A recent study conducted in the Philippines suggests that increasing sexual activity could help married individuals manage stress and improve psychological health. The research, part of the “Wellness Index in the Philippines,” involved 1,200 respondents aged 21 to 55 years and was commissioned by the country’s Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO). The study underscores the benefits of a healthy sex life for overall well-being.
D. Liza Espiritu, clinic operations manager at PhilhealthCare Inc., emphasized that “a healthy sex life equates to better psychological health.” According to the findings, married individuals engage in sexual activity less frequently compared to their widowed or separated counterparts. On average, married individuals have sex 2.95 times per week, while widowed and separated individuals report frequencies of 4.33 and 4.38 times per week, respectively.
Espiritu noted that “widowed or separated people are already liberated in romantic commitments,” which might contribute to their higher frequency of sexual activity. Despite these differences, the study revealed that Filipinos, in general, are satisfied with their sexual partners, with the average frequency of sexual activity being nearly three times a week.
The research highlights the importance of building intimacy in marriage and suggests that increasing sexual activity could be a valuable strategy for married couples to reduce stress and enhance their quality of life.
