JAKARTA - Maintaining mental health does not always have to be done through meditation, heavy exercise, or therapy sessions. Scientists say, there is one natural activity that also plays a big role in maintaining mood stability, namely sexual relations.
Recent research reveals an ideal point in the frequency of having sex that can help reduce the risk of depression. That is, having sex too rarely or too often does not necessarily provide maximum benefits for mental health.
Until now, efforts to improve mental health have often been associated with activities such as regular exercise, healthy diets, spending time in the open air, to maintaining social relationships. However, exercise does not always have to be in the form of running on a treadmill or lifting weights. Having sex is also a fun and healthy physical activity.
The study conducted by experts from Shantou University Medical College, China, involved 15,794 adults in the United States aged 20 to 59 years. This study examined the relationship between the frequency of sexual activity and the level of depression measured using the PHQ-9 mental health questionnaire.
In the research report it is explained that although the benefits of sex for physical health have been widely discussed, its relationship with psychological health is still relatively rarely studied. Researchers suspect that low frequency of sexual intercourse is associated with a higher risk of depression.
The results are quite interesting. The frequency of sexual intercourse considered the most ideal to reduce the risk of depression is one to two times per week. This protective effect is most clearly seen in the age group of 20 to 30 years.
"Sexual intercourse one to two times a week shows the greatest protective effect on psychological well-being," the research team wrote in their report, as reported by the Unilad website.
Researchers believe the positive impact of sex on mental health is inseparable from the role of hormones. When having sex, the body releases hormones such as endorphins and dopamine that function to create a sense of happiness, relaxation, and emotional satisfaction.
This study also mentions that this frequency can even be used as an additional reference in monitoring mental health, especially in individuals undergoing depression treatment.
One of the study's authors, Professor Mutong Chen, stressed that these benefits are widespread.
"Regardless of sexual orientation, sexual activity can improve overall quality of life and well-being, which ultimately has a major impact on mental health," said Chen.
However, scientists stressed that further research is still needed to confirm the causal relationship and identify other factors that may affect the results.
In practice, not all married couples are able to maintain an active sexual life. Over time, sexual passion in a relationship can decrease.
Sex expert Tracey Cox reveals the five main reasons why men tend to lose interest in sex.
"Erectile problems, lack of confidence in the body, mental health disorders such as stress and depression, low sexual drive, and past trauma are the most common causes," explains Cox.
Meanwhile, in women, a decrease in sexual interest is often triggered by hormonal changes, problems in relationships, as well as certain physical health conditions.
Experts emphasize that sex is not just about how often it is done, but also about the quality of the relationship, feeling safe, and comfort with your partner.
Sexual relations can be one of the natural ways to maintain mental health, as long as it is done in a healthy and respectful way.
For happy married couples, maintaining emotional intimacy and good communication remains the main key. While the ideal frequency of one to two times a week can be a realistic and healthy guide.
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