In this episode we talk about sex and mental health. We take a look at the science, as well as our own experiences to assess the benefits of sex. We also explore some of the insecurities and negative emotions around sex, and talk about how these might play in to our mental health too.
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HUMP YOUR WAY HAPPY: YOUR SEX LIFE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Science of Sex:
-Oxytocin, famously nicknamed the “love hormone,” is released during physical touch and orgasm. It relieves stress and anxiety while also creating feelings of bonding and trust.
- Additionally, dopamine is released and triggers the “reward center” of the brain. Simply put, dopamine makes us feel good and keeps us wanting more.
- Benefits of sex include a stronger immune system, a longer lifespan, feeling more well-rested, having more energy during the day.
increased satisfaction with your mental health
increased levels of trust, intimacy, and love in your relationships
improved ability to perceive, identify, and express emotions
lessened use of your immature psychological defence mechanism, or the mental processes to reduce distress from emotional conflict
PHYSICAL HEALTH
(- MIGRAINES: Of people who were sexually active during migraine attacks:, 70% reported moderate to complete relief during a migraine, 91% reported moderate to complete relief in cluster headaches.
- Male benefits: men who averaged having 4.6 to 7 ejaculations a week were 36 % less likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis before the age of 70. This is in comparison to men who reported ejaculating 2.3 or fewer times a week on average.
- One study that had a 10 year follow-up reported that men who had frequent orgasms (defined as two or more a week) had a 50% lower mortality risk than those who had sex less often.
- FEMALE BENEFITS: Sexual activity in women can: improve bladder control, reduce incontinence, relieve menstrual and premenstrual cramps, improve fertility, build stronger pelvic muscles, help produce more vaginal lubrication, potentially protect you against endometriosis, or the growing of tissue outside your uterus.)
- Sexual activity, with a partner or through masturbation, can provide important psychological and emotional benefits. Like exercise, sex can help reduce stress and anxiety and increase happiness.
- At an older age, sexual activity may affect your well-being and ability to think. Research found that sexually active adults between 50 to 90 years old had better memory. They were also less likely to feel depressed and lonely.
- Frequent sexual activity, whether with a partner or alone, can make you look younger. This is partially due to the release of estrogen during sex.
-One study found a correlation between frequent sexual activity and looking significantly younger (between seven to 12 years younger). The majority of these individuals were also comfortable expressing their sexuality and sexual identity.
- Sex can help you connect to your partner, thanks to oxytocin.
CELIBACY:
- According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, a long-term study of nuns reported that many of them lived well into their 90s and past 100 years old. You can still have similar benefits without sex. Engaging in other pleasurable activities like exercising, interacting with a pet, and having a strong network of friends could potentially offer the same benefits. Sex is just one way of improving your quality of life.
-postcoital dysphoria (PCD)—when you’re flooded with a wave of negative emotions right after sex for no discernable reason, even if the experience was consensual, pleasurable, and satisfying—is surprisingly common. While the exact cause is unknown, about 46% of women and 41% of men. (Common with those with PTSD)
- Two commonly reported and increasingly studied sexual symptoms of ADHD are hypersexuality (an unusually high sex drive) and hyposexuality (a non-existent sex drive), though neith
