

{"id":20952,"date":"2018-01-12T11:34:27","date_gmt":"2018-01-12T11:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=20952"},"modified":"2022-12-08T09:41:45","modified_gmt":"2022-12-08T09:41:45","slug":"benefits-of-physical-intimacy-in-your-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/benefits-of-physical-intimacy-in-your-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"Importance of Sex in Relationships: 15 Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-72004\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/importance-of-sex-in-relationships-1.jpg\" alt=\"white couple in bed being intimate and affectionate with each other\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical intimacy strengthens the bond between two people and fosters closeness, love, and affection between couples. The importance of sex in relationships is rooted in the fact that it is a significant binder that helps couples iron out their differences.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical intimacy builds a stronger connection between two people by mitigating any existing negativity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxytocin, a hormone and a neurotransmitter released during the intimate moments between the couples <\/span><b>enhances trust ad a stronger sense of companionship.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How important is physical intimacy in a relationship, and does sex make a relationship stronger?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being physically intimate means more than simply heading to the bedroom with your spouse. Physical intimacy can range from eye contact, holding hands, cuddling, and of course, sex.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The importance of sex in relationships involves a deep emotional connection that is strengthened when you are in close sensual proximity to your spouse.<\/span><b>&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>Importance of sex in relationships: 15 benefits<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touching, both romantically and otherwise, can help strengthen the bond that exists between two people. It acts as validation and proof that someone cares for you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having this deep bond can have a positive effect on nearly every other aspect of your relationship. But often this impact is not analyzed or understood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is physical intimacy important in a relationship? What are the health benefits of sex? <\/span><b>These are ten benefits of having sex in a relationship:<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. An expression of love<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the biggest reasons why physical intimacy is important in a relationship is that this is one of the main ways partners express their love for one another.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why does sex matter in a relationship?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The intimate time you spend together is romantic, thrilling and releases oxytocin and dopamine.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This hormone and neurotransmitter are responsible for feeling closer to your partner through promoting trust and happiness. It&rsquo;s no wonder then why physical intimacy is important in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a relationship lacks sexual chemistry and physical affection, it is more likely to fail. Therefore, the importance of sex in relationships is linked to its benefits to the overall health and longevity of the relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Reduces stress<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the benefits of sex is that it helps minimize psychological stress and anxiety. Being physically intimate in a relationship helps lower blood pressure and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rtor.org\/2019\/06\/28\/mental-health-and-intimacy\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduce stress responses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the brain.<\/span><b>&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And it isn&rsquo;t just sex. <\/span><b>Other forms of physical intimacy, such as hugging or hand-holding, can trigger the release of oxytocin too.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The oxytocin hormone will then trigger the brain&rsquo;s reward and pleasure centers, which lowers the feelings of anxiety and thus proves the importance of sex in relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0011597\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">had participants who had regular sex for two weeks and observed its effect on stress and anxiety. The results revealed cell growth in the hippocampus, the same area of the brain that helps regulate stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Builds trust<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Logically, trust is built over time when a couple gets to know one another&rsquo;s true loyalty, patterns, and behavior.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-72005\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/importance-of-sex-in-relationships-2.jpg\" alt=\"mixed race couple in bed together, smiling at each other\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But in the heart, or should we say brain, trust is often triggered by the release of oxytocin. Trust is a huge part of relationships.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When two people trust one another, they feel freer to be themselves, aren&rsquo;t suspicious of a third party entering the relationship, and can be more open, honest, and vulnerable with their spouse. This is one of the benefits of sex too.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why intimacy is important in a relationship is rooted in how it facilitates trust between two people. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While having sex or cuddling close on the couch, <\/span><b>people slowly become more trusting and open to social interactions.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The importance of sex in relationships is established by its ability to make the couple more open and accept each other by building trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Intimacy outside the bedroom<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The closer you are in the bedroom, the more connected you will feel outside of it. There is great importance of physical relationships, and it holds true even for nonsexual intimacy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being physically intimate with your spouse is <\/span><b>one of the biggest ways you, quite literally, connect.&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is physical relationship important in true love? Nonsexual acts of intimacy like holding hands, cuddling, walking arm and arm, and being more physically playful are some loving expressions that come after sex.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you wondered whether intimacy important in a relationship?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Intimacy raises levels of love-boosting oxytocin and vasopressin; therefore, couples who have sex regularly become more affectionate in other aspects of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Boosts immune system<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are benefits of sex, both mentally and physically. Being intimate with your spouse can have a direct effect on your immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The immune system receives a boost during sexual arousal and orgasm.<\/span><br><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are regularly sexually active with your partner, you will <\/span><b>raise the antibodies in your system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are responsible for fighting against viruses and germs that make you sick.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Raises morale<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another importance of physical intimacy in a relationship is that sex can boost morale.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/1948550615616462\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> even puts a monetary value on it, suggesting that couples who have sex once a week gain a more significant morale boost than they would if they earned an additional $50,000 a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because physical intimacy in a relationship boosts dopamine, it makes you feel happier. Orgasm aside, one<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0146167216684124\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that even the <\/span><b>affection that comes before and after sex boosts morale.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Promotes chemistry<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being physically intimate means not only having intercourse with one another but also sharing personal moments of closeness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can range from a sweet caress, a lingering kiss on the lips, or suggestive proximity. This <\/span><b>behavior promotes chemistry and sexual anticipation.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sexual expectation brings excitement to the relationship and makes couples feel more connected.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Health benefits<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many health benefits come from being physically intimate with your partner. For example, having sex regularly can lower a man&rsquo;s risk of developing prostate cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can also provide mental health benefits by bringing joy, pleasure and care into your life. It can offer companionship, understanding and make you feel appreciated.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Youthful looks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There may be a correlation between a physically intimate relationship and how young you look.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The estrogen and testosterone released during sex may <\/span><b>give your body a youthful, healthy glow. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, sex can make you smile and feel better about yourself, making you more desirable to your partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-72006\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/importance-of-sex-in-relationships-3.jpg\" alt=\"white couple in bed. laughing together and in love\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Increases relationship satisfaction<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touch is a strong sensation, both physically and emotionally. It brings up feelings of safety, comfort, love, playfulness, titillation, and more.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples who are physically intimate report a higher rate of relationship satisfaction.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When partners engage one another with <\/span><b>physical touching, sexual or otherwise, it makes them feel cared about.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>11. Better sleep at night<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are trying to understand the importance of sex in relationships, you only have to think of the sound sleep you usually experience after sex.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex is physically draining, and it involves the release of hormones in the body that can relax you. That is the reason why people end up sleeping soundly after having sex.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being physically intimate without sex also has its benefits. Couples sleep better and feel closer to one another when they cuddle their way to sleep.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of regular sex include the ability to help you sleep better. And<\/span><b> sleeping better would guarantee that you would be more alert, rested and healthier the next day<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>12. Pain relief<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The endorphin release post-orgasm can act as a <\/span><b>natural painkiller in your system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationships and sex can get confusing due to deterrents like physical pains and busy schedules. But the importance of sex in relationships is that it can help you get through these deterrents with ease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxytocin released by physical touching and sex can also relieve pain and headaches, help you decompress, and reduce many forms of physical illness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next time you have a minor ache or pain, instead of avoiding sex, let the release of natural chemicals post-orgasm heal you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>13. Exercise<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How sex affects relationships can be assessed by the amount of physical movement it brings into your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex can be seen as an exercise that gives pleasure while also making your heart beat faster. Even without realizing it, sex can help you get moving in a way that you enjoy and want to do exert yourself repeatedly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical activities, including sexual acts, get the heart pumping and can<\/span><b> help people maintain cardiovascular health<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>14. Reduces chances of anxiety, depression<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex is usually a pleasurable act that brings something into your day that is positive and enjoyable. It can make you feel better after a hard day of work or during a challenging period in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negativity can drive you towards anxiety and depression, and sex can be a respite from those emotions. It can bring joy to your tough day and help you get a <\/span><b>break from the negative thoughts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>15. Address issues<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To understand the importance of sex in relationships you should observe its impact on your relationship dynamic while you are fighting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you and your partner are going through a challenging phase, sex can help you become more amicable towards each other. It can make the dynamic lighter and thus give you the ability to solve problems with a better mindset.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does physical relationship increase love? By giving couples the ability to address issues in a better state of mind, <\/span><b>sex be a tool that makes conflict resolution more amicable<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the relationship more loving.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How much sex is necessary for a healthy relationship?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex has many benefits, but how much sex should a couple have to reap these benefits?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No definite magic number dictates how much sex couples should have to maintain a healthy and long-standing relationship. You and your partner will have to figure out what works for your relationship specifically.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;ve wondered, &lsquo;is sex healthy for a relationship,&rsquo; rest assured as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/284175688_Sexual_Frequency_Predicts_Greater_Well-Being_But_More_is_Not_Always_Better\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prove that sex benefits the individual&rsquo;s health and relationships. However, more sex does not always give you more significant benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, can a relationship work without sex? Yes, it can.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to various medical, physical and emotional factors, couples can have a relationship without having sex with each other. It does not affect the compatibility as long as both partners are on the same page and love each other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>To learn more about sexless relationships, watch this video:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tSs2dXDf1Zs\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dynamics of that relationship specifically define the frequency of sex in any relationship. You should take care to ensure that you and your partner communicate and meet each other&rsquo;s needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you were trying to understand how important is physical intimacy in a relationship, this article tries to answer your questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning the importance of sex in relationships means more than being sexually active. It means being emotionally connected and that&rsquo;s why it offers multiple benefits for the relationship and the individual.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a deep connection to your spouse on a sexually intimate level helps build trust, boosts morale, and has many health benefits that can transform your life and relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Physical intimacy strengthens the bond between two people and fosters closeness, love, and affection between couples. The importance of sex in relationships is rooted in the fact that it is a significant binder that helps couples iron out their differences.&nbsp; Physical intimacy builds a stronger connection between two people by mitigating any existing negativity.&nbsp; Oxytocin, a hormone and a neurotransmitter released during the intimate moments between the couples enhances trust ad a stronger sense of companionship. How important is physical intimacy in a relationship, and does sex make a relationship stronger?&nbsp; Being physically intimate means more than simply heading to <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":630,"featured_media":72004,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[31],"tags":[2524],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20952"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/630"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20952"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72116,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20952\/revisions\/72116"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72004"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}