Enhanced intimate experiences pose potential threats to female health
A groundbreaking study has revealed a significant correlation between infrequent sexual activity and a higher risk of death in women, with those engaging in sexual activity less than once a week having a 70% increased risk compared to those who have sex at least once a week. This association, however, is complex, with both physical and psychological factors playing a role.
**Physical Factors**
Regular sexual activity can provide numerous physical benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, boosting the immune system, and alleviating menopausal symptoms. Women with infrequent sexual activity might miss out on these benefits, potentially contributing to worse overall health and a higher mortality risk.
Exercise and cardiovascular health: Sexual activity serves as a form of physical exercise, benefiting cardiovascular health. Regular exercise, as recommended for adults (150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and muscle-strengthening activities twice a week), supports this cardiovascular health and sexual function, reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction in men.
Immune system boost: Regular sex has been linked to enhanced immune function, which may decrease the risk of infection and disease. Less frequent sexual activity might reduce these immune benefits, increasing vulnerability to illnesses.
Menopausal genitourinary health: Studies show that regular sexual activity in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women is associated with fewer genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)-related symptoms, such as vulvar pain, dryness, and irritation. Women with infrequent sex may experience more genitourinary symptoms, negatively impacting health and quality of life.
Hormonal and physical recovery: Postpartum, physical factors such as hormonal imbalances and healing processes can influence sexual activity frequency. Pain, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), or physical trauma can delay resumption of sex, affecting physical well-being and possibly psychological health.
**Psychological Factors**
Sexual activity also offers psychological benefits, such as promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing feelings of intimacy and emotional support. Infrequent sex may lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels, indirectly increasing mortality risks.
Relaxation and stress reduction: Sexual activity promotes relaxation and reduces stress, contributing to better mental health. Infrequent sex may lead to stress and anxiety, potentially increasing mortality risks.
Self-esteem and relationship dynamics: Psychological barriers, including low self-esteem, worries about relationship dynamics, or past trauma (e.g., abuse or intimate partner violence), can lead to reduced sexual activity. These psychological burdens may contribute to poorer mental and physical health outcomes, thereby raising mortality risk.
Mental health and emotional well-being: Sex can enhance feelings of intimacy and emotional support. Infrequent sexual activity may correlate with social isolation or poor emotional health, known contributors to increased mortality risk.
**Conclusion**
While the correlation between sexual frequency and mortality is well documented, it is important to note that causality is complex. Healthier individuals are more likely to have sex frequently, so infrequent sexual activity could be both a cause and a consequence of poorer health. Additionally, psychological and social factors such as intimate partner violence or depression can further compound risks for those with infrequent sexual activity.
In essence, both poor physical health (lack of exercise and immune function, menopausal symptoms) and adverse psychological factors (stress, low self-esteem, relationship issues) contribute to the increased mortality risk observed in women with infrequent sexual activity. Regular discussions with your healthcare team can help address sexual health issues, and scheduling a medical appointment if you experience persistent sexual problems or have any other health concerns that may impact your sexual health is essential.
Health-and-wellness benefits of regular sexual activity extend to both physical and mental aspects, such as the improvement of cardiovascular health, enhanced immune function, alleviation of menopausal symptoms, stress reduction, and emotional support. A lack of sexual activity might deprive individuals, particularly women, of these advantages, potentially contributing to mental-health issues, sexual-health complications, and overall worsened women's-health.
