Yahoo Lifestyle Why more sex might just save your life, according to science
If you needed a reason to prioritize date night, here it is: A recent study published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health suggests that women who have sex less than once a week may have a higher risk of mortality over five years compared to those with more frequent intimacy. While this doesn’t mean sex is a miracle cure, the findings highlight how intimacy can play a meaningful role in overall health and well-being.
The science of intimacy
Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a massive dataset tracking the health habits of Americans. Their findings suggested that women with lower sexual frequency had a 70% higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with more frequent intimacy. One possible explanation? The study found that women who had sex less often showed higher levels of inflammation, which is linked to chronic illnesses like heart disease.
Meanwhile, women who had sex at least once a week appeared to benefit from better cardiovascular health, improved blood flow, and reduced stress—all of which contribute to long-term well-being.
Related: What if we saw sex as self-care?
The mental health connection
The study also found that women who had both depression and infrequent sex faced a 197% higher risk of death than those with depression alone. This suggests that physical intimacy might provide mental health benefits, but it’s important to recognize that mental well-being is multifaceted—therapy, social support, and lifestyle factors all play crucial roles in overall health.
For men, the relationship between sexual frequency and mortality was less clear. While one data point initially suggested that men with high sexual frequency had a higher mortality rate, the study ultimately found no statistically significant link after adjusting for factors like age, obesity, and underlying health conditions. Researchers acknowledge that more studies are needed to fully understand how sexual activity affects men’s longevity.
Why this matters for moms
If you’re reading this while balancing a baby on your hip and wondering when you’ll have the energy for a romantic night again, you’re not alone. Parenthood can take a toll on intimacy due to sleep deprivation, the mental load of caregiving, and hormonal shifts. But this study is a reminder that sexual health is about more than just relationship satisfaction—it’s part of overall well-being.
Of course, the conversation about sexual health shouldn’t just put the burden on women to “have more sex.” The reality is that many mothers struggle to prioritize intimacy because of structural issues like lack of paid maternity leave, unaffordable childcare, and the sheer exhaustion that comes from carrying the invisible labor of family life. Let’s be real—if dads carried more of the mental load, moms might have more energy for intimacy in the first place.
Sex isn’t a magic bullet for health, but prioritizing physical and emotional connection—whether through cuddling, deep conversations, or making time for intimacy—can be a meaningful way to nurture both your health and your relationship.
So, maybe this is your sign to put the baby to bed, shut down the work email, and make space for connection—whatever that looks like 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.
