Sex and the Dual Income Couple

written by kyle roderick

Does the daily work grind for two-income couples (also known as Dincs) negatively impact the frequency or quality of their sex life? In other words, does sex stink for dincs?

Janet Hyde, a University of Wisconsin Madison psychology professor, surveyed more than 500 couples for her study, which was reported in the Journal of Family Psychology. Believe it or not, the study found absolutely no telling differences between homemakers and employed women on their frequency of intercourse, sexual satisfaction or levels of sexual desire.

These findings contradict many prevailing theories in psychology that make employment the arch enemy of a happy sex life.

Hyde’s study is major because it dishes up the first large-scale evidence on the subject.

Profound effects on the libido, according to the study, came from the amount of exhaustion reported by women. Hyde found that both homemakers and working women reported the same levels of tiredness, suggesting that there may be a mass misconception of a homemaker’s workload and life condition.

Perhaps most people underestimate the amount of effort that goes into being a homemaker? One thing is clear: it seems distinctly possible that many women might not find homemaking as rewarding as a job outside of the home.

Yet another essential aspect to a quality sex life was not number of hours worked, but rather the quality of the professional experience. In a finding that may surprise few of us, the couples who reported low sexual satisfaction also reported very low regard for their jobs.

The lowest sex ratings of all, however, came when men reported low job satisfaction while their wives claimed high regard for their jobs. This raises the possibility that the combination might be depressing for men who envision themselves as the family breadwinner.

Aside from demystifying sexual myths, this study may help promote a deeper understanding of sexual problems in a relationship.

Dual-earner couples have become the majority in America, with about 60 percent of all households in 1992 reporting two incomes. Dual earners have become an intensely studied demographic, as well, with most psychological research focusing on how they handle familial and professional roles, along with their own mental well-being.

In case you are wondering what the various benefits of having sex on a regular basis may be, www.findbliss.com has done a little research of its own. Following is a brief list of the medically proven advantages of enjoying sex on a regular basis.

Exercise and Energy Gains:
Sex is a fabulous form of physical exercise. Sex three times a week burns mega-calories, and if maintained throughout the year, is equivalent to jogging 75 miles.

Increase in oxidation:
Sex increases the supply of oxygen to the cells and stimulates the activity of various organs and systems within the body.

Reduction of cholesterol:
Sex balances out the good cholesterol to bad cholesterol ratio, and at the same time helps reduce the overall cholesterol count in the body.

Pain relief:
Some studies indicate that sex may help reduce headaches and joint pain. Right on: it’s infinitely more accessible than aspirin or pain relievers, far more fun, and way less expensive, as well.

Protection of the prostate gland:
Prostate gland-related disorders are known to be caused by or become worsened as a result of the secretions from the gland. Regular sexual activity eliminates these harmful secretions. Beware: a sudden change in the frequency of sex can also trigger prostate-related disorders.

Stress relief:
The satisfaction and the relaxation after sex are beneficial for the mind and the circulatory system.

Marital bliss:
Love and intimacy can increase the level of oxytocin, a hormone that induces sexual desire. A higher level of oxytocin in both partners will increase their frequency of sexual encounters.

Physical energy:
Sex confers special advantages, especially for women. Regular sex increases the level of the female hormone estrogen, which reduces the risk of heart disease and softens the vaginal tract.

Hormonal increase:
Physical exercise, in whatever form, increases the level of the male hormone, testosterone, within the body. Researchers have confirmed that this hormone strengthens the muscles and bones of the human body.

Hormonal supplementation:
During sex, the mother of all hormones, (also known as DHEA), is secreted throughout the body. During orgasms or just before ejaculation, the level of DHEA in the bloodstream is 5 times its normal level. This steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex is the major androgen precursor hormone in females. It is also present in males. Yippee: high levels of DHEA have been associated with longevity, enhanced libido, building muscle mass, and warding off depression.

Heart health:
A 1976 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine uncovered surprising findings suggesting that a failure to reach orgasm may have a negative impact on women’s hearts. A control group of 100 hospitalized women with varied diagnoses was compared with 100 women who’d had heart attacks. Among the 100 women hospitalized for other illnesses, 24 percent reported sexual dissatisfaction. The heart attack group reported even more dismal data: 65 percent claimed frigidity and sexual dissatisfaction.