A recent study based on data from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States revealed a concerning connection between sexual activity and mortality rates among women. According to the findings, women who rarely engage in sexual activity face a significantly higher risk of death compared to those who have sex at least once a week.
The research also highlighted that individuals with depression who engage in sexual activity much less than once a week have a notably higher risk of death compared to those who maintain a weekly sexual routine. These results were published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health.
Specifically, the study found that women aged 20 to 59 who had sex less than once a week were 70% more likely to die within five years compared to those who had sex more frequently. This increased risk may be linked to elevated levels of a protein associated with inflammation, which can damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs.
The authors of the study, from Walden University in Pennsylvania, suggest that regular sexual activity contributes to heart health, potentially by reducing heart rate variability and improving blood flow. They concluded that women who engage in sex more than once a week—or about four times a month—experience notable health benefits.
Regular sexual activity has been shown to offer numerous health advantages, including reducing stress and improving mood through the release of endorphins and oxytocin. It can also strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections and diseases.
However, the researchers caution that while sex may improve health, the findings could also indicate that people with poor health have less capacity to engage in sexual activity.
Women who rarely have sex are at an increased risk of dying, study finds | PsyPost
A recent study, based on data from the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), has found that women who rarely engage in sexual activity have a 70% higher risk of… pic.twitter.com/vA2IxViUOw
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) July 25, 2024
To conduct the study, the research team utilised a large database from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) containing survey data on depression, obesity, ethnicity, and sexual activity reports. Participants were asked, “In the past 12 months, how many times did you have vaginal or anal sex?” The response options ranged from “never” to “365 times or more.”
Approximately 95% of participants reported having sex more than 12 times a year, while 38% had sex at least once a week. Interestingly, the study found that individuals with depression who had sex less than once a week faced a 197% increased risk of premature death.
Dr. Srikanta Banerjee, one of the study’s authors, suggested that this might be because individuals with depression but high sexual frequency do not feel the harmful effects of depression as intensely. “Sex releases endorphins that may prevent severe health consequences,” Banerjee explained to DailyMail.com.
Risks for men from excessive sexual activity
On the other hand, the study uncovered that men who engage in excessive sexual activity might be doing more harm than good. The researchers noted that “men with high sexual frequency were six times more likely to experience increased mortality than women.” This finding held true even after accounting for variables such as health, behaviour, occupation, income, and ethnicity.
During sexual activity, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, frequent sexual activity has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, as previous studies and research have indicated.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Greece
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
