Sex plays an important role for each and every couple because, besides pleasure, offers great benefits for physical and emotional health, as well as strengthens the relationship.

However, many couples have difficulty deciding how often they should have sex. Actually, this depends on the two partners and the stage of their relationship they’re going through.

Generally, when we think of a happy couple, we usually assume that the partners have sex at any time. Well, according to recent research, fulfilled couples usually spend more time engaging in various activities, such as reading, talking, cooking together, and, among others, making love.

It’s pretty clear that sex is fundamental in any relationship. Nonetheless, it seems that we don’t have any precise data regarding the quantity and frequency of the intimate time that we should spend together in order to live a happy, satisfied life.

Broadly, therapists say that sex is responsible for about a quarter of happiness in a couple. However, new studies reveal a different theory about the amount of sex that contributes to satisfying a long-term relationship. If we’re talking about a relationship of one year or more, the idea of ​​having sex every day will seem rather unlikely. To spice things up, those in such long-term relationships are advised to use certain tricks, such as enjoying a nude erotic massage session or trying some kinky roleplaying.

Although the right answer to this question is different from person to person, scientists have tried to determine certain parameters that are valid for all of us.

How many times a week do happy couples have sex? 

The University of Toronto analyzed 30,000 people over the age of 40 to determine if happy couples have more sex than unhappy ones. The results that were published in the journal entitled Social Psychology and Personality Science revealed that the happiest couples have sex once a week. Yes, one time.

While sex brings happiness, according to the study’s authors, emotionally-balanced couples have a deeper intellectual and emotional connection and have sex, on an average, once a week. Therefore, feeling satisfied lies in other aspects of the relationship, sex being a great plus.

More sex, more couple happiness?

Despite the results, the researchers noted that the study wasn’t designed to show cause and effect, so it remains to be determined whether happiness leads to having sex once a week or vice versa.

The study was also limited to people with a stable partner for a considerable period. The results of the study were consensual between the age groups, genders and the duration of the relationships. In fact, there is no association between the frequency of sex and well-being in single persons.

The researchers also indicated that people should discuss with the utmost sincerity whether their sexual needs are being met, rather than simply trying to have sex. The results show that it’s really important to maintain an intimate relationship with your partner, but you don’t have to make love every day to maintain it.

Having sex often has many other positive consequences. In addition to contributing to the well-being of individuals and couples, it works as a physical exercise to prevent depression. Moreover, it has benefits in relation to problems such as insomnia, cardiovascular and skin diseases, among others.