Can You Have Too Much Sex?

You may be wondering how anyone would be able to squeeze in enough sex between work, social obligations, and getting dinner on the table that it would become overkill. Well, before you start to feel bad about your own sex life, news flash: most people don't. However, if you're feeling overwhelmed by sex, it may be time to rethink your approach.

First things first: having safe sex provides a slew of health benefits. According to the American Sexual Health Association, regular sex can improve your sleep, lower stress levels, increase happiness, and help you connect with your partner.

There are also specific benefits for women and men. For women, sex may lower blood pressure, support the immune system, promote a healthy heart, and boost self-esteem, according to Oregon Health & Science University. As women get older, sex can also play an important role in improving the vagina's elasticity, a benefit that is essential as women age, especially during menopause.

Harvard Health Publishing reports that in men, studies show that sex can also improve heart health and blood pressure and the increased blood flow could even help improve erectile dysfunction symptoms.

Knowing that more time in the sack can improve your health in many ways, there's not a whole lot of evidence stating that the amount of sex you have (whether it be with yourself or your partner) is too much.

But, there are some things you should consider when evaluating your sex life, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed. If you feel like you're having too much sex, you likely are, says Healthline. And if you do, it's good practice to ask yourself why you're having so much sex. If you're jumping in the sack to feel good or to start a family — that's normal. If you're using it to avoid a difficult conversation or escape something troublesome in your life, you may want to re-evaluate and seek help in other ways.

Also, if you're experiencing any physical pain or discomfort, that could be a sign you should slow down. Watch out for symptoms like chafing, inflammation, recurrent urinary tract infections, and soreness. 

Of course, always make sure you're practicing safe sexual habits. If you find yourself in a sexually abusive situation, reach out to a friend, family member, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline for help. 

And the bottom line when it comes to how much sex is too much? When it comes to sex, everyone's needs and desires are different, and it's ultimately all about you and your partner. What's best for your friend's relationship, may not be best for yours. 

Sex should be fun — and a way for you and your partner to connect and be intimate. To keep the fire alive whenever (and wherever!) it feels right, make sure you're communicating about things you like and dislike and how often you want to get busy. If you're feeling like it's too much, talk to your partner about it, and if those types of discussions are uncomfortable, a sex therapist can help.