Sex can have a profound effect on our overall sense of well-being, but what do the scientific studies say?
If we look at plants, fish, insects, or even most mammals, we come to a definite conclusion: Sex between males and females of a species is intended for reproduction. But that rule has long since not applied to human beings.
For our species, and for other animals, such as dolphins or bonobos, sexuality is much more than reproduction. Most human-to-human sexual relations occur in contexts where fertilization is impossible, simply because the female of the species is not currently fertile and, unlike other animals, there is no heat or visible signs of ovulation.
So, what is sex for? The survival of the human species depends on collaboration, and it is not surprising that in our brain there are circuits dedicated to establishing bonds with other people. But we may not always be aware of this need.
In one study, participants were asked their reasons for having sex, and the answers were very varied. From the most mundane, such as “I wanted to experience physical pleasure”, to the spiritual, such as “I wanted to get closer to God”. There are also altruistic motives, revenge and stress reduction. None of these motivations tells us if sex makes us happy, but other data indicates that it does.
sex and happiness
Research generally suggests that sex can be very beneficial for physical health. For example, some studies have found that, among men, frequent orgasms are linked to better functioning of the immune system. Frequent ejaculation (alone or in company) is linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Another study found that older men who ejaculated at least 100 times a year had roughly half the risk of premature death. Additionally, research has found that frequent sexual activity is associated with improved memory among older adults, both men and women. It is possible that these positive effects on health influence people's happiness, but there are specific studies that have focused on deciding whether sex makes us happy.
A study from Indiana University in the US followed 152 adults for 21 days, recording their activities and perceived well-being. When participants had sex, the next day they reported greater mental well-being. Specifically, they felt that life had more meaning and experienced more positive and fewer negative moods.
However, this study reveals another important factor: it is not a matter of having a certain number of sexual encounters, but the quality has an influence. When participants reported having had very pleasurable sex, they were in an even better mood the next day.
Other studies have established a relationship between the frequency of sexual intercourse and happiness, finding that, in general, people with higher levels of life satisfaction had sex more frequently, but this could be a consequence, not the cause. In general, the effects of frequency on happiness are not linear and from one sexual encounter per week there are no significant differences. There are also gender differences. In one study, 20% of men associated the word “sex” with “happiness,” compared to only 8% of women.
Another study found that by ordering couples to have twice as many sexual encounters, their satisfaction did not increase. However, it is possible that here the sense of obligation was the cause of the divergence in results. Again, quality is more important than quantity, although what makes sex better is not what people usually think.
Good sex: intimacy and connection
The key to sex's ability to increase well-being is not found in the number of orgasms, the duration, or the stunts performed, but rather it seems to lie in something that has nothing to do with genitality. A series of four recent studies indicates that the emotional experience with the sexual partner is what determines satisfaction, that is, the pampering, kisses, caresses, hugs and intimate conversation that are shared during the encounter, especially after the sexual act. .
The inverse relationship also occurs. Forced sex in intimate relationships, or non-consensual sexual practices, depresses people, makes them paranoid and jealous, and ruins relationships. In addition, sexual violence in couples is often related to other types of non-sexual abuse, such as physical violence or psychological abuse.
All of these findings suggest that having satisfying sexual activity is crucial for overall well-being and happiness, and can also improve physical health. The key is in the word satisfactory.
* Darío Pescador is editor and director of Quo magazine and author of the book Your best self published by Oberon.
1 comment
thx💖