Is it ok to have sex every day? What science says about daily action

Sex, sex, sex, it’s everywhere. Yet much has been made by commentators of the so-called Gen Z-powered “sexual recession”, with many saying the next generations aren’t getting enough of it. In terms of Aussies, this doesn’t appear to be too far from the truth.

According to the latest data, the most common reported sexual frequency was one to two times a month [1]. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, as both sexes are feeling more stressed and pressured than ever before. One study even found that 79% of Aussies experienced some form of relationship pressure in the past six months [2].

But is the well drying up a cause for concern? On the other side, is having daily sex good or bad for your health? In this guide, we discuss the health benefits of having sex every day and whether declining sex frequency is a problem.

Is it ok to have sex every day?

No evidence shows that there are any health problems associated with high sexual desire and enjoying some form of contact each day. Of course, what are we actually talking about when it comes to sex?

The truth is, many researchers and a considerable amount of the general population have a limited view of what counts as sex [3]. Most of the time, they’re talking about a penis inside a vagina, but there are many forms of sex, whether that’s mutual masturbation, solo masturbation, or outercourse.

What we’re counting as sex is an intimate activity that brings you some form of sexual pleasure, regardless of what that is.

Benefits of having sex every day

Having sex every day can deliver a range of health benefits, and regular intimate activity is considered a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. Few people actually have sex daily, though, with just 4% of adults in one study claiming to engage that often [4].

Other than making you feel great, some of the usual benefits of sex include:

• Reduced Stress – Sex and orgasms have been shown to improve stress in both humans and animals, due to the influence on the stress hormone cortisol and your adrenaline levels [5].
• Better Sleep – After getting off, you probably feel sleepy. Studies have shown that sex before bed helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy a higher quality of sleep [6].
• Better Mood – Most people feel better after sex, and not just because it feels good. Sex and reaching orgasm trigger those feel-good hormones, and research shows this sensation can carry over well into the following day [7].
• Improved Cardiovascular Health – Did you know that sex could also be good for your heart? Regular, satisfying sex has been linked to better heart health (plus, it may help burn a few extra calories) [8].

And, of course, there’s no doubt that frequent sex is always good for your relationships. It brings you closer and helps you get to know your partner better, regardless of how long you’ve been together.

What’s the science behind the health benefits of frequent sex? 

Just where do these health benefits come from? There are solid biological reasons for it involving oxytocin, endorphins, and cortisol.

Oxytocin is the love hormone because it’s what’s released during affectionate touching. It’s the physical closeness of sex that delivers oxytocin, which has been shown to relieve pain, improve mood, and release stress [9].

You’ve also got increased endorphins, which are neurotransmitters released during sexual activity. In the same way as oxytocin, research suggests these improve your mood and reduce both stress and anxiety [10].

And, finally, there are reduced cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone that produces the body’s “fight or flight” response. As oxytocin and endorphin levels rise, your body balances this out by reducing your levels of cortisol, which also includes adrenaline.

Disadvantages of having sex every day

The disadvantages of sex are limited. From a biological standpoint, there’s no evidence to show that daily sex will increase the risk of any medical issues, especially if you’re staying in an exclusive relationship.

Yes, the excess friction from all that rubbing and thrusting might leave your skin a bit raw, but that’s where proper lubrication comes in. This can be compounded if you’re engaging in aggressive sex or positions that don’t leave your body with enough recovery time. Again, this is something you can handle by properly listening to your body.

Of course, if you’re having sex with multiple partners, your chances of getting some form of sexually transmitted infection (STI) go up, as do the chances of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Approximately 16% of Aussies have had an STI problem at least once in their lives, so it’s still important to be aware of the risks [11]. However, these risks are relatively minimal and can be averted by taking the proper precautions.

How much sex is good for your health? 

There’s no agreed-upon consensus regarding how much sex is good for your health and how much sex might lead to negative consequences for your health. Most experts agree that sex once or twice a week is healthy, but beyond that, it’s very much a personal decision.

Your individual needs matter, as do those of your partner. Reflect on how often you’re feeling ready and contrast that with your current habits and lifestyle. Not everyone needs the same amount to be satisfied because we’ve all got different sex drives and levels of sexual desire, so what's good for one person might be considered to be excessive sex for someone else.

Can too much sex cause erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the type of storm that’ll rain on your parade. It’s among the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction (alongside premature ejaculation), with one in three Aussie blokes over 40 suffering from it at some level [12].

The good news is that regularly having a root isn’t going to increase the chances of you getting erectile dysfunction. On the contrary, studies have shown that sexual frequency might even have an inverse effect under the “use it or lose it” principle. So, what has science shown us [13]? 

• Regular sexual intercourse offers a protective effect, lowering your risk of developing erectile dysfunction and improving sexual function.
• Having erections helps to maintain your erectile function.
• Many of the studies that found less frequent sex is associated with erectile dysfunction may be confused because those with erectile dysfunction are having less sex anyway. 

Understandably, it’s not uncommon for you or your mates to tie sexual performance to well-being. It’s natural to feel down if you’re not getting what you want out of sex. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s time to approach a professional, whether that's your GP or a sex therapist.

Getting checked by your GP is a chance to see what your options are, whether that’s a lifestyle change or professionally backed programs like Pilot’s ED Treatment. The only way to find out is to approach your local primary healthcare provider first and see what sexual health solutions might help you.

Tips for having sex every day

Just for the record, no prescription requires you to go every day to have a healthy sex life. Daily sexual satisfaction isn’t necessary for everybody, and you’re not increasing your risk of health issues because you’re not doing it. 

If you do want to get into more frequent sex and increase how sexually active you are, the first rule to remember is that solo practice is equally as valid as doing it with a partner. The second rule is that it’s about the quality rather than pure quantity.

Here are some tips for making intimacy a daily practice:

• Give yourself some proper time. Don’t feel as if you have to rush.
• If you’ve got a busy schedule, actively schedule sex time, either with yourself or a partner.
• Quick sessions are acceptable in a pinch, but set aside the time for some longer sessions and that post-sex afterglow.
• Don’t feel pressured to have sex daily, and don’t pressure your partner into it, either.
• Try different things. It’s natural to get bored if you’re doing the same thing every time.
• Consider mixing things up with sex toys, erotica, and porn to keep things fresh.

These are just some basic tips, but the truth is that everyone’s different, including when it comes to your libido and what inspires you. Over time, you’ll be in a better position to find out what works for you (and your partner).

Is having sex every day bad? 

Having sex every day is only bad if you’re not enjoying it or if it’s continuing to dominate your life to reach the point of compulsive sexual behaviour or full-blown sex addiction. There’s no arbitrary number to aim for, and taking a break for a few days doesn’t mean you're hurting your sexual health.

Your number is what works for you. Whether that’s a couple of times a week or every day, the point is that you’re responding to your body’s needs. Spend more time listening to what your body tells you, and if there’s any aspect of your sex life that you’re concerned about, get in touch with your GP and talk about it with a professional.

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