How much sex you have (or don’t) is totally up to you, but if you’re curious about some of the health benefits of having sex, you’re not alone. There’s actually interesting research about what sexual activity can do for mental and physical health. Here’s what science says.
Health benefits of sex
Research has also linked increased sex frequency to a slimmer waistline, better heart health, improved mental health, and less risk for prostate and breast cancers. Those who had sex more often also have lower levels of homocysteine, a metabolite that can be harmful to the heart at high levels, shows the American Journal of Cardiology .
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How often should you have sex?
There isn’t an exact science to sex frequency for optimal health, but there is some research that gives an indication of the amount needed to reap the health benefits of sex. Men who had sex once a month or less had nearly a 50 percent increased risk of heart disease compared with the group that had sex two or more times a week, found research.
Meanwhile, for a boost in mental health and happiness, one time per week is the sweet spot . And more doesn’t necessarily mean better—sex more than once a week didn’t further improve happiness. The latest research shows the average American has sex once a week .
Dr. Robin Berzin is the Founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. She founded Parsley to address the rising tide of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine that puts food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostic testing on the prescription pad next to medications. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, demonstrating the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone, anywhere. Parsley is available online nationwide.
Dr. Berzin attended medical school at Columbia University and trained in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Her book, Prescription for Happiness: How to Eat, Move, and Supplement for Peak Mental Health, was published by Simon Element in January 2022.
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