Sexual pleasure: Is sex important in a relationship?

Sexual pleasure: Is sex important in a relationship?There is a huge debate out there on whether sex is important for a long-term healthy relationship versus intimacy and sexual pleasure.

by Obakeng Pholo

04-11-2022 11:11

in LGBTQIA

Is sex important in a relationship?Photo: Pexel Angela Roma/ Canva

The benefits of sex in a relationship reach wide and far but the benefits of not having sex also exist, exploring the ideas of sex and intimacy and/or sexual pleasure with your partner are important, firstly are sex and intimacy the same?

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No, people often confuse the two, sex is often a very physical act while intimacy is emotional and focuses on connection with your partner, sexual pleasure can be achieved outside of penetrative sex.

Healthy queer relationships and marriage are still new, the LGBTQIA community is still learning to navigate the idea of being in a healthy relationship in a society that rejects the idea.

Intimacy with self, Is sex important in a relationship?: Pholo Pexels ALSO READ: As for sales ': Bisexual Superman comic has NOT been cancelled

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Many queer couples and even straight couples still struggle with the notion that you can have a healthy long-term relationship without having penetrative sex.

Exploring the benefits of sexual intercourse and intimacy can make it a little easier to decide if you want to hold off on having sex and focus on building a connection.

Benefits of sexual intercourse: People with healthy sex lives often experience the following outlined by Healthline:

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A stronger immune system due to better sleep

Lowering your blood pleasure

Reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension

Increasing heart health

increased feelings of satisfaction with your mental health

Boosts self-esteem and confidence

ALSO READ: Taking good care of your vulva starts with chucking all those products

Benefits of intimacy and sexual pleasure: The benefits of intimacy and sexual pleasure in a relationship often outweigh those of sexual intercourse, intimacy can range from physical, sexual, and emotional intimacy.

Couples and sexual partners can achieve sexual pleasure with mutual masturbation, sex toys, and foreplay.

Here are some benefits of intimacy in a relationship:

Intimacy helps reduce stress and stay healthy

Intimacy counters loneliness and reduces the risk of mortality

Intimacy benefits your mental health

Intimacy and emotional support strengthen you

Non-penetrative sex Has all the benefits of sexual intercourse

Relationships that have a high level of intimacy often have these key attributes:

Trust

Honesty

Safety

Affection

Communication

Acceptance

ALSO READ: I do not hate sex!': NO intimacy for Drew Barrymore since 2016

Reasons sex may not always be possible: Insider lists some of the reasons why your partner may not want to have sex:

A medical condition such as diabetes and chronic pain

Religious and spiritual reasons

Sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction

Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety

Lastly, body issues lowering their desire to have sex

Emotional security, quality time, and positive interaction are often more important than sexual intercourse and the possibility of sex is not always available for everyone.

Sex might not be important to build a healthy long-term relationship but it might be important for your partner and that is what you need to find out and understand.

If you have any queer stories or sex stories to share send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211

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