Benefits and Disadvantages of Having Sex Daily
The obsession with enjoying more and more sex is a worldwide phenomenon. The definition of sex typically refers to penis-in-vagina or penis-in-anus penetration. However, at times oral sex and rimming may also be included in the definition. Having said that, there are a lot of other acts like kissing, caressing, solo or mutual masturbation, outercourse, and any other intimate activities that can manifest into a sexual act or pleasure.
There are people who do not indulge in sex regularly; as mentioned in a 2017 survey (where sex was referred to as ‘intercourse’) that confirmed only 4% of adults to have sex daily. Again, as per the 2020 Tenga Self-Pleasure Report, the number of people masturbating daily was higher. It was concluded that about 13% took part in solo acts on a daily basis.
All individuals and couples have their own ideas about what constitutes “enough” sex. Sometimes, two partners will be content with less sex. In other cases, a couple considers daily sex good for them. The most important thing is that both partners feel satisfied with the amount of sex in the relationship.
Satisfying your partner is what you will have to concentrate on rather than place your sexual desires as the main priority. A healthy sex life means understanding your partner well in bed and seeing what he/she wants the most. This will boost sexual intimacy and make your sex life more interesting.
What are the Benefits of having Sex every day?
Both men and women of different age groups can benefit by having sex on a regular basis. Let us explore the benefits of having sex every day.
#1 Offers Good Sleep and acts as a Stress and Pain Reliever
There are multiple studies saying that having an orgasm before going to sleep may actually help to fall asleep faster and even experience a night of better sleep. An intense session of sex makes a body release happy hormones called oxytocin and endorphins that boost intimacy and the urge to do it repeatedly. These sex hormones are known to aid in better sleep and keep one high on energy all day long.
Sexologists are of the opinion that when a body experiences intense pleasure from sex, it releases certain hormones that help to fall asleep; especially those like vasopressin and oxytocin reduce stress in the body and help to fall asleep quickly. Hormones like norepinephrine and serotonin, help the body get into a flow of REM sleep cycles that allows one to stay asleep.
These hormones help in both getting a sound sleep as well as in releasing stress and anxiety, thereby maintaining a healthy mental state in people. Studies point out that sexual activity is a form of exercise, which in itself boosts the chemicals in our brain that put us in a better mood.
Interestingly, the endorphins and other chemicals released during arousal and orgasm are natural pain relievers that work like opioids. This could explain why sex and orgasm offer quick relief from menstrual cramps, migraine pains, and headaches for some people. Two studies, each involving ten women, found that vaginal self-stimulation increased the pain tolerance limit by 36.8% and the pain detection threshold by 53%.
#2 Good for Heart and Reduces Risks of Blood Pressure
Vigorous sex increases our heart pumping, which can improve endurance and heart health. During sexual intercourse, one tends to breathe heavily which acts as a respiratory exercise and makes the heart function better. Thus, in a way, sexual activity can also lower our blood pressure, which can also reduce the risk of heart attack.
Hence the more you have sex, the lesser will be your stress level; which will prevent you from the risks of developing high blood pressure. Masturbation also reduces the risks of blood pressure as it relaxes nerves and keeps your mind strong.
#3 Burning Calories
Apparently, during moderately intense sex of 24 minutes, while men may burn over 100 calories, women may burn around 69 calories. Having said that, the amount of calories burnt during sex may vary from person to person based on factors like how vigorous or how long the sessions are. However, it is for sure that even a quickie would fetch you a good amount of cardio effect.
#4 Better Prostate Health
As per a 2016 study in European Urology, the ejaculation frequency and risk of prostate cancer are inversely related to each other. To be more specific, prostate havers who ejaculated fewer than seven times a month were more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than those who ejaculated approximately 20 times a month.
Some are of the opinion that men who ejaculate more frequently (for at least 21 times a month) have about 20% lower risk of prostate cancer when compared to those who only ejaculate between four and seven times monthly. Further, even though the research is minimal, some medical professionals suggest more sex may also help to lower the risks of breast cancer for women.
#5 Better Immunity
It is often said that regular sex might actually increase the production of endorphins, which is helpful in fighting diseases. Hence there is a certain amount of negative impact on our immunity, when there is a lack of enough sex.
A study report on saliva samples of college students, having regular sex, were found to have a higher concentration of certain antibodies called immunoglobulin A; which fight against the common cold.
Some researchers have also found that women who had sex more frequently had lesser chances of developing some kind of degenerative disease or dying at a younger age.
#6 Better memory
It might sound weird but, daily sex may mean you have better memory recall. Several animal studies say that sexual activity supports the growth of neurons in the brain and enhances cognitive abilities. The same phenomenon goes for human beings.
#7 Better Overall Well-being of Older Adults
It is important to understand that even though the frequency of sexual activity declines as people age, older adults are not asexual and might continue to have sexual interests. In studies of older adults, having sex more often showed an increased betterment in mental health and overall well-being.
What are the Disadvantages of having sex regularly or every day?
Well, everything has its own pros and cons, and sex is not an exception. Let us consider the disadvantages of having sex every day, or at a much higher frequency.
#1 Bruises or Rug Burns
One of the most prominent disadvantages or problems faced due to regular sex is vaginal dryness. Daily sex may result in vaginal tears, particularly if there are any underlying conditions like the vaginal dryness which is caused by low-dose birth control tablets.
#2 Risk of Urinary Tract Infection or UTI
Another medical problem that arises out of daily intercourse is an increased risk of bladder and vaginal infections. Body fluids are responsible for changing the pH levels of the vagina, which increases the risk of infections.
#3 Losing interest
Even if having sex gives you energy, it is quite obvious that getting too much of it may make you lose interest. Your body needs a break from regular sexual activity, which is why this happens.
#4 Exhaustion
When there is too much of partnered sex, the body releases norepinephrine, adrenaline, and cortisol into the bloodstream, which results in an increase in heart rate, glucose metabolism, and blood pressure. Hence, daily sex becomes a physically straining activity that can cause exhaustion for an entire day leaving one fatigued.
#5 Sore Penis
It is quite common in men to feel intense irritation or discomfort in the penis post-intercourse. A sore penis is primarily a result of frequent sex, due to prolonged manual stimulation, forced ejaculation, and other factors. In case the pain persists for several hours or days, it might be a case of an infection in the testicles, prostate, or epididymis, or contraction of sexually transmitted diseases.
#6 Scraping of the Vulva Skin
Women who have too much sex might experience vaginal excoriation i,e scraping of the vulva skin during penetration. When there is too much friction due to contact during intercourse, the vaginal walls might get damaged, which results in a burning sensation while urinating or difficulty in walking owing to an irritated, enlarged vagina.
#7 Back Pain in the Lower Back
Lower back pain is yet another medical issue arising out of too much sex. Lower back discomfort is common when there are quick movements that put too much strain on the lower back.
#8 Addiction
Regular or daily sex might pave the way for its addiction. A person with a sexual addiction may end up spoiling the relationship with the spouse, due to being preoccupied with sex or having an excessively strong sex drive.
#9 Relationship turmoils
Daily sex might put impractical pressure on some partners. A 2015 analysis of 30,000 people found that couples who have sex more than once a week are not happier than those who have it just once weekly.
#10 Not enough time for prep or recovery time
Certain sexual acts like anal or aggressive sex, might not be practical or even safe without sufficient time before and after. Hence too much of such acts can lead to pain and injuries and put one out for a while.
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