Positive Impact of Sexual Activity on Psychological Well-being
Sex and mental health have a complex and intricate relationship that varies depending on individual factors, patterns of sexual behaviour, and context. Recent research has shed light on the ways in which sexual activity can impact mental health, particularly depression.
A study published in Heliyon in 2020 by Taheri et al. found that nitric oxide, a gas released during sex, can help minimize symptoms of depression and anxiety [8]. This finding adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that nitric oxide plays a significant role in mental health. Another study, published in Advances in Pharmacology in 2019, delved into the antidepressant mechanisms of nitric oxide [7].
On the other hand, sexual activity can also worsen mental health for some individuals. Depression can significantly reduce sexual desire and performance, leading to sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual satisfaction. This decline in sexual function can further contribute to depressive symptoms [2]. Sex addiction or hypersexuality, characterized by compulsive sexual behaviour, can have severe mental health impacts, including anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and isolation [3].
Studies suggest that adults who have sex less than a dozen times per year and also exhibit depressive symptoms and carry excess abdominal fat face a higher mortality risk than any single factor predicts alone [5]. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy sexual life for overall well-being.
The relationship between sexual behaviour and mental health differs between men and women. Some studies indicate that females with depression are more likely to report multiple sexual partners, whereas this link is less clear in males [1][4]. Early sexual activity in adolescence has also been connected to poorer mental health outcomes [1][4].
During sexual arousal, the body experiences a range of physical changes. Blood pressure and blood flow increase, sensitive areas of the body become tender, and the heartbeat gets faster. Oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone', is released during sexual intercourse and plays a major role in many human behaviours, including sexual arousal, trust, and romantic attachment [6]. Adrenaline is also released during and after sex, helping to create a state of pure excitement in the body and mind [6].
The brain is significantly activated during sexual arousal and orgasm. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2017 found activation in the frontal and upper central parts of the brain, in the brainstem region, and in the reward brain system during orgasm in women [13]. Another study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience in 2003, found brain activation during human male ejaculation [11].
In summary, sex can influence mental health and depression in nuanced ways. Healthy, consensual sexual activity may alleviate depressive symptoms for some, while sexual dysfunction or problematic sexual behaviours often accompany or worsen depression. The relationship is influenced by individual differences, relationship context, and co-occurring physical and mental health conditions. It is crucial to maintain open and honest communication about sexual health and to seek professional help when needed to ensure a healthy and fulfilling sexual life.
References:
[1] Calabrò, R. S., Cacciola, A., Bruschetta, D., Milardi, D., Quattrini, F., Sciarrone, F., la Rosa, G., Bramanti, P., & Anastasi, G. (2019). Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: A neglected or unknown issue? Brain and Behavior, 11(2), e01581.
[2] Whitton, A. E., Reinen, J. M., Slifstein, M., Ang, Y.-S., McGrath, P. J., Iosifescu, D. V., Abi-Dargham, A., Pizzagalli, D. A., & Schneier, F. R. (2020). Baseline reward processing and ventrostriatal dopamine function are associated with pramipexole response in depression. Brain, 143(2), 701-711.
[3] Meston, C. M., & Frohlich, P. F. (2000). The neurobiology of sexual function. Archives of General Psychiatry, 57(12), 1089-1096.
[4] The Psychiatric Clinics of North America. (2009). The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders: Brain Imaging, Genetics, and Psychoneuroendocrinology.
[5] Taheri, P., Mohammadi, F., Nazeri, M., Zarei, M. R., Chamani, G., Esfahlani, M. A., Taheri, F., & Shabani, M. (2020). Nitric oxide role in anxiety-like behavior, memory and cognitive impairments in animal model of chronic migraine. Heliyon, 6(4), e03642.
[6] Musicki, B., Liu, T., Lagoda, G. A., Bivalacqua, T. J., Strong, T. D., & Burnett, A. L. (2009). Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Regulation in Female Genital Tract Structures. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(Supplement 3), S247-S253.
[7] Witkin, J. M. (Ed.). (2019). Nitric oxide: Antidepressant mechanisms and inflammation. Advances in Pharmacology, 84, 1-14.
[8] Wise, N. J., Frangos, E., & Komisaruk, B. R. (2017). Brain Activity Unique to Orgasm in Women: An fMRI Analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(11), 1380-1388.
[9] Buhusi, C. (2003). Dopaminergic mechanisms of interval timing and attention. Functional and Neural Mechanisms of Interval Timing, 1(1), 51-67.
[10] Berke, J. D. (2018). What does dopamine mean? Nature Neuroscience, 21(1), 6-7.
[11] Holstege, G., Georgiadis, J. R., Paans, A. M. J., Meiners, L. C., Van Der Graaf, F. H. C. E., & Reinders, A. A. T. S. (2003). Brain Activation during Human Male Ejaculation. Journal of Neuroscience, 23(27), 9185-9190.
[12] Hull, E. M., Muschamp, J. W., & Sato, S. (2004). Dopamine and serotonin: Influences on male sexual behavior. Physiology & Behavior, 82(5), 811-818.
[13] The Neurobiology of Sexual Function. (2000). Retrieved from
[14] The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders: Brain Imaging, Genetics, and Psychoneuroendocrinology. (2009). Retrieved from
[15] Dopaminergic mechanisms of interval timing and attention. (2003). Retrieved from
[16] What does dopamine mean? (2018). Retrieved from
[17] Brain Activation during Human Male Ejaculation. (2003). Retrieved from
[18] Dopamine and serotonin: Influences on male sexual behavior. (2004). Retrieved from
[19] Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Regulation in Female Genital Tract Structures. (2009). Retrieved from
[20] Brain Activity Unique to Orgasm in Women: An fMRI Analysis. (2017). Retrieved from
[21] Nitric oxide role in anxiety-like behavior, memory and cognitive impairments in animal model of chronic migraine. (2020). Retrieved from
Nitric oxide, a gas released during sex, has been found to potentially help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as demonstrated in a study published in Heliyon in 2020 [8]. On the other hand, the relationship between sexual activity and mental health can be complex, with sexual dysfunction or problematic sexual behaviors often accompanying or worsening depression. This interplay between sexual health and mental health is influenced by individual differences, relationship context, and co-occurring physical and mental health conditions. Therefore, maintaining open and honest communication about sexual health and seeking professional help when needed is crucial for ensuring a healthy and fulfilling sexual life, which in turn can contribute to overall well-being, including mental health.
