Sex is good for your health. Most people enjoy sex for its own sake, but a study suggests that men who have sex at least three times a week cut their risk of a heart attack in half (Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, Feb. 2002).
Researchers started out studying the benefits of vigorous exercise, looking at an activity lasting 20 minutes or longer and making the exerciser sweaty or out of breath. Most of the men they questioned thought that sex fit this description just as well as soccer.
This surprised the scientists, but they decided to study the issue. About 2,400 men in the town of Caerphilly in Wales were questioned about their habits, including how often they had sex–once, twice or three times a week or more. Then they were followed up for ten years. Those who reported the most frequent sexual activity were only half as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack during that time. The doctors conducting the study concluded that intercourse is good exercise.
More recently, researchers compared energy expenditure in a half hour of jogging to the energy used during a sexual encounter (PLoS One, Oct. 24, 2013). The volunteers were couples in their twenties, and the measurements made with lightweight SenseWare armbands during these activities showed that intercourse could be considered equivalent to moderate exercise. Of course, a lot depends upon how long the sexual activity lasts and how intense it is. A two-minute jog is not going to amount to much exercise, nor is a two-minute quickie.
Other research has shown that even walking briskly for 20 minutes at least three times a week can help ward off such cardiovascular crises, so that explanation may be adequate. But there may even be something else at work.
Social Support and Heart Health
A great deal of research points to the benefits of social interaction and social support in helping heart health. While many different types of relationships may be supportive, the relationship with a partner willing to engage in sex three times a week or more often is likely to be very close indeed.
Promiscuity isn’t likely to have such health benefits. Japanese scientists announced that people engaging in adulterous relations were more susceptible to fatal strokes.
A loving and sexually fulfilling relationship is not always easy to achieve. People are so over-committed these days that taking time out of a busy schedule to enjoy sexuality may seem like a challenge. This is especially true for people on medications that may interfere with libido or the ability to climax.
Some antidepressants, blood pressure pills, hormones, sedatives and ulcer drugs can lead to frustration in the bedroom. A sluggish thyroid gland, low levels of testosterone or chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension may also contribute to the problem.
Pharmaceutical firms are starting to pay more attention to sexuality. The incredible success of Viagra has spurred the development of other treatments, including Cialis, a Viagra-like impotence pill. A device to aid in female arousal called EROS-CTD (clitoral therapy device) is now available by prescription.
Ultimately, a healthy sex life begins with eroticism. For a fascinating discussion of intimacy and eroticism, you may wish to listen to our hour-long interview with Esther Perel. She is an internationally recognized expert on building satisfying sexual relationships. We think you will find this radio show compelling and helpful.
When doctors talk to people about heart disease, they frequently focus on what to avoid. It’s heartening to learn that sex, an enjoyable activity, is also good for you.
