Description
Having sex is one of the most pleasant activities for human beings. It is associated with the circuits of pleasure and reward, with emotions and well-being, and has physical health benefits.
Possible Benefits
- May improve health
- May boost your mood
- May decrease anxiety
- May decrease stress level
- May boost your confidence
- May improve sleep quality
Required Equipment
To avoid unplanned pregnancy and STIs, use birth control. This includes, but is not limited to, condoms, the pill, and IUDs.
How to Do It
It couldn’t be simpler: have sex with a consenting partner. Always be safe and make it as satisfactory as possible.
Why it works
- Sex is a physical activity that can have a positive impact on heart and muscle function.
- One study [2] found that sexual activity before bedtime can create a behavioral pattern that improves sleep quality.
- Endorphins, or pleasure hormones, are released in high quantities when you have sex.
- Having sex increases the production of dopamine, one of the neurotransmitters involved in pleasure responses.
Time Commitment
N/A
Suggested Frequency
At least once a week
Time of Day
Any
More frequent at night
Possible Side Effects
Not practicing safe sex can result in STIs and/or unplanned pregnancy.
Tips
- Aim for good quality sex, and not just frequency.
- Exercise regularly to improve your sexual performance.
- Be open with your partner about your desires.
- Avoid compulsive behaviors. Keep control of your sex drive.
- Be sure that your partner is willing and consents.
- Practice safe sex by using birth control such as condoms, the pill, and/or an IUD.
- Get tested for STIs to protect you and your partner.
Supporting Studies and Articles
Expand Collapse- Sexual Frequency Predicts Greater Well-Being, But More is Not Always Better. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1948550615616462
- Sex and Sleep: Perceptions of Sex as a Sleep Promoting Behavior in the General Adult Population. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6409294/
- In the Name of Love: Stress, Sex & Hormones. https://sanescohealth.com/blog/stress-sex-and-hormones/
- Sexual Satisfaction and the Importance of Sexual Health to Quality of Life Throughout the Life Course of US Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075511/
- Sexual satisfaction, sexual compatibility, and relationship adjustment in couples: the role of sexual behaviors, orgasm, and men's discernment of women's intercourse orgasm. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25402432/
