Unprotected sex good for mental well being: Study

Professor Stuart Brody, of the University of the West of Scotland (Paisley), argues that human beings are biologically tuned to enjoy unprotected sex as it gives them an evolutionary edge and raises the chances of reproducing.

"Evolution is not politically correct, so of the very broad range of potential sexual behavior, there is actually only one that is consistently associated with better physical and mental health and that is the one sexual behavior that would be favored by evolution. That is not accidental," stated Brody.

Controversial study and its findings
The controversial study involved 99 women and 111 Portuguese men who were questioned about mental health, their sex life satisfaction, and how often they used contraceptives.

Using a test to measure psychological health, Brody observed that 'evolutionarily relevant' sex averted depression, whereas use of condom was associated with people who exhibited symptoms of anxiety.

He also noted that those indulging in unprotected penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) were more adept at handling stress in a mature manner and also exhibited better mental health.

He stated, "The more often people are using condoms independent of age, independent of the nature of their relationship, the greater use of immature defense mechanisms against stress.

"In contrast, the more often they have [PVI] sex without condoms, the better their mental health and the more mature their mechanisms."

Angry reaction from safe sex groups
This theory has caused a predictable angry reaction from safer sex groups who are trying to combat the spread of unsafe sex, unwanted pregnancies and sexual disease among the young.

Tony Kerridge of Marie Stopes International, the leading sexual health and reproductive health organization, said: "I would have thought that the mental health of anyone would be tested if they found out they had a sexually transmitted disease or that there was an unwanted pregnancy.

"Particularly in the case of casual relationships where there is no desire to get pregnant, advice should always be that condoms should be used," Kerridge added.

Brody’s argument
However Professor Brody argues that it is not unprotected sex as such that causes sexual diseases, but anal sex, sex with strangers who might be infected, and using dirty needles to inject drugs.

The findings of the study are specific to condoms, and not to other forms of contraception. They were not confounded by relationship status, age, cohabitation, or response to social desirability.

The study is published in the academic journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.