Study Warns Women About Low Sexual Frequency
While it’s no one’s concern how often you engage in sexual activity each week, a recent study has issued a cautionary message specifically for women who have sex less frequently than once a week. This research was conducted by medical scientists at Walden University in Pennsylvania.
Research Methodology
The study utilized a substantial database provided by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), incorporating information on depression, obesity, ethnicity, and sexual activity reported by 14,542 men and women included in the analysis. Participants were asked how many times they engaged in vaginal or anal sex over the past year, with a range of options from never to 365 times or more.
Key Findings
Results indicated that approximately 95% of participants reported having sex more than 12 times a year, with 38% engaged in sexual activity at least once a week. Following data collection, researchers compared the medical information with another CDC database tracking deaths up to 2015, cross-referencing with US National Death Index (NDI) records for verification.
Increased Health Risks
The study revealed a staggering 197% increase in mortality risk among individuals who reported low sexual frequency and depression compared to those struggling with depression alone. “Participants without matched death records were presumed to be alive during the follow-up period,” the researchers noted in their findings published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health.
The Impact of Sexual Frequency on Women’s Health
Lead author Dr. Srikanta Banerjee highlighted that women with higher sexual frequency did not experience the detrimental effects of depression as severely. He explained, “There seems to be a beneficial effect for females, suggesting that the impact of depression can vary between genders.” He further elaborated, “Depression can lead to increased mortality due to health complications, and sex might mitigate these severe outcomes, particularly for women.”
Potential Explanations for the Findings
Dr. Banerjee proposed that sexual activity could release endorphins that help prevent severe health issues. The study discovered that women aged 20 to 59 who had sex less than once a week faced a 70% higher risk of death within five years. “Sex releases endorphins, which may help protect against dire health consequences,” he stated.
Biological Factors at Play
Blood tests conducted during the study revealed that women with low sexual frequency exhibited elevated levels of a specific protein associated with inflammation, which can damage healthy cells and organs. Conversely, women who engaged in sexual activity more than once a week showed lower levels of this protein and no increased mortality risk.
Contrasts in Male Health Risks
Interestingly, the findings suggested a different trend for men; those who reported higher sexual frequency were at greater risk of early death. The research indicated that men with high sexual activity were six times more likely to face increased mortality compared to women.
Connection Between Sexual Activity and Overall Health
The study affirms that sexual expression, quantified through sexual frequency, plays a pivotal role in both physical and mental health. It concluded that sexual activity is crucial for cardiovascular wellness, likely due to its effects on heart rate variability and increased blood flow.
While no one should ever feel pressured regarding their sexual activity, this study presents some compelling insights into the potential health implications for women.
