Looking for a reason to prioritize date night? A recent study in the Journal of Psychosexual Health has some compelling evidence. It suggests that women engaging in sexual activity less than once a week face a greater risk of mortality over five years compared to those who are more sexually active. While this doesn’t imply that sex is the ultimate solution, it emphasizes that intimacy can significantly impact overall health and wellness.
The Science of Intimacy
Researchers delved into the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which provides extensive data on American health habits. Their findings indicated that women with lower sexual frequency had a 70% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those enjoying more frequent intimacy. One potential reason for this? The study revealed that infrequent sexual activity in women was associated with heightened inflammation levels, a known risk factor for chronic diseases such as heart disease.
On the flip side, women who reported having sex at least once a week seemed to enjoy better cardiovascular health, enhanced blood flow, and decreased stress levels—all vital components of a healthy life.
Related: What if we viewed sex as a form of self-care?
The Mental Health Connection
Further findings highlighted that women experiencing both depression and infrequent sex were at a staggering 197% higher risk of death than those dealing with depression alone. This suggests that physical intimacy may offer mental health benefits. However, it’s crucial to understand that mental well-being is complex; therapy, social support, and lifestyle choices also play integral roles in maintaining overall health.
For men, the correlation between sexual frequency and mortality remains less definitive. Initially, data suggested that men engaging in sex frequently faced a higher mortality rate, but the study ultimately found no significant link when adjusting for factors such as age, obesity, and existing health conditions. Researchers recognize that further investigation is required to grasp the implications of sexual activity on men’s longevity.
Why This Matters for Moms
If you’re reading this while juggling a baby and questioning when you’ll find the energy for a romantic evening, you are definitely not alone. Parenthood often strains intimacy due to fatigue, the emotional demands of caregiving, and fluctuating hormones. However, this study serves as a powerful reminder that sexual health is integral to overall well-being, going beyond mere relationship satisfaction.
Importantly, discussions about sexual health should not solely place the onus on women to “increase their sexual activity.” Many mothers encounter challenges in prioritizing intimacy due to systemic issues such as insufficient maternity leave, prohibitively expensive childcare, and the exhaustion that accompanies the hidden work of family management. Let’s be honest—if partners shared more of the mental load, mothers could allocate more energy toward intimacy.
While sex may not be a cure-all for health issues, making the effort to foster both physical and emotional connections—whether through cuddling, heartfelt conversations, or dedicated time for intimacy—can greatly nurture both your health and your relationship.
So, consider this a gentle nudge to put the little ones to bed, log off from work emails, and carve out time for meaningful connections—however that manifests for you.
Related: Sex After Birth: Your Guide to Postpartum Intimacy
Sources:
Connection Between Depression, Sexual Frequency, and All-Cause Mortality. Sage Journals. Connection Between Depression, Sexual Frequency, and All-Cause Mortality: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study.
