Sex is probably one of the most common and certainly the most pleasurable activities we can experience in life. Although only a handful of studies exist to help us understand and enhance the health benefits, we do know that sex is essential for the survival of the species:
- A study on aging from Duke in the 1970s found that for men, the frequency of sexual intercourse was associated with lower death rates. For women, the enjoyment of intercourse was associated with a longer life.
- A Swedish study found an increased risk of death in men who gave up sexual intercourse.
- A study published in 1976 found that sexual dissatisfaction was a risk factor for heart attacks in women. Now, a new study published in the esteemed British Medical Journal offers more good news. The findings suggest that men who have frequent sex are less likely to die at an early age.
- An intrepid group of researchers from Great Britain included a question about sexual activity in a long-term study of health. The authors studied nearly 1,000 men aged 45 to 59 and living in or near Caerphilly, Wales. The men were asked about the frequency of sexual intercourse. They were divided into three groups: those who had sex twice or more a week, an intermediate group, and those who reported having sex less than once per month.
- A decade later, researchers found that the death rate from all causes for the least sexually active men was twice as high as that of the most active. The death rate in the intermediate group was 1.6 times greater than for the active group. A similar pattern of longevity and frequency of orgasm was found for all causes of death including coronary heart disease and other causes.
Of course, many questions arise with this type of study. Does the frequency of orgasm cause the improved health? Does poor health cause lower sexual activity? Or, does some other factor such as physical activity, alcohol, a depressed mood, or “vital exhaustion” cause both poor health and less sexual activity? The researchers did find that the strength of the results persisted even after adjusting for differences in age, social class, smoking, blood pressure and evidence of existing coronary heart disease at the initial interview. This suggests a more likely protective role of sexual activity.
The Findings of the Researchers
The association between the frequency of orgasm and mortality in the present study is at least, if not more convincing on epidemiological and biological grounds than many of the associations reported in other studies and deserves further investigation to the same extent.
Intervention programs could also be considered, perhaps based on the exciting, “At least five a day” campaign aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, although the numerical imperative may have to be adjusted. More research is needed. Are there any volunteers out there?
Since the overall death rate was reduced 36% for an increase of 100 orgasms per year, one could easily imagine a new prescription for health:
Your Sexual Prescription:
- Sexual intercourse at least 2 times per week and make it fun and exciting!
Such a prescription might have a few side effects and would be far more pleasurable than many other health regimens that are often prescribed. And even if sex doesn’t prove to add years to your life, it may add life to your years!
Remember, if your partner says, “Why do you want to have sex now?” just tell them that your doctor prescribed it and it’s not for fun, mind you, but solely for mutual therapy!
How To Have More Fun in The Bedroom
If you’ve been with your partner for a long time, try experimenting with different fun sexual adventures. Dressing up is a very common way to spice up a stale sex life. Maybe you’ve always had a fantasy of a sexy secretary, nurse or cheerleader. Well, it’s time to do some research online and find a fun outfit for your partner from the many websites that cater to dress-up costumes and sexy outfits. Remember, it works the other way as well! So, if your partner has always had a secret fantasy of a fire fighter, police officer or a doctor, then it’s time to strap on the boots and get your hose ready for action!