A vast American database has just raised a very concrete question: could the frequency of sexual intercourse really be linked to living longer, especially for women aged 20 to 59? Analyzing the records of 14,542 adults, researchers observed that low sexual activity was associated with a significantly higher mortality risk.
According to researchers at Walden University, whose work was published in the Journal of Psychosexual Healththe observed threshold would be around at least one sexual intercourse per week. Women who have sex less than once a week have an approximately 70% increased risk of dying during the follow-up period, compared to those who have sex once a week or more. The idea of a “minimum dose” of sexuality therefore questions as much as it intrigues.
Make love at least once a week: what the Walden University study reveals
The researchers relied on data from the 2005-2010 NHANES survey, collected by the National Center for Health Statistics of the CDC, then crossed with the National Death Index until December 31, 2015. The frequency of sexual intercourse was divided into two categories: less than 52 intercourse per year, versus 52 or more, the equivalent of at least one intercourse per week.
Among women aged 20 to 59, low frequency of sexual intercourse was associated with hazard ratio
of approximately 1.70, representing a relative increase in mortality risk estimated at 70%. The authors state that, “In an ethnically diverse population, low sexual frequency may be associated with higher mortality, even after accounting for demographic factors.” They also highlight that sexual activity could contribute to overall cardiovascular health, in particular through possible effects on heart rate variability and blood circulation.
Depression, endorphins and longevity: how sexuality could influence health
Depression was assessed using the PHQ-9 questionnaire. When depression was added to low sexual frequency, the risk of death rose up to 197% more, or a hazard ratio close to 2.97. On the other hand, among sexually active people, especially women, the negative effects of depression seemed much less marked, which suggests a possible protective role of sexuality.
For Dr. Srikanta Banerjee, lead author, “The theory would be that depression affects men differently than women.” He adds: “So it may be that sex is more effective because of the severity of the impact of depression on women.” Endorphins released during orgasm, muscle relaxation and cardiovascular activation could contribute to this benefit, although the study does not prove direct causation.
In men, more complex results and limits to take into account
During this analysis, researchers also discovered that too much sex could increase men’s mortality risk six-fold compared to women. The relationship therefore seems more complex among them, possibly non-linear, and other NHANES work suggests an “intermediate” zone rather than a simple “the more the better”. Here again, be careful: the study is based on declarations and does not take into account all health or relationship problems.
For concrete use, this threshold of at least one sexual intercourse per week can serve as a statistical benchmark for women aged 20 to 59, no obligation or standard. The important thing remains desired, consented and pleasant sexuality. If the decline in desire is accompanied by sadness, isolation or intense fatigue, a discussion with a doctor, psychologist or sexologist can help more than just a simple intercourse counter.