Relationships

Is sex necessary for a healthy relationship?

WRITTEN BY
06/13/25
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Fact Box

  • The Knot Real Weddings Study found that 38% of respondents in serious relationships reported having sex multiple times a week. In the first three years of marriage, the frequency of sex increased 45% for couples. 
  • According to Psychology Today, Americans in their 20s have sex around 80 times a year, but that number drops to 20 times a year for people in their 60s. 
  • John Hopkins University reports 12 elements of a healthy relationship, the first five being: communication, boundaries, consent, trust, and honesty. 
  • Of all Americans, the generation reporting the highest numbers for living in a sexless marriage is baby boomers (33%), with each generation following in succession: Generation X (22%), Millennial (7%), and Gen Z (2%).

Dae (No)

Sex has traditionally been seen as a fundamental aspect of romantic relationships. However, with the evolution of modern-day relationships, the importance of sex has become less significant, and emotional intimacy has become more crucial. While sexual intimacy can play a significant role in a relationship, it is not necessary for a healthy and fulfilling partnership. 

Emotional connection is what binds people together, and it can be achieved without sex. A healthy relationship is built on emotional intimacy, trust, respect, and understanding rather than just physical intimacy. Couples can develop a solid emotional bond by spending quality time together, sharing their thoughts and feelings, and supporting each other during challenging times. In such cases, the lack of sexual intimacy does not impact the quality of the relationship or the partners' love for each other.

Additionally, some people have different sexual preferences, and not all individuals enjoy or desire sex. Some people are asexual, meaning they do not experience sexual attraction, while others have low sexual desire. In such cases, the absence of sex does not impact the quality of the relationship or the partners' love for each other. 

Some cultural and religious beliefs discourage or prohibit premarital or extramarital sex. In such cases, partners can maintain a healthy relationship without engaging in activity as long as they are emotionally committed to each other. The couple can focus on developing a strong emotional connection and supporting each other's spiritual beliefs. 

Couples can prioritize connection, personal preferences, medical reasons, different priorities, and cultural and religious beliefs to build a strong and fulfilling relationship. Although sex is enjoyable and can be important in a relationship, it isn't the only or even the main aspect needed for a healthy and fulfilling partnership. 


Mark (Yes)

A functioning and regular sex life is unquestionably essential to a healthy and balanced relationship. Studies have shown that couples with more fun in the bedroom are less likely to divorce/separate. Finding someone you have distinct sexual chemistry with is rarer than most may realize. When a specific bond of intimacy is formed, it becomes more coveted by the parties. Having regular sex has also been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep significantly.

Psychologically speaking, being desired creates a dopamine that improves self-perception. Couples who have sex regularly achieve a sense of validation that serves as a confidence builder. People crave intimacy in their personal relationships, and sex is as personal and intimate as it gets. Couples who have an active sex life also tend to have better communication, which is the foundation of any successful relationship. Having regular sex with your partner allows you to understand them on a more intimate and deeply personal level and appreciate their presence in your life.

Regular sexual activity isn’t merely limited to improving our relationships with others but ourselves as well; it can produce profound self-love and confidence in oneself. The idea of needing to love oneself in order to be loved by others is reinforced by the presence of a thriving sex life. People who have regular sex with their partners tend to perform well in other areas of their life. On average, those who are more sexually active earn a higher wage than those who do not. Sex–and all the things that come with it–are what shape humans; it is at the very core of our existence. Finding a compatible partner to create intimacy with is vital to a balanced life.

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