New Study Proves Sex Improves Your Longevity

But How Many Times a Year Hits the Sweet Spot?

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My Longevity Experiment
February 20, 2025

Can Sex Reduce Stress? Research Suggests It May Also Extend Lifespan

Women who engage in regular sexual activity may experience longer lifespans, according to a nationally representative study conducted in the United States. The research, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), provides compelling evidence linking sexual frequency with longevity, particularly among women.

Sexual Activity and Longevity: Key Findings

The study, led by Walden University public health scientist Srikanta Banerjee, examined 14,542 adults between the ages of 20 and 59. Participants were asked, "In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had vaginal or anal sex?" Approximately 38 percent of respondents reported having sex at least once a week.

When factors such as education, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status were accounted for, female participants who reported having sex fewer than 52 times per year were found to be three times more likely to die from any cause over the five-year study period. This correlation was not observed in male participants.

The Role of Sexual Activity in Mental Health

Despite the absence of a direct link between sexual frequency and longevity in men, the findings suggest that sexual activity plays a crucial role in mental health for both genders. Participants with depression who engaged in sexual activity fewer than 52 times per year faced nearly a 200 percent higher risk of mortality compared to their non-depressed counterparts. Conversely, those with depression who engaged in sexual activity more than 52 times per year had a 75 percent higher risk of mortality from any cause.

Depression alone has long been associated with an increased risk of premature death, with women being twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. The study underscores the importance of sexual activity as a potential mitigating factor in mental health-related mortality risks.

Sex and Overall Health Benefits

Previous research has consistently demonstrated that partnered sexual activity contributes to both mental and physical well-being. The benefits include improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, enhanced happiness, and better brain function. Even solo sexual behaviors, such as masturbation, have been linked to reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, and mood enhancement.

However, the precise impact of different types of sexual activity on long-term health remains unclear. The NHANES study does not provide details regarding the nature of sexual encounters, and the researchers acknowledge that incorporating a sexual satisfaction subscale could provide more clarity in future studies.

"There is mounting interest in understanding how precisely sexual health affects overall health," state the study's authors. "Although the connections between physical health, social determinants of health, mental health, and poor health are well known, there is a paucity of research regarding the connection between sexual health and long-term mortality outcomes."

Balancing Sexual Activity for Optimal Health

While the findings suggest that regular sexual activity is beneficial for overall health, moderation may be key. The NHANES study also revealed that male participants who engaged in daily sexual activity were six times more likely to experience premature death compared to females who did the same.

These findings highlight the importance of listening to one’s body and maintaining a balanced approach to sexual health. Regular, fulfilling sexual activity may play a role in longevity and mental well-being, but excessive frequency could have unintended consequences.

As research continues to explore the intricate relationship between sexual health and longevity, the evidence remains clear, sex can be a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving mental health, and potentially extending lifespan.

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