Sex and its role in Happy Relationships

There are numerous studies showing how important sex is to a successful marriage or any long-term relationship. There are of course many types of sex and ways of being intimate with others, but sex with a partner who knows you intimately is often a much more passionate and connecting experience.

When we’ve been together a long time, sex may sometimes seem like a chore or just about pleasure and getting off, but there are many reasons why sex in a long-term partnership is incredibly healthy for your mind, body and relationship. Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t let your sex life slide in a long-term committed relationship.

Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t let your sex life slide in a long-term committed relationship.

1. SEX WITH YOUR PARTNER

Keeps you connected Sex can be a very intimate and trust building experience, which can bring you closer to your partner, not just physically but also emotionally. Your bedroom chemistry can also improve the quality of your day to relationship and interactions. A sexless relationship can become an empty relationship. Over time it may leave you both feeling unfulfilled and lonely, which can bring a whole bag of problems.

SEX CAUSES INCREASED PRODUCTION OF OXYTOCIN, WHICH HELPS US FORM STRONG EMOTIONAL BONDS.

The fact is intimacy and sex help keep that fire burning and those hearts warm. If you find you are having difficulties finding the time or you’re feeling too tired or just uninterested, you may need to address some deeper issues in your life that maybe holding you back from a healthy sex life. Stressful jobs, fractious relationships, parenting and work can all combine to rob us of our desire.

2. REGULAR SEX HELPS KEEP STRESS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP AT BAY

The world has become a demanding place to exist in, so looking after our mental and physical wellbeing is of the utmost importance when it comes to having a happy life and indeed a happy long-term relationship.

Sadly stress, anxiety and depression have become serious issues in our communities, and can take a huge toll on a relationship or marriage. Science shows that regular sex is something that can help.

This is because endorphins and oxytocin are released by the body during sex and also at climax. These hormones are natural mood enhancers and stress relievers. Regular sex can also boost your self-esteem and foster a generally relaxed state afterwards, which is incredibly beneficial for a happy relationship.

In addition to this, a study — which provoked a lot of controversy in 2002 — showed that people who were directly exposed to semen were less depressed. The researchers think this is because mood-altering hormones in semen are absorbed directly into the body during oral and penetrative sex. Sexual health note: We are not advocating that people abstain from using condoms.

Sexual health note: We are not advocating that people abstain from using condoms.

3. SEX HELPS KEEPS YOUR ROMANCE ALIVE

Sex may seem like it’s purely a physical activity but it also has a large emotional aspect to is as well. Sex causes our bodies to release oxytocin, which is often called the love hormone. Oxytocin in your systems creates a feeling of love and trust between partners.

Of course, you don’t aways need to have penetrative sex to get those all-important feel-good hormones flowing. Communicate about your fantasies, go on date nights, massage each other or maybe explore bondage or experiment with other fetishes. Above all though, try and be creative with your lovemaking.

SEX CAN LEAD TO A RELAXED AND STRESS-FREE STATE AFTERWARDS, WHICH IS INCREDIBLY BENEFICIAL FOR A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP.

4. SEX KEEPS YOUR HORMONES BALANCED

We’ve already mentioned that being sexually active will calm your body and mind, but apart from that it also helps your body maintain hormonal balance. This hormonal balance will help with any emotional problems like depression and anxiety.

5. SEX KEEPS YOU BOTH HEALTHY

Sex can also benefit your overall health. Plus it can make you generally more fit and flexible depending on your activity level in the bedroom (or elsewhere).

Regular sex with your partner acts as a metabolic and immune booster and can also fight the ageing process... and we all like that! This ensures that it not only keeps you and your partner healthy but also keeps your relationship and life vibrant and happy.

So what are you waiting for, get naked, get creative and get happy?