Having more sex can be good for a relationship in many ways. Sex is an important part of relationships; it can help reduce stress, improve closeness, and even lower the risk of divorce. Research shows that having sex is important, but still there’s no hard and fast rule for how often a couple should do it. But how exactly sex makes your relationship last? Let’s dive into the topic!
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WHY HAVING SEX MATTERS IN RELATIONSHIPS?
Can a relationship be okay without sex? Yes, it can. Sex isn't always a must-have, but it can be a big deal in a healthy, happy relationship. How much sex matters differs for everyone. Some think it's super important to be intimate with their partner, while others feel other kinds of closeness are what really matter.
Here are some reasons why you might think sex is important in a relationship:
- It makes you feel closer to your partner.
- It's a way to show affection.
- It's fun and feels good.
- You might want to have kids.
- It boosts your confidence and makes you feel sexy.
- It helps relieve stress.
Research says having sex often can make you feel better overall. More sex usually means more affection between partners, which often leads to even more sex.
Stress and sex go hand in hand. We all know this intuitively: a tough week can kill our desire for intimacy, while a good romp can ease our worries. Science backs this up too. Below, we’ll talk about it.
HOW SEX HELPS WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY?
Having sex can be a stress-buster because it triggers the release of "feel good" hormones like oxytocin. These hormones help us relax and can dial down feelings of anxiety.
But it's not just about feeling good — sex also lowers levels of stress hormones. And here's the kicker: you don't always need a partner. Solo sex can be just as effective in reducing stress and has other health benefits too.
Sex and orgasms release hormones that relax your body and make you feel good. Dopamine, often called the "feel-good chemical," amps up pleasure.
- More Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is released during physical touch, like sex. It eases pain and stress, and boosts trust and mood.
- Extra Endorphins: Endorphins, released during sex, also relieve stress and lift mood. They're like your body's natural painkillers.
- Less Cortisol: Sex lowers cortisol levels, those pesky stress hormones. Too much cortisol isn't good for your brain or body, but sex can dial it down.
Research shows that sex reduces stress responses, making tough situations easier to handle. One study found that women who had physical contact with their partners had lower stress responses compared to those who only received emotional support. As for how often you should have sex? It varies for everyone, but once a week is often seen as the sweet spot for reaping these health benefits.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD COUPLES HAVE SEX?
Having sex regularly with your partner can lead to increased sexual satisfaction. However, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should have sex—it depends on your relationship.
The best way to figure out the right frequency is to consider both partners' sex drives or libidos. Have an open conversation about how often each of you wants to have sex and find a middle ground where both feel satisfied.
If one partner is concerned about the frequency, it might mean the average isn't fair. Changes in sex drive can happen unexpectedly.
Frequency of sex varies by age. Research suggests that on average, adults have sex about 54 times a year. However, this number changes with age. People in their 20s tend to have sex around 80 times a year, while those in their 50s may experience a decline.
A 2020 study found that sexual inactivity rates were around 31% for men and 19% for women aged 18 to 24. For those aged 25 to 34, the rates were 14.1% for men and 12.6% for women. Similarly, in the 35 to 44 age group, 8% of men and 8.5% of women reported being sexually inactive.
Changes in sex drive can stem from various factors, including differences in libido, stress, major life events like childbirth or menopause, medication, mental health issues, infertility, health problems, hormonal changes, and relationship issues such as infidelity or trauma.
WHAT ABOUT CHEATING?
Finally, we’ll talk about cheating in relationships, why it happens, and how to catch someone cheating. Cheating in relationships is a major issue, often leading to the downfall of many partnerships. While it's commonly discussed, understanding it fully has been challenging. However, recent studies shed light on this complex phenomenon.
Researchers surveyed 495 individuals, mostly heterosexual, who admitted to cheating. They identified eight main reasons behind infidelity, including anger, self-esteem, lack of love, and situational factors. Interestingly, emotional attachment often played a significant role, particularly for those feeling neglected or unloved in their primary relationship.
As many of us know, dating apps in a relationship is a major problem. In this way, you may be wondering how to find someone's dating profile? This ‘catch a cheater app’ can give you a reliable solution! Through lots of apps that cheaters use, Tinder seems to be a very popular one. So, it could be a good idea to make a Tinder search without registering to catch a cheating partner!
Now let’s go back to the study.
The study also found that the satisfaction derived from cheating varied depending on the motive. While some found it sexually fulfilling, others were less satisfied, especially if the affair stemmed from situational factors.
