex can become challenging over time due to a variety of factors, including age, hormones, children, stress, medical conditions, and relationship problems. Couples are less likely to establish a relationship as they age and sex hormones decrease, yet their bodies still need sexual activity. People are naturally drawn to sexual intimacy, and if they do not have sex over time, they become discouraged and distance themselves from each other.
It is sometimes impossible to continue sexual activities due to physical or mental reasons. By working with a therapist, couples can find other ways to strengthen their intimacy so that the negative effects of this vacuum do not extend to other parts of their marriage.
What is the best way to increase sex?
To reap the benefits of sex, increase its frequency
The frequency of intimacy between men and women decreases over time. This is not strange, but it can be dealt with in different ways. Don’t forget the non-sexual aspects of marriage. Miracles happen with ears! Strengthen the emotional connection before having sex. Maintaining sexual health requires controlling stress.
Discuss your needs with your partner and decide together how to initiate sex or how many times to repeat it throughout the week instead of sitting on your hands and waiting for it to automatically match.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the importance of having sex?
Human intimacy and the bond between man and woman are affected by sex, and it has undeniable benefits for the body and soul.
- How often does a married couple have intimacy?
Sexual frequency is determined by factors such as age, hormone levels, and physical and mental conditions. On average, couples have sex once a week.
- How does sex benefit your health?
There are many positive effects of sexual activity on health, including:
An increase in energy;
Mood improvement;
Stress and anxiety reduction;
Prostate cancer risk reduction;
Reducing blood pressure and heart disease risk.
- How harmful is daily sex?
In the current state of research, there is no evidence that daily sex is harmful. However, its excessive repetition can sometimes harm the body.
- What is the role of sex in skin health?
Sexual activity increases blood flow to the skin, making it healthier and fresher. During this process, energy is depleted and hormones are secreted, which prevents the emergence of menstrual acne.
- How does sex affect the body?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies are among the consequences of sex. Planning and using contraceptive methods can minimize these risks.
The final word
This article discusses the benefits of sex for men and women, and its effects on couples’ joint and individual lives. The benefits of sexual activity go beyond improving the health of the relationship and the well-being of both parties. They include reducing stress, improving sleep quality, strengthening immunity, and improving heart health. As a result, you should pay more attention to your health in order to maintain it.
The root of the problem should be found and resolved with the help of your spouse if this intimate relationship has no place in your life together. You may need a sex therapist to help you untie this knot before it affects other aspects of your relationship.