Is daily sexual activity bad? Each has a different threshold for how much sex is too much. Important aspects are your own preference and sexual health. It is possible to enjoy daily intercourse and not have any adverse effects. Others may experience pain, inflammation, or swelling in the vagina as a result of frequent high sex. In addition, having too much sex may raise your risk of vaginal, bladder, and STD infections.1.
Make sure you communicate with your partner if sex becomes painful or uncomfortable. It’s OK to take a break from sex if you develop negative side effects or aren’t in the mood. Read on to learn if it’s possible to have too much sex, as well as risks and what to do at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
How Much Sex Does the Average Person Have?
The average adult has 54 sex encounters year, according to research, though this number varies from person to person.2.A few variables, including age, can affect that frequency. For instance, people in their 20s often have sex 80 times a year. Individuals in their 60s have sex on average 20 times a year, and after the age of 50, sexual frequency tends to decrease.2.
That frequency stays relatively steady among unpartnered people. Sex frequency, however, typically declines among people who are married or living together.2 at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Is Having Sex Every Day Too Much?
How much sex is too much is different for everyone. The number of times you have sex is probably OK if it feels good and does not hurt. Sex might result in emotional or physical side effects, regardless of how many times you engage in it. Just remember to be aware of discomfort and swelling and listen to your body.
How Do You Know if It’s “Too Much” Sex?
You might be having too much sex if you or your partner develops negative emotional or physical side effects. Here are some ways to tell when you might need to take a break from sex at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Assess How You’re Feeling
Listen to your body. Take a break from sex if you are experiencing discomfort, irritation, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Typically, you should feel back to normal in a few days. You’ll want to talk to a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or last long.3
Physical Side Effects
The main physical side effect of having a lot of sex is inflammation of the vagina and labia. The vagina is the internal canal that leads from the vaginal opening to the cervix (the lowermost part of the uterus). The labia is the folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
During sexual activity and arousal, the vagina and labia become swollen with blood. Excess swelling can cause engorgement. This sensation may feel pleasurable or result in pain during sex. Sexual arousal often increases the natural lubrication of your vagina, but sometimes that moisture dries up. Vaginal dryness, which often occurs in menopausal people, may result in chafing or a burning sensation in the vagina during sex.4 at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Sometimes, the size of a partner’s penis or the size and material of sex toys can affect how sex feels. If a partner’s vagina or anus is being overly stretched, it can be painful and cause vaginal or anal tears.5
Too much sex can also affect the penis. You might experience chafing, difficulty urinating, soreness, and swelling, Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN and author of “She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health,” told Health at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Take a break from sex if your genitals are sore or swollen after sex. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for relief if the swelling is excessive. Use a lubricant to create extra wetness the next time you have sex. Aquaphor can help to soothe chafing.
Infections
A high sex frequency may increase your risk of bladder and vaginal infections. For example, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can develop if bacteria enter the urethra.6 An imbalance of bacteria might also result in a vaginal infection.7 at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Consult a healthcare provider if you have bladder or vaginal infection symptoms like:76
- Abnormal discharge and odor
- Blood or cloudy urine that smells foul
- Cramps in the back and lower abdomen
- Fever
- Itching and redness around the vulva (external female genitals)
- Pain or burning when urinating
- A strong urge to urinate, even if you have recently emptied your bladder
Make sure you empty your bladder before and after having vaginal sex with a partner to help prevent infections. Try drinking two glasses of water to increase the urge to urinate.8 at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Cancer
An increased risk of cancer is possibly associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV).1 Certain strains of HPV are linked to anal, cervical, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.9
A study published in 2020 found men who reported 10 or more sexual partners were nearly 70% likelier to develop cancer than those who reported zero or one partner. Women who reported 10 or more sexual partners were nearly 91% likelier to develop cancer when compared to those who reported zero or one partner.1 at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
How To Avoid Complications of Frequent Sex
Sex is likely not dangerous as long as you and your partner are safe, consent, take breaks, and use lubrication. Communication is essential in a sexual relationship. Be honest and comfortable with your partner about how you feel to ensure healthy, safe, and satisfying sex.
Remember to listen to your body—and heart. Take a break from sex if something does not feel good, whether it’s the first time you have had sex in a week or your third round in 24 hours. Discuss any discomfort with your partner. There’s no shame in taking as long as you need until you feel ready to give sex another go. at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Masturbation, as often as you desire, is also completely healthy and normal.
A Quick Review
You can have as much sex as you would like—even every day or several times a day—if you are not experiencing any adverse effects like discomfort, irritation, or swelling. For some, too much sex can lead to genital irritation. Having a lot of sex could also possibly increase you risk of certain infections at How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks.
Listen to your body, and take a break if you are experiencing pain or other physical side effects from sex. Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting.
