Is it bad to have sex every day?

Are you having sex every day and wondering if it's healthy to get it on so often? Daily sex is not bad for you. In fact, frequent sex can be good for your health, offering benefits like better sleep, less stress, and improved mood. Read on to learn about the benefits and disadvantages of daily sex, plus how often the average person has sex.

Overall, if you feel happy with the amount of sex you are having and it's not negatively affecting you or your partner, there are no downsides to having sex every day.

Unless you've been advised to abstain from sex for medical reasons such as heart disease, sex can be good for your health — physically and emotionally.

A small percentage of people — about 3%–6% — develop what's clinically known as compulsive sexual behavior disorder, sometimes called sex addiction. The World Health Organization recognizes the condition as an impulse control disorder, defined by a persistent pattern of failing to control intense, repetitive sexual urges that leads to significant distress or disruption in daily life, relationships, or work. This is different from simply having a high sex drive: the behavior often continues even after it stops bringing pleasure, and repeated attempts to cut back are unsuccessful. A mental health professional can help diagnose and treat the condition.

Daily sexual desire, however, is normal and is nothing to be concerned about unless it negatively affects your quality of life.

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Yes — it’s healthy to have sex every day, as long as that’s what you want and it’s not causing any problems in your daily life.

There isn't research looking at the benefits (or drawbacks) of daily sex specifically, but the research on having a healthy sex life with more frequent sex is promising, and research has linked frequent sex to benefits like stress reduction, pain relief, and better sleep. A healthy sex life also isn't only about frequency. Mutual consent, communication, and physical comfort matter just as much as how often you have sex.

Having sex can lift you emotionally, and it also has several physical benefits. Keep in mind that research has sometimes looked at frequent sex rather than daily sex in particular, and individual results may vary. 

Boosts your mood 

Sex and orgasms trigger a release of brain chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin, which can boost your mood and feelings of pleasure. Oxytocin also promotes feelings of closeness and attachment to your partner. 

Reduces stress

Not only does oxytocin boost those feelings of love — it may also reduce stress. 

Studies suggest that oxytocin may decrease levels of cortisol, the hormone the body releases when a person is stressed. It may also help the brain manage stressful situations that evoke fear and anger. Researchers also believe oxytocin's role in reducing anxiety and stress may help those struggling with drug addiction, but more research is needed.

Relieves pain naturally 

The endorphins and other hormones released during orgasm have been called natural painkillers. Of course, sex is not a quick cure for pain nor is it a substitute for medication prescribed by your healthcare provider. But it may help temporarily take the edge off of some types of chronic pain such as headaches, joint pain, and muscle pain.

Helps you sleep

A 2019 study found that those who had orgasms reported better sleep. This was true whether the orgasm was from sex or masturbation. Researchers believe the combined release of oxytocin, prolactin, and the reduction of cortisol after an orgasm may help you sleep.

Maintains sexual function

Research shows regular sex may help maintain sexual health for men. 

A Finnish study suggests that having sex once a week or more may lower the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in middle-aged and elderly men. And a separate study that included men aged 30–75 suggests having an ejaculation at least once a week may reduce the likelihood of having ED. Erections also bring blood and oxygen to the penis, which supports overall erectile tissue health. Of course, these results are for weekly ejaculation rather than daily. There are not as many studies examining daily sexual activity or daily ejaculation.

In women, arousal and orgasms boost blood flow to the vagina. And for those with lower estrogen levels and thinning vaginal walls, regular sexual activity helps preserve vaginal tissue health compared with no sex.

Feeling like you cannot control your sex drive or feeling pressured to have sex are two emotional and social aspects of sex that are not healthy. 

Also, if you are having problems with genital pain or lack of sexual desire and want to increase the amount of sex you are having, a healthcare provider or sex therapist may be able to help. 

If you're having sex daily, using a consistent method of birth control (if pregnancy isn't the goal) becomes especially important, since frequent unprotected sex increases cumulative pregnancy risk over a cycle. Beyond that, there are a few physical considerations to keep in mind.

Preventing sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs and STDs) goes beyond intercourse and genital contact. Vibrators and sex toys should be kept clean. If they are shared, they can spread STIs such as trichomoniasis and other infections such as bacterial vaginosis.

The friction, exchange of fluids, positions, and time spent having sex can all create some hurdles to daily sex. These may include: 

Skin irritation

Some friction can make sex more enjoyable. Too much friction can lead to skin irritation on the penis or the lining of the vagina. In addition to extra friction, frequent sex can reduce natural vaginal lubrication in some people. Decreases in estrogen — a normal part of aging — can also lead to vaginal dryness. 

There are a variety of approaches to treat the thinning of vaginal tissues linked to a drop in estrogen levels. Topical vaginal estrogen products may be prescribed in these cases. Over-the-counter lubricants can also make a difference in reducing dryness and friction for both partners at all ages.

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Urinary tract infections

Frequent sex can increase a woman’s's chances of getting a urinary tract infection. If you're experiencing a UTI — which often includes painful urination and sometimes problems with bladder control — it's best to talk with your healthcare provider.

Antibiotics are usually used to treat UTIs. Some studies suggest that consuming cranberry products, such as cranberry juice, may help prevent some UTIs, but more research is needed.

Back pain

Frequent sex can worsen lower back pain, especially if you're having sex in the wrong position. A 2019 study found that many people avoid sex because of lower back pain, yet they don't tell their healthcare provider.

While it varies depending on the type of pain, if you are suffering from back pain, a change in sexual position may be able to help. For instance, some people find relief using a side position, and others find it’s easier to have sex from behind their partners. 

However, always discuss serious back pain with your healthcare provider before attempting anything uncomfortable. They can discuss solutions or refer you to an expert.

Fatigue

Depending on how much effort you’re putting in, sex can be a form of exercise — burning an average of 69 to 100 calories. While this is good for you physically, it may lead to fatigue in some people. 

If you’re having sex daily and it leads to being too tired for other activities, timing sex may help. For instance, it could be a win-win if it helps you fall asleep at night. 

There’s no “normal” when it comes to how often you have sex. 

There's a broad range of how often people have sex, and people define sex differently. For example, some people may or may not count oral sex as "having sex." What's normal is what you prefer and what you're most comfortable with.

As long as how often you have sex is your choice, not based on pressure from others, and not negatively affecting your life, then consider it normal. That could be daily sex, once-a-week sex, once-a-month sex, or no sex. 

When it comes to the average frequency of sex in the form of intercourse, it varies. In a small 2017 survey, about 4% of adults reported having sex daily.

A larger study suggests the average American adult has sex about once a week. This varies by age. Researchers found those in their 20s reported having sex about 80 times a year (6–7 times a month), while those in their 60s reported having sex about 20 times a year.

If you're not having much sex (or any sex), that's also common. There has been a decrease in sex in recent decades. In a 2020 study, one in three men ages 18–24 reported no sexual activity. Researchers have chalked it up to busier lives, other forms of entertainment, a lack of partners, and smartphones.

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It’s not bad to have sex every day, as long as both partners are comfortable, desire it, and it doesn’t get in the way of your daily life.

• Having safe sex frequently may help put you in a good mood and offer health benefits such as stress reduction, pain relief, and improved sexual functioning.

• Daily sex is relatively uncommon, with the average American adult having sex around once a week. 

• Potential disadvantages of daily sex (like skin irritation, UTIs, back pain, and fatigue) can be managed with simple adjustments, such as using lubrication or changing positions.

• Overall, sex — whether with a partner or solo — is best when it's safe, wanted, and enjoyable for everyone involved.