Scientists issue Health Warning to Women who ‘Don’t Have Sex Often’

A group of scientists have warned that women who abstain from sex may be putting their health at risk.

Researchers found that women between the ages of 20 and 59 who had sex less than once a week had a 70% higher risk of death within five years.

The study, conducted by medical researchers at Walden University in Pennsylvania, reveals a link between low sexual frequency and increased levels of a key protein associated with inflammation.

This inflammation can damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs.

The researchers noted that women who had sex more than once a week showed no increased risk of death.

Lead author Dr Srikanta Banerjee explained:

“Sexual activity is important for overall cardiovascular health, possibly due to reduction of heart rate variability and blood flow increase.”

The research team used a database from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), analysing survey data from 14,542 men and women.

The survey included questions about depression, obesity, ethnicity, and sexual activity.

Participants were asked: “In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had vaginal or anal sex?” with multiple options ranging from “never” to “365 times or more.”

While 95% of participants reported having sex more than 12 times a year, 38% had sex at least once a week.

This data was then compared with death records up to 2015, as cross-referenced with the US National Death Index.

The study revealed alarming findings for men as well.

Researchers found that men with the highest sexual frequency were six times more likely to experience increased mortality compared to their female counterparts.

This pattern persisted even after accounting for various health, demographic, and behavioural factors.

Dr Banerjee noted: “What we found is that, among females only, there is a beneficial effect.”

Dr Banerjee said depression impacts men and women differently, and for women, sexual activity might help mitigate the health risks posed by depression.

The study also showed that those with low sexual frequency and depression were 197% more likely to die prematurely compared to those with high sexual frequency but no depression.

Dr Banerjee added:

“Sex releases endorphins that may prevent severe health outcomes.”

The research emphasised the importance of regular sexual activity for overall health, suggesting that it could be particularly beneficial in improving cardiovascular health.

While the findings highlight the benefits of sexual activity for women, the study also cautions against excessive sexual behaviour in men.

The research concluded that, for men, too much sex may have adverse health consequences, underscoring the complex relationship between sexual frequency, gender, and mortality.

The study’s results were published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health, and the researchers concluded:

“Sexual frequency interacts with gender to increase mortality, with implications for addressing health disparities more directly.”