The role of sex in depression
Have you ever wondered that the role of testosterone in enhancing libido and enhancing erections in men cannot be its only role? There are many other roles and biological effects of testosterone other than its known presence in bodily fluids. It has been blamed for excess hair loss (medical name-Androgenetic alopecia) although the molecular steps of hair loss in men and women are not fully understood.
This hormone is secreted in the testes of males and the ovaries of females, although men produce more of it. Various kinds of mental behaviour are not only subject to influence by environment and genetics but also day-to-day hormonal changes. For example, stress can also inhibit testosterone synthesis and hence lead to decreased levels of it secretion.
Some goods news has recently emerged. Recent studies have shown that to keep stress at bay you should frequently engage in penetrative penal-vaginal sex. Unfortunately, many people from all walks of life find that under stress, they do not have the desire to have sex and even create undesirable side effects such as sexual dysfunction.
A brilliant study (Biological Psychology, volume 71, page 214) showed that sex but more preferably intercourse is much more effective in combating stress than other sexual activity such as masturbation. As intercourse is more linked with less blood pressure and less stress this causeís better psychological and physiological function. Also, orgasms for women during penile-vaginal intercourse are better for physiological behaviour but not so much for orgasm during other sexual activities. As some of us are nervous about speaking in public or stage fright as it’s commonly called are being recommended to have sex (not on the stage of course) for the stress calming effect.
It is thought when a couple makes love the neurotransmitter oxytocin released relaxes the body and decreases blood pressure hence also preventing stress. Oxytocin is secreted by the brain and other organs including the ovaries and testes. It is believed that oxytocin is significantly decreased during stress and infusion of the hormone relieves stress in animal models thereby suggesting a role in regulating some physiological responses to stress.
In the light of such elegant studies and lack of public stress programmes such as screening by government agencies aimed at improving recognition, treatment, and reducing stress and depression primary prevention has become necessary. As stress and depression have become a common disorder with serious many unwanted side effects both in men and women, penetrative penal-vaginal sex could be a primary stress prevention strategy.
