How Much Sex Is Too Much? Possible Risks

Is it bad to have sex every day? How much sex is too much varies from person to person. Your sexual health and personal preference are key factors. You might have sex every day and develop no side effects. For others, high sex frequency can result in vaginal discomfort, irritation, or swelling. Too much sex might also increase your risk of bladder, sexually transmitted, and vaginal infections.

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.

How Much Sex Does the Average Person Have?

Research has shown the average adult has sex 54 times per year, but sex frequency varies from person to person. That frequency can change depending on a few factors, including age. People in their 20s, for example, have sex about 80 times per year. It's common for sexual frequency to decline after age 50, and people in their 60s have sex about 20 times per year.

That frequency stays relatively steady among unpartnered people. Sex frequency, however, typically declines among people who are married or living together.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. An imbalance of bacteria might also result in a vaginal infection.

Consult a healthcare provider if you have bladder or vaginal infection symptoms like:

• 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.

Cancer

An increased risk of cancer is possibly associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain strains of HPV are linked to anal, cervical, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.

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.

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.

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.

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.