Sex is important for humans, it provides physical and emotional benefits that positively impact well-being.
According to WebMD, it can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance sleep, boost immunity, and even provide pain relief.
There is also a link between depression and having sex.
Currently, there is a mental health crisis worldwide. There have always been struggles with depression, but issues are far more prevalent now, with more awareness and even the COVID-19 pandemic having its effect.
NAMI reports that in 2023, an estimated 58.7 million adults in the US, or 22.8% of the adult population, had a mental illness.
Although intercourse may not be a cure for everything, it can certainly help a little.
During sexual activity, the brain releases several ‘feel-good’ hormones, including dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin.
Dopamine is known as the ‘reward’ hormone, triggering pleasure and motivation. Endorphins act as natural pain relievers and mood boosters, as per Livi.
These chemicals surge by 200 per cent during intimate acts, and are known to help with pain and stress relief
Researchers from Shantou University Medical College explored the link between sexual activity and depression, examining how frequency of intercourse may influence mental health. Their findings suggest that regular sexual activity could help improve mental well-being due to the release of “feel-good” hormones.
The study involved 14,741 adults in the U.S., aged between 20 and 59, who were asked to complete a survey about their sex lives. Participants also filled out the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a widely used tool for diagnosing depression.
Results revealed that approximately 7.5% of participants experienced moderate to severe levels of depression.
The study found that the positive impact of sexual activity on reducing depression symptoms was most significant among individuals aged 20 to 30.
According to the conclusion, engaging in sexual activity one to two times per week provided the strongest protective effects on psychological well-being. Researchers suggest this frequency could serve as a useful benchmark for evaluating and monitoring mental health during depression treatment.
Co-author Professor Mutong Chen stated, “Regardless of sexual orientation, sexual activity contributes to improved well-being and quality of life, with a notable positive influence on mental health.”
The study also identified the optimal annual frequency of sexual activity for supporting mental health—between 52 and 103 times per year, equivalent to one to two times weekly. This regularity was associated with enhanced emotional resilience and reduced symptoms of depression.
