Happy Thanksgiving! Since many of us are currently in the season of thanksgiving and being reminded of all the wonderful things we’re thankful for, we wanted to highlight some of the sexiest things we’re thankful for this year.
Research has shown that engaging in sexual activity, both alone and with a partner, can have a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. With new technologies beginning to change the sexual landscape, there are additional opportunities on the horizon to take advantage of these benefits! In this post, we’ll explore five sexy things to be thankful for in 2023 and beyond.
1. Virtual reality opens up new sexual opportunities
Rapid advances in highly sophisticated technology that would have been unthinkable (or even imaginable) just a few years ago have opened up new sexual possibilities. This technology offers a unique opportunity to engage in our sexual fantasies in a way that might not have been possible before. For example, virtual reality (VR) has created a new way of viewing pornography that gives users the experience of “being there” and feeling immersed in the experience in a way that 2D pornography cannot. We have also seen the development of sex toys that can be combined with this VR experience so that users can experience physical stimulation while immersed in the virtual experience. Researchers began to explore the benefits and potential of this technology and discovered that virtual reality increases feelings of immersion, sexual desire, and feelings of empathy toward artists. [1]. While VR porn is in its early stages, the opportunities for sexual fulfillment are endless! To learn more about the possibilities for VR, check out the podcast episode!
2. Sex appears to have physical health benefits
Engaging in sexual activity has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for physical health. While it is important to recognize that there is no definitive cause-and-effect relationship between sex and physical health (because we cannot randomly assign people to sexual and non-sexual conditions!), there are promising associations between sexual activity and physical health. health. a wide variety of positive health effects. For example, a study of more than 30,000 men in the US found that those who reported higher levels of orgasm frequency were less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer [2]. In another study, researchers found that sexual activity can help relieve some forms of pain. In this work, researchers found that, on average, patients who suffered from migraines or cluster headaches reported that sexual activity reduced the pain or completely relieved their headaches/migraines [3].
3. Sex also has psychological and mental health benefits
Sex is good for more than just our bodies—it seems to be good for our brains, too. Sexual activity both with a partner and through masturbation appears to have positive influences on our psychological health and emotional well-being. Among other things, research has found that masturbation is associated with improved self-esteem, better sleep quality, reduced stress, and a better understanding of oneself as a sexual person. A recent study on sexual behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic found that people who engaged in more sexual activity were less likely to experience anxiety and depression, suggesting that sexual activity can prevent psychological distress [4].
4. High-tech sex toys create new ways to connect
In recent years, there has been significant development in technology aimed at improving people’s sexual experiences through the mediation of technology. A wide range of games have been designed (for all genders and orientations) and many of these games can be operated wirelessly remotely using a mobile app. This technology can really enhance the sex life of long-distance couples or act as a unique and original experience for people who want to try something new. This technology removes geographical restrictions on sexual activity together and provides new opportunities for intimate connection. For more information, listen to the podcast episode where we cover the ways sex toys can revolutionize your sex life!
5. Sexual awareness makes our sex life better
Over the past decade, there has been an increasing emphasis on sexual awareness, which encourages a deeper understanding of your own desires and preferences, promoting a more satisfying sexual experience. This awareness not only enriches relationships but also contributes to overall well-being, empowering individuals to embrace their sexuality with confidence and authenticity. In a recent study of married couples, participants reported that mindfulness practice was associated with relationship flourishing, sexual harmony, and orgasmic consistency [5]. If you think about the things you feel most grateful for this week, maybe try to think about what types of sensations give you the most sexual satisfaction and pleasure.
During this season of gratitude, let’s celebrate the physical and psychological benefits of sexual activity, along with these advances in sex research and technology. There are many reasons to be thankful for sex!
bibliographical references
[1] Evans, L. (2023). Virtual reality pornography: a review of health-related opportunities and challenges. Current sexual health reports, 15(1), 26–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-022-00352-9.
[2] Rider, JR, Wilson, KM, Sinnott, JA, Kelly, RS, Mucci, LA, & Giovannucci, EL (2016). Ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk: Updated results with an additional decade of follow-up. European Urology, 70(6), 974–982.
[3] Hambach, A., Evers, S., Summ, O., Husstedt, IW, & Frese, A. (2013). The effect of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: An observational study. Headache, 33(6), 384–389.
[4] Mollaioli, D., Sansone, A., Ciocca, G., Limoncin, E., Colonnello, E., Di Lorenzo, G., & Jannini, EA (2021). Benefits of sexual activity on psychological, relational and sexual health during the spread of COVID-19. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(1), 35–49.
[5] Leavitt, CE, Maurer, TF, Clyde, TL, Clarke, RW, Busby, DM, Yorgason, JB, Holmes, EK, & James, S. (2021). Linking sexual mindfulness to relational flourishing, sexual harmony, and orgasm in mixed-sex couples. Sexual Behavior Files, 50(6), 2589–2602.
Want to know more about Sex and Psychology? click here for more from the blog or here to listen to the podcast. Follow along Sex and Psychology on FacebookTwitter (@JustinLehmiller), the Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller in YouTube and Instagram.
