Is sex important in a relationship? Let's find out!

Sexual engagement is a type of bonding that can provide several health benefits to interested partners. Find out how important sex is in a relationship.

When you love someone, it is natural to have a sexual relationship with them. While most couples don’t have problems having sex, some people might face difficulties that even ruin their relationship. Sex in a relationship is a way to express your love for your partner, and a way to strengthen your relationship but is it the most important thing? Each relationship is different so some couples might be more sexually involved with each other than others. But if you think that you are not there yet or having some problems building a sexual relationship with your partner, read on to know the importance of sex in a relationship.

Is sex important in a relationship?

Sex is a physical form of bonding that can play a significant role in a variety of relationships, such as open, polyamorous, and monogamous relationships. It can even reduce stress, promote greater emotional connection, and help you build a positive self-image. Plus, sex is an essential bodily function similar to eating, drinking, breathing, and sleeping. Sex in relationships strengthens the bond between partners, adds a flavour of romance, and relaxes you after a long day at work. It also helps the partners build close and intimate relationships, which help them better understand each other and strengthen their bond.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to having sex in a relationship. You may have a robust, healthy bond with or without a lot of sex. While many people believe that regular sex is necessary for a healthy love relationship, many others, including asexual people and those with low libido, enjoy fulfilling relationships without relying heavily on sex,” says Sexologist and Psychiatrist Dr Sanjay Kumawat.

Sexual tension — Know if not having sex will ruin your relationship. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

3 benefits of having sex in a relationship

Here are some of the notable benefits of having sex in a relationship.

1. Better self-image

Engaging in sexual activity is a physical act that highlights the pleasure your body can provide and receive. Regularly engaging in sexual pleasure can boost each partner’s self-esteem, and confidence, and promote body positivity. It enables you to take some of these aspects and apply them to your life.

2. Enhances intimacy

One kind of physical intimacy that results from sexual activity is the production of the hormone oxytocin, which fosters emotions of intimacy and emotional connection. As a result, having sex can strengthen the relationships between partners and promote closeness, emotional health, and contentment in a relationship.

Also Read: Decreased intimacy may be a sign of stress in your relationship

3. Keeps stress at bay

Good sex is a stress-relieving activity that releases endorphins, which produce sensations of relaxation and happiness that can help you relax after you’ve had a stressful day. Similarly, having an orgasm might help you sleep better.

How many times should you have sex to maintain a healthy relationship?

When it comes to how often a couple should have sex, it depends on the couple and their equation. A study published in the Social Psychological and Personality Science journal discovered that general well-being is connected with sexual frequency, but only to a certain level. It was discovered that relationship satisfaction increased gradually in couples who had no sex to having it once a week but did not improve.

Did you know the frequency of having sex depends on each person’s libido? And not every person’s libido matches with their partner, which at times creates problems for the relationship. Like other things in a relationship, having sexual relationships for both people is important.

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However, it is not the only thing that matters in a relationship. It can be said that while sex is essential, at the same time, developing faith, affection, and healthy understanding in the relationship is equally crucial. It’s a bridge that bonds the couple to resolve conflicts and enjoy each other’s companionship in all phases of their lives.

Can a relationship survive without sex?

“Although sex is an integral part of any relationship, it is not mandatory. Some relationships can survive without sex, although this depends on the partners as they might base their relationships on other factors like trust or friendship, another critical component. There are some external factors like medical illness and side effects of drugs that can reduce libido and sex drive in a person. This is irrespective of gender, although some couples may also prefer not to have sex. In such a scenario, communication is highly vital as a lack of sex, if it is not communicated correctly, can be detrimental to the mental health of either partner. It can also cause suspicion and frustration in the marital relationship,” says the expert.

couple — Relationships can survive without sex. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Can a lack of sex ruin a relationship?

Sometimes, lack of sex can ruin a relationship as it can lead to a lack of trust and faithfulness in the bond. It can also lead to frustration, which then causes a lot of fights and misunderstandings between the partners.

Sex can help increase intimacy between love partners, and regular sex has been related to lower divorce rates among married couples. It can also have positive effects on mental and physical health, including reducing stress, enhancing immunity, and promoting sleep. Relationship sex may also increase happiness and strengthen the closeness between partners.