Sex without a condom is good for your mental health, new study finds
Tuesday August 04 2009
PEOPLE WHO frequently have straight sex without a condom are generally in better mental health than the rest of the population, according to a Scottish psychologist.
A study by Professor Stuart Brody of the University of the West of Scotland suggests that condoms are probably the worst way to avoid pregnancy. The pill is less likely to leave either partner feeling stressed or depressed.
His conclusions will alarm groups trying to combat the spread of sexual disease among the young, but Prof Brody argues that it is not unprotected sex as such that causes sexual diseases, but anal sex and sex with strangers who might be infected.
His conclusions are based on a survey of 111 Portuguese men and 99 women, who answered questions about their sex lives. The results suggest that sex is a good preventer of depression, suicidal tendencies and emotional immaturity, and condoms get in the way of these benefits.
"Possible explanations for the interference of condoms with the health benefits of penile-vaginal intercourse include blocking of antidepressant and immunological agents in semen and genital secretions [and] reduced sexual satisfaction and intimacy," Prof Brody wrote, in a letter to be published in the 'Archives of Sexual Behaviour'. (©Independent News Service)
- AndyMcSmith in London
