The concept of sex concerning its frequency of indulgence by a healthy couple is often opined by many. You do not have to be particular about having sex a certain number of times within a week as there is no set rule or a right number of times to have sex, as long as both of you are satisfied with your intimate life. However, if you understand that you want to be indulging in it more often, and you are not sure what to aim for, try doing it at least once a week. According to a psychological study, couples who have sex weekly are happiest.
Ideally, What Should Be Your Sex Frequency?
The frequency of sexual activity relies on what the couple in the relationship decides works best for them. Everyone has their baseline of what is the normal number of times they get intimate suitable to them because it varies from one individual to another. This can range from no sexual activity at all to a few times a day, week, or year according to their sexual needs.
However, one study also suggests, couples who had sex more than once a week did not report being any happier, and those who had sex less than once a week reported feeling less fulfilled. It contradicts the association of a happy married life with the frequency of sex.
Another study found that the average adult currently enjoys sex 54 times a year, which equates to once a week. Pushing and forcing sex frequency to more than once a week against the will may decrease your desire for sex. Let it happen naturally, after all, quality is as vital as quantity.
Why Do You Need To Prioritize Intimacy?
Sexual intimacy plays a vital role in any relationship, and it is not just for short-lived sensual pleasure and does not have to be limited to intercourse, either. Closeness and connection are human needs. Sex is a great way to establish a stronger physical, mental, and emotional connection that helps release brain chemicals for enhancing the bond.
What Causes Lack Of Sex?
A dwindling sex drive can be a result of several factors and it can vary from one person to the next. Some factors that can affect how often a couple has sex include:
Age
Changes in sex drive and behavior throughout your life cycle are considered normal. However, the desire for intimacy is timeless. As you age, your sexual experience may not be the same as it was in your 20s. But you can still make it fulfilling. These changes start emerging as you enter your later years. Some People may even buy into the stereotype that older people do not indulge in sex. Many people remain sexually active throughout their lives.
Sexual drive in men
Sexual drive in men gradually decreases as they start getting old and its common causes can include lack of desire, usually due to medications, difficulties attaining or maintaining an erection, and health conditions.
Similarly, women as age, their sexual activity starts declining due to a lack of desire, and hormonal changes are linked to menopause.
Your Overall Health
Some ongoing medical conditions and underlying diseases such as diabetes, obesity, kidney and liver dysfunction, cancer, sexual dysfunction, etc. can affect your sex life. Certain psychological factors including stress, anxiety, depression, guilt, trauma, fear, and low self-esteem are also known to intensify problems in your sex life.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are some major causes of lack of sex as they can cause loss of libido in men and women. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are responsible for maintaining the libido or sex drive, and an imbalance of any of these hormones can affect your libido.
Relationship Stagnation
For a healthy bond, the couple needs to invest some time and effort to keep blooming constantly. Otherwise, it might become a stagnant relationship wherein they could feel stuck and disconnected. It gradually loses its charm, and the partners might not feel the intensity anymore. They could even wonder if it is possible to revive their happy life and might even feel low and dejected. It is not a good situation to be in and requires some work.
If you are going through the same, understanding the signs and possible reasons could help you assess your situation objectively. Try doing something new to bring the spark once again. Go on dates, and vacations, cook together, and learn something interesting, by doing things together you can get back on track.
What Are The Benefits Of Sex?
If you think that the only benefit of sex is, well, pleasure, here is some news for you. Making life is great and making love regularly is even better. Let us have a look at some benefits one by one:
Boosts Your Libido
Having sex regularly can make the intimate experience better and improves your libido. In women, having sex regularly keeps up the vaginal lubrication, and elasticity, and regulates proper blood flow.
Keeps Your Immune System In Good Order
Regular sexual activity can help your body’s defense mechanism to protect you against germs, viruses, and other intruders to keep you healthy.
Lowers Your Blood Pressure
There are many studies suggesting good sex reduces blood pressure. Hence, people who indulge in sex frequently have a lower blood pressure than those who don’t.
Lowers The Risk Of Heart Diseases
According to some studies, men who indulge in sex at least twice a week and women who report having satisfying sex lives are less likely to have a heart attack. Sex is a form of exercise that strengthens your cardiorespiratory endurance, reduces stress, and improves sleep.
Express Yourself Efficiently
Effective communication plays a key role in making sure you both feel fulfilled. It is important to remember that having sex regularly is not the only indicator of a happy marriage or long-term relationship. A relationship can be sexual and fulfilling on physical, mental, and emotional levels. You can bring in the charm through flirtation or romantic gestures, dates, and candlelight dinners. It is more about you and your partner being willing to express desire and sustain a strong emotional bond than anything else. So whether you are having sex every day, or once a month. If you feel overall content in your relationship and your sex life, there is no need to stress.