HEALTH
Depression remains one of the leading mental health challenges globally, with women often at higher risk than men. Experts say beyond therapy and medication, healthy sexual intimacy could play an overlooked but important role in promoting women’s mental wellbeing.
All women deserve to enjoy a healthy sexual life,” says Nicole Cirino, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at OHSU’s Center for Women’s Health.
Depression is characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, poor sleep or appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. While these symptoms have many causes, studies suggest that regular, fulfilling intimacy between spouses can significantly reduce the risk of depression in women.
“Sex is not just for procreation. It strengthens companionship, fosters emotional bonding, and improves overall quality of life,” mental health practitioners note. “Orgasms release endorphins, the body’s natural ‘happy hormones’ which relieve pain, reduce stress, and encourage better sleep.” Studies have shown that sex is extremely beneficial to our health. Sex activates a variety of neurotransmitters that impact not only our brains but several other organs in our bodies.
Research has shown that women in long-term relationships who maintain active sex lives are less likely to experience depression compared to those who go without. Regular intimacy has also been linked to reduced irritability, improved self-esteem, weight management, and stronger emotional closeness between partners.
For women without partners, specialists recommend masturbation, but cautions that it may not boost the feel good hormones as though it would be when having sex with a loving partner.
“Having sex alone through masturbation won’t stimulate the release of as much oxytocin or other mood-boosting hormones as having sex as part of a loving relationship,” says Dr. Cirino.
This means a little less benefit when it comes to self-esteem and depression. “But women without partners can still enjoy physiological benefits like pain reduction, better sleep and lower blood pressure,” she says.
Specialists further point out that sexual activity burns calories, supports metabolism, and can even ease persistent headaches. By stimulating the release of endorphins and oxytocin, intimacy not only elevates mood but also promotes relaxation and deeper sleep.
However, experts caution that sexual health should be approached holistically. Low sexual desire itself may be a symptom of underlying depression, stress, or medical conditions, and women experiencing such concerns are advised to seek professional guidance.
“Intimacy is an important but often underestimated contributor to mental health,” researchers emphasize. “When consensual, regular sexual activity can support emotional balance, reduce depression symptoms, and improve women’s overall wellbeing.”
All women deserve to enjoy a healthy sexual life,” says Nicole Cirino, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at OHSU’s Center for Women’s Health.
A wide variety of issues – emotional, mental health, and physical – can interrupt a woman’s ability to enjoy a healthy sex life. All women should be able to enjoy sexual health if they wish, even if, for example, they’re fighting cancer, struggling with depression, going through menopause, or having bladder or pelvic floor problems.
“We want women to know that we can talk about this in a medical setting,” says Dr. Cirino. “Sexual health concerns are no less important than any other health problems women experience.”
