Sexuality is an important part of life, affecting both physical and mental health. Regular sexual activity has been linked to benefits like a lower risk of certain diseases and improved well-being. While studies show that sexual activity is associated with better mental health, research specifically on women remains limited.

Depression, a common mental health condition, has been linked to sexual dysfunction and lower relationship satisfaction. Some studies suggest that people who have less frequent sexual activity may experience more depressive symptoms. The researchers of a new study examined whether women who have sex less frequently are more likely to experience depression. The researchers also explored whether marital status influences this connection.

To do this, they analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large national health survey, using information from 2007 to 2016. The study focused on women aged 20-59 who reported their sexual activity frequency. Those without complete data on demographics, health history, or depression were excluded, leaving 6,061 participants.

Sexual activity was measured by the number of times participants had vaginal or anal sex in the past year, with low frequency defined as 11 or fewer times. Depression was assessed using the PHQ-9 questionnaire, with a score of 10 or higher indicating depression. The study also considered factors like age, BMI, marital status, smoking, alcohol use, and health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Then, the researchers used statistical models to explore the link between sexual activity and depression while adjusting for other factors. They also tested different models and subgroup analyses to ensure the results were reliable.

Of the 6,061 participants, about 31% reported low sexual activity (0–11 times per year), while 69% reported more frequent activity (>11 times per year). Women with higher sexual frequency tended to be younger, married or living with a partner, more educated, and in better health. They were also less likely to have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep issues, or a history of hysterectomy or oophorectomy (a surgery to remove one or both ovaries).

Depression rates were significantly higher in women with low sexual activity (14.3%) compared to those with higher sexual frequency (9%). After adjusting for factors like age, BMI, and education, women with low sexual activity still had a 37% higher risk of depression. This association was particularly strong in women under 50, non-Hispanic whites, and those who were married or had higher incomes.

The findings suggest that sexual activity may be linked to mental well-being, though more research is needed to understand the underlying causes. This study highlights a significant association between low-frequency sexual activity and depression, particularly among younger, partnered women with potentially higher sexual needs. The potential bidirectional relationship suggests that sexual health should be a consideration in mental health assessments, as depression can both contribute to and result from decreased sexual activity.

Biological mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins and improvements in self-esteem, may partially explain this link. Additionally, relationship dynamics and social expectations could influence how sexual frequency impacts mental well-being. While more research is needed to establish causation, these findings emphasize the importance of integrating sexual health discussions into clinical care. Addressing sexual health as part of routine mental health screening may help identify at-risk individuals and lead to more comprehensive, personalized treatment strategies.

References:

• Wu, X., Gao, H., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, X. (2025). Associations between sexual activity frequency and depression in women: Insights from the NHANES data. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 22(2), 334–343. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae181