If you've been feeling down or stressed out lately, you may be able to find solutions in the bedroom.
Experts suggest that having sex with your partner, or even just being intimate, can boost your mood and relieve stress. Interestingly, these benefits can be obtained without having an orgasm.
Orgasms trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin (known as the "love hormone") and dopamine, which also plays a role in pain relief.
But while sex is ideally a pleasurable experience, it doesn't always lead to orgasm. Thankfully, experiencing orgasm isn't necessary to reap the mood-boosting benefits of intimacy.
Even reaching the stage of sexual arousal is beneficial. For those who may not orgasm every time, experiencing arousal can still trigger the release of dopamine, oxytocin, and other hormones.
Spending quality time with your partner, especially through cuddling, can also stimulate the production of these happy chemicals.
A 2023 study conducted in Sweden confirms this idea. Researchers found that when a man touches his female partner's arm, the woman's oxytocin levels rise. Interestingly, oxytocin levels rose again when a non-threatening male stranger imitated stroking the arm. This highlights the importance of context and the release of happy hormones in intimate relationships.
In another study, researchers studied 58 middle-aged women for 36 weeks, asking them to keep a diary of their mood and romantic activity. The findings showed that engaging in sex or receiving physical affection on a given day predicted improved mood and reduced stress the next day. Interestingly, this positive cycle may have a compounding effect, as an improvement in mood one day often leads to an increase in romantic activity the next day. It's worth noting that the presence of a partner played an important role, as orgasm alone (via masturbation) didn't have the same mood-boosting effect.
The interrelationship between sex life and mental health is highlighted. Our mental health is affected by our sexual experiences and vice versa. The key is to find a balance that promotes balance.
Sex Is a Natural Stress Buster
Sex is a natural stress reliever that can turn a good mood into a good mood and relieve a bad mood. However, this stress-reducing effect presupposes healthy sexual interactions that are characterized by being safe, positive, and consensual.
Explain the stress-reducing and mood-enhancing properties of sex by comparing it to a battle with cortisol, the stress hormone. Too much cortisol depletes serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates our mood. Engaging in stress-reducing activities can help lower cortisol levels, essentially eliminating its negative effects.
highlights another mood-boosting aspect of sex: its potential to improve sleep. A recent study that monitored personal sex diaries found that orgasmic partnered sex, rather than non-orgasmic intimacy or masturbation, was associated with faster onset of sleep and improved sleep quality. This effect was observed in both men and women.
Since exercise is a well-known way to break stress cycles, particularly strenuous sexual activity may enhance stress relief.
However, for people who experience stress, low mood, or anxiety, the key is not to rely solely on one or any single coping mechanism to relieve stress.
To me, it's a slippery slope, with potential problems that can arise if sex strays away from its defined primary function - creative, relational, or recreational.
When Sex Doesn't Lift Your Mood
While sex has many benefits, it's not a panacea for mental health problems. For people with depression, simply having sex may not relieve their symptoms. The relationship between sex and mental health is more complicated than that.
In this case, it is crucial to seek professional help. Delaying treatment or intervention may make depression worse.
Emotional dysregulation isn't the only thing that prevents sex from boosting your mood. Trauma also plays a role, and even gentle touch with a romantic partner can be a challenge for those dealing with post-traumatic reactions.
Additionally, medical conditions can affect intimate relationships. A lack of natural lubrication or a condition like endometriosis can make some forms of intimacy uncomfortable or painful.
Aging Brings more Challenges
Aging brings additional challenges, such as erectile dysfunction in men or hormonal changes during menopause. However, these problems can be solved through treatment and intervention.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional who specializes in sexual medicine for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Doctors advise against rushing to medicalize loss of sexual desire, stressing the importance of understanding the difference between spontaneous and reactive desires. Trying a variety of sensory stimulation and sexual stimulation can help stimulate sexual desire and maintain a happy sex life.
Continuous exploration and adaptation throughout life can keep your sex life vibrant and your emotions high. We need to pay attention to the changes in our bodies, constantly seek novelty, and keep our brains active.
For people who have never felt sexually happy, exploring asexuality may be enlightening. Understand and accept the importance of different sexual orientations, and emphasize that it takes time and experimentation to discover what works best for each individual.