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Sexual Orgasm Increases Longevity

In the ancient world, sexual activity was considered a vital sign of life force, an activity that was good for one’s health and longevity. Now in the age of science and reason, scientific research has shown that the ancients had the right idea.

When researchers from the University of Bristol and Queen's University of Belfast conducted a study of 2,500 men (45 to 59 years old), over a period of 10 years, they found surprising results. It seems that sexual activity is so healthy that now is recommend to be performed three times a week as continuous activity for at least twenty minutes to prevent heart attacks and strokes!

These recommendations come as result of the study showing that men who have three or more orgasms per week are 50 percent less probable to die from coronary heart disease! This amazing fact prompted the Ph.D. professor of epidemiology and aging to comment that this crucial association, linking the regular practice of sexual intercourse and mortality (occurrence of death), is of significant public interest. 

Also relevant data comes from a German sex study called Theratalk Project, conducted by Ragnar Beer of the University of Göttingen, which surveyed 32,00 men and women. The study confirmed the old adage: Sex reduces stress and no sex increases stress. And Beer supplemented to this wisdom by adding that “no sex leads to even less sex” – not a good prescription for your health.

Another Study Proves Sexual Orgasm Increases Longevity

To build upon their previous success, George Davey Smith, professor of clinical epidemiology at Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol and Stephen Frankel, professor of epidemiology and public health medicine at Queen's University of Belfast decided to further examine the issue of sexual orgasm and longevity.

Previously, a Swedish study on early cessation of sexual intercourse was found to be associated with an increased mortality risk among men over a 5 year follow up. In addition, another study analyzing 10,026 priests in the United States revealed an increased mortality ratio for arteriosclerosis heart disease.  Interestingly, mortality for cirrhosis of the liver was also greatly increased. The bottom line of these studies thus indicating that lack of sexual activity was a negative factor in longevity.

So in 1997, the British Medical Journal published the in-depth study entitled Sex and death: are they related? In this study, the scientists examined the correlation between frequency of orgasm and mortality. The researchers followed 918 men in South Wales, aged 45-59 between 1979 and 1983.  At recruitment, the men were given a standard medical history and a detailed questionnaire was administered. Their blood pressure was measured, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded. Existing coronary heart disease at baseline was defined as either probable ischemia detected by electrocardiogram or angina on the Rose questionnaire.

The subjects at each clinic were asked about frequency of sexual intercourse by a medical interviewer. The responses were classified into categories ranging from never through to daily. These were reduced to three categories: less than monthly; twice a week or more; and an intermediate category.

Age adjustment for risk factors was to the age structure of the population with usable data on frequency of orgasm. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the effects of other risk factors on the association between mortality and frequency of orgasm. The records of all men were flagged so that notification of death was automatic and a copy of the death certificate was received.

The Key Results of the Study

1. Mortality risk was 50% lower in men with high frequency of orgasm than in men with low frequency of orgasm.

2. These findings contrast with the view common to many cultures that the pleasure of sexual intercourse may be secured at the cost of vigor and wellbeing.

3. An improved sense of smell.

4. A reduced risk of heart disease.

5. Weight loss and overall fitness.

6. Reduced depression.

7. Pain relief.

8. Less-frequent colds and flu.

9. Better bladder control.

Sex Makes the World Go Round

Besides the fact that sex is soo enjoyable, it turns out that people are motivated towards sexual activity for many reasons. In fact, new research, published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, has found that people have 237 reasons! The survey involved over 1,900 students at the University of Texas and it also yielded some other important insights. The cliché that men engage in sex for physical reasons while women participate in sex for love was not found to be true in the data. Instead, most members of both sexes disclosed that they had sex for both physical pleasure and for emotional attachment.

Maintaining Your Sex Life in Later Years

Though one’s superficial appearance does change with age, this doesn’t necessarily mean it will undermine the sex life of those over 50 years of age. Remember that physical and emotional issues can interfere with one’s sex life even at a young age. Whether or not one seeks counseling, it is acknowledged that by refocusing oneself away from one’s perceived flaws, a new focal point can uplift one’s self-esteem and devise a new standard for attractiveness.

For example, when recalling your younger days, what qualities, besides your body, made you appealing – your playful sense of humor, your sexy manner, your seductive suggestions, etc? Well probably, you’ve still got those attributes. It’s time for you to embrace them, appreciate them and set them free.

If the problem is too much work, too much kids time, etc, maybe it will be appealing for the two of you to go to a motel, or trade a massage, or spend some relaxing time together beforehand. Before you can experience excitement, you’ve got to release the tension and get into a pleasurable mood. 

When a survey of adults over 50 was conducted, 60% expressed the belief that sexual activity was a necessary part of a good relationship. So if you’re not part of that 60% – maybe you should be!

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Sources: Want Yet Another Reason to Have Sex? Link Between Regular Sexual Activity and Longevity Psychology Today Magazine Mar/Apr 2001 Article ID: 15 Sex and death: are they related? Findings from the Caerphilly cohort study British Medical Journal  20 December 1997;315:1641-1644 A Prospective Cohort Study on the Effect of Sexual Activity, Libido and Widowhood on Mortality Among Elderly People International Journal of Epidemiology 2007 36(5):1136-1142 Why Humans Have Sex Archives of Sexual Behavior 2007 36:477–507 Sexuality at Midlife and Beyond Report Harvard Publications June 2003

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