Lack of sex depresses South African women

A study among more than 700 South African women – all involved in committed relationships – found that a lack of sexual intimacy led to elevated symptoms of depression.

The survey, which was conducted by anti-depressant pharmaceutical firm, Pharma Dynamics, polled women of various walks of life, between the ages of 18 and 55 on the effects that sex – or the lack thereof – have on their mental well-being.

While eight in one women considered themselves to have a healthy sex drive, 15% cited their partner's disinterest, as one of the primary reasons for not having sex as often as they would like to.

Here is some advise  on dealing with sexual rejection:

• Don't take it personally – remind yourself that your partner's lack of interest in sex may not be about you
• Try a new approach. Don't initiate sex for a while and see what happens
• Examine your relationship and ask yourself what was different about the times when your partner was more interested in sex and try to somehow recreate those conditions
• Focus on what makes you happy, for example, spending time with friends, starting a new hobby, joining a sport or dance club etc. If he sees you focusing on yourself rather than your sex life, he might want to become more involved in ‘every' aspect of your life

"Never lose sight of the importance of putting constant effort into a relationship. You need to be inventive, surprising and work at it in order for it to remain exciting and for you both to enjoy a strong emotional and physical bond.

• Another study found mood-boosting compounds in semen
• Women are 70% more likely to suffer from depression than men
• While sex within a loving relationship contributes to mental well-being, other studies say casual sex makes you depressed and anxious