Frequency of Penile–Vaginal Intercourse is Associated with Verbal Recognition Performance in Adult Women

Abstract

Previous studies have identified a number of factors that contribute to improved cognitive function, and to memory function specifically, in cognitively normal individuals. One such factor, frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI), has been reported in a number of animal studies to be advantageous to memory for previously presented objects by increasing neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, studies investigating the potential benefits of frequent PVI on memory function in young women are to the best of our knowledge absent from the literature. The current study thus investigated whether the self-reported frequency of sexual intercourse was related to memory function in healthy female college students. To determine whether variation in PVI would be associated with memory performance, we asked 78 heterosexual women aged 18-29 years to complete a computerized memory paradigm consisting of abstract words and neutral faces. Results showed that frequency of PVI was positively associated with memory scores for abstract words, but not faces. Because memory for words depends to a large extent on the hippocampus, whereas memory for faces may rely to a greater extent on surrounding extra-hippocampal structures, our results appear to be specific for memory believed to rely on hippocampal function. This may suggest that neurogenesis in the hippocampus is higher in those women with a higher frequency of PVI, in line with previous animal research. Taken together, these results suggest that PVI may indeed have beneficial effects on memory function in healthy young women.

A galanin-positive population of lumbar spinal cord neurons modulates sexual excitation and copulatory behavior

“…Sex, albeit crucial for species survival and evolution, goes beyond reproduction: recreative and pleasurable sex is observed across taxa (Balcombe, 2009; Georgiadis, Kringelbach and Pfaus, 2012; Zer-Krispil et al ., 2018) and plays a pivotal role in the establishment of social bonds (Cappelleri et al ., 2007). In humans, sex can have additional effects on well-being, such as improvement of cognition (Maunder, Schoemaker and Pruessner, 2017) or prevention of disease (Leitzmann et al ., 2004). Moreover, sexual dysfunction can lead to great distress in individuals and their sexual partners (Carson and Gunn, 2006).…”

Changes in, and factors associated with, frequency of sex in Britain: evidence from three National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal)

“…2 3 4 5 Sexual inactivity might not seem an obvious focus for public health attention—concern is generally reserved for sexual activity and its adverse outcomes such as unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, and sexual dysfunction—but regular sexual activity has benefits for health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Research indicates that men and women who enjoy an active sex life are fitter, happier,6 7 and have better cognitive function8 and increased life expectancy 9. Evidence shows that sexual activity might help prevent infection by bolstering immune function10 11; protect against cardiovascular disease by lowering heart rate and blood pressure;12 and reduce stress by increasing release of oxytocin 13…”

Specifically Penile-Vaginal Intercourse Frequency Is Associated With Better Relationship Satisfaction: A Commentary on Hicks, McNulty, Meltzer, and Olson (2016)

“…In a recent Psychological Science article, Hicks, McNulty, Meltzer, and Olson (2016) asserted that previous research on the association between sexual frequency and relationship satisfaction led to inconclusive results. However, Hicks et al overlooked good evidence that there is a consistent relationship between penile-vaginal intercourse frequency and measures of relationship satisfaction (among other dimensions of satisfaction and indices of psychological and physical health and function; Brody, 2010; Brody & Costa, 2009; Brody, Costa, Hess, & Weiss, 2011; Costa & Brody, 2007; Maunder, Schoemaker, & Pruessner, 2017; Santtila et al, 2008; Smith, Nezlek, Webster, & Paddock, 2007). Other sexual behaviors (e.g., masturbation, anal sex, cunnilingus) are generally uncorrelated or even adversely associated with relationship satisfaction and other satisfaction measures (Brody, 2010).…”