Is sex funny? Maybe it should be. A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality found a close association between positive sexual humour and sexual satisfaction. The study, which had 196 participants, a majority of whom were heterosexual women, concluded that couples who find humor in sex or in their sex lives are more likely to be satisfied sexually and relationally.

“Most participants perceived positive consequences of sexual humor, including increased comfort, fun, and closeness,” the study’s authors, Christine D. Lomore, Angela D. Weaver, and Claire E. Lavoie, wrote in the study’s abstract.

But What Is Sexual Humor?

Is sexual humor as simple as cracking risqué jokes, or giggling at the ridiculousness of the human body? This new study suggests that sexual humor is more profound than it may seem.

Humor is as abstract as love itself, which is why the authors used the Relational Humor Inventory (RHI) to break humor styles down into three categories: Positive, negative, and instrumental. Participants also described their individual experiences with sexual humor, and the authors used this information to narrow down the most common types of humor people used during sex.

Inside jokes and rituals were common, as well as physical humor and wordplay. People reported that positive humor — used either to initiate sex or when you’re in the middle of it — can smooth over awkward moments, reduce discomfort, and lead to satisfying sexual encounters. And the potential benefits of humor aren’t only physical.

Humor Brings Couples Together

One of the more surprising results of the study was the revelation that humor during sex can promote lasting — not short-term — closeness between partners. This isn’t only because a satisfying sex life depends on the comfort of both participants, but because humor encourages vulnerability and communication. Plus, it makes sex, which at its core should be fun for most people, more lighthearted and enjoyable.

“More positively valenced sexual humour predicted sexual satisfaction over and above relationship satisfaction and relational humour,” the authors wrote.

Interestingly, the study found that there’s a difference between relational humor and sexual humor and their effects in the bedroom. “More frequent use of positive relational humour (by self and partner) was associated with more frequent and more positively valenced sexual humour, whereas more frequent negative relational humour use by partner predicted lower relationship and sexual satisfaction.”

There’s A Fine Line Between ‘Funny’ And ‘Offensive’

Is it surprising that negative jokes don’t land as well as positive jokes, especially in as vulnerable a setting as the bedroom? Not really. But it does suggest that, much like a stand-up comedian on a stage, it takes skilled instincts and timing to successfully use sexual humor in the bedroom. In short, it might take some trial and error.

You don’t want to say something “funny” only to make your partner feel uncomfortable as a result. Couples counselors and sexologists can help clients introduce humor into their sex lives by building their confidence levels and communication skills. After all, “Humor is a form of communication that often occurs between romantic and sexual partners,” the authors noted. Sexual humor and intimacy go hand-in-hand, as a couple must know what makes each person laugh and what doesn’t in order to reap the benefits.

There’s a prevailing misconception that sex always has to be serious. And, yes, there will always be a side to sex that is undeniably serious: the matter of consent, for one. Some people simply prefer sex to be a momentous act, one characterized by intensity and deep emotions. The study suggests, however, that humor can actually bring couples closer together, promote bonding, and deepen overall sexual satisfaction — which deepens relational satisfaction as a result.

Humor And Sex are a Winning Combination

“The unique contribution of sexual humour to sexual satisfaction suggests it may play a modest but distinctive role in sexual well-being,” the authors concluded.

It’s important to note that positive sexual humor is connected to positive sexual satisfaction, not negative sexual humor. In fact, it’s not unusual for a seemingly “innocent” sexual joke to be seen as inappropriate and even offensive, whether during a sexual or relational moment. But when done at the right time, and with the right person, humor in sex can very well be more profound than dating and sex experts give it credit for.