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Weekly Sex Linked to Happier Relationships, New Study Suggests

If you and your love partner are about to raise the level of your relationship satisfaction, a recent study found that the solution may be simpler than you think: regular weekly sex. Although the hypothesis that intimacy is a factor in happiness is hardly a breaking development, lately the frequency of sexual activity and its connection with an overall satisfaction in a relationship has been explored, with the rough parameter of “approximately once a week” being identified as a crucial indicator in many studies.

A number of studies have been done over the years to find out this interesting relationship. According to one study conducted recently involving almost 500 heterosexual women in stable relationships, there was a direct relationship between sexual frequency and satisfaction in the relationship. It did seem to be magic number, weekly. Women having sex once a week expressed much (85 percent) sexual satisfaction than those having sex once a month (66 percent) and less than once a month (only 17 percent).
Such results are in line with other more population-based studies, one of which evaluated data on more than 30,000 Americans spanning a period of 40 years.

This huge study reported that men and women expressed being happier in their relationships when they were having sex about once a week. Interestingly the same study also noted that although an increase in sex frequency correlates with an increase in happiness so far, the association does not keep getting stronger after twice a week. That is, engaging in sex more frequently than once a week did not translate into a detectable rise in relationship satisfaction.

Then why does this once a week benchmark appear to be relevant? According to the experts, regular intimacy makes couples believe that they are more attached, closer and appreciated in the relationship. Sex may serve as an effective means of communication, the method of showing love and affection, and the method of reducing stress.

It promotes a sense of belonging and helps keep the “spark” that is so necessary to long-term health in relationships. It is not about reaching a certain number or competing with your partner, but instead prioritizing that intimate connection between both partners to ensure that feel desired and satisfied.

Read more: Kissing, Depression and Anxiety: How Intimate Smiles May Spread Mental Strain

It’s also important to mention that these findings are generally applicable across for all demographics, including ages, genders, and relationship lengths. This indicates that sex and the necessary human requirement for intimate connection through sexual expression is a collective piece of the overall relationship well-being pie.
Nonetheless, these finding should be taken with caution. As the researchers point out, while sex is associated with happier relationships, they do not demonstrate a cause-effect relationship. In fact, it could be that happy relations lead to even more sex, and not vice versa. Additionally, “quality over quantity” remains a theme in these studies. The emotional connection and level of enjoyment experienced in sexual contacts are, arguably more important than just merely marking a day on a calendar.
In conclusion, this research reinforces the importance for couples of open conversations surrounding their sexual preferences and needs.