Women who have sex infrequently face significantly increased health risks, according to a recent study.
On March 6, the Daily Mail reported findings from researchers at Walden University in Pennsylvania, USA, indicating that women aged between 20 and 59 who engage in sexual intercourse less than once a week experienced a 70% higher risk of death within five years.
Using extensive data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the research team analyzed sexual frequency alongside other factors such as depression, obesity, and race among 14,542 participants. Approximately 95% of the participants reported engaging in sexual intercourse at least 12 times a year, while 38% reported having sex once or more per week.
The study found higher levels of inflammation-related proteins in blood samples from women who had sex less than once per week. This inflammation can cause damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Conversely, women who had sex more frequently exhibited lower levels of these proteins, without an increased mortality risk.
Interestingly, men experienced the opposite effect. The research revealed that men with the highest frequency of sexual activity faced significantly increased risks of early death, with a mortality risk up to six times greater than women.
Dr. Srikanta Banerjee, who led the study, explained, "Sexual activity positively impacts women's cardiovascular health and helps reduce depression by triggering the release of endorphins, thereby preventing health deterioration." However, he noted that excessive sexual activity can be detrimental to men's health.
The researchers further suggested that sexual activity plays a vital role in cardiovascular health, potentially due to its ability to reduce heart rate variability and increase blood flow.
The findings were published in the latest issue of the Journal of Psychosexual Health.
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