For Women, Meditation Could Have Sexual Benefits
New research suggests that women who meditate could have better sexual function than those who don’t.
Practiced for centuries, meditation provides a balance of mind and body through calm and focus. Previous research suggests that meditation can be helpful for conditions like stress, anxiety, and heart disease, in addition to sexual health.
To learn more, researchers surveyed 450 women between the ages of 19 and 70 and asked them questions about their meditation habits and their sexual function. One hundred ninety-three women said they meditated; the rest did not.
The researchers found that women who meditated had better scores on sexual health assessments, particularly for desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. However, it was not clear whether frequency of meditation or and length of overall meditation experience played any role in the results.
It’s possible that the mindfulness of meditation, along with the concentration on the present moment, improved the women’s mental well-being, which might have helped them sexually. In addition, women may have learned to be more focused on their “in the moment” sexual experiences.
Many factors can contribute to women’s sexual health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and hormonal changes. A complete medical checkup is advised for anyone who experiences sexual difficulties.
Still, while meditation isn’t a cure for sexual problems, it could be worth trying. Women who are interested in meditation might consider taking a class in their community or asking their doctor for recommendations.
Resources
Bustle.com
Lusinski, Natalia
“Meditation Can Boost Your Sex Life In A Major Way, Study Finds”
(March 2018)
https://www.bustle.com/p/meditation-can-boost-your-sex-life-in-a-major-way-study-finds-8589731
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
“Meditation: In Depth”
(Last updated: April 2016)
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm
Psychology Today
Mager, Dan, MSW
“Meditation: Ancient Practice with 21st Century Application”
(November 4, 2013)
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/some-assembly-required/201311/meditation-ancient-practice-21st-century-application
PsyPost
Dolan, Eric W.
“Women who meditate also tend to have a better sex life, study finds”
(March 22, 2018)
http://www.psypost.org/2018/03/women-meditate-also-tend-better-sex-life-study-finds-50942
