The number of times men need to have sex every year to ‘slash risk of heart disease’ – and when it’s ‘too much’
MOST men likely don’t need much extra motivation to get intimate with a partner.
But a new study has found having regular sex can do more than keep them satisfied - it's good for their hearts too.
Men who engage in sexual activity more often are less likely to suffer from heart disease, a new study has found.
It may be, say experts from China, because sex gets the heart pumping, improves circulation, and helps reduce stress - all of which are great for the old ticker.
There are more than 7.6 million people in the UK living with a heart or circulatory disease in the UK - of which four million are men.
It happens when usually fatty deposits build up in the walls of the blood vessels around the heart.
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This fat can narrow the arteries, blocking blood flow to your heart starving it of oxygen and nutrients.
This puts pressure on the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure, angina and heart attacks.
Scientists from Qingdao University analysed several studies which involved 17,243 US adults to see how sex affects heart health and longevity.
After nearly nine years, they found that men who had sex less than 12 times a year had higher risks of heart disease and early death.
But those who got it on about 103 times a year, which works out to roughly twice a week, had the lowest risk.
However, even having sex just once a week - 52 times a year - can still offer significant health benefits, they found.
"Those with either excessively high or low frequencies should pay attention to the situation and seek medical attention if necessary," they said.
They said that a lack of lack of sex could signal problems like erectile dysfunction, which is often an early warning sign of heart disease.
This is because the vessels found in the penis are especially small, which means they become blocked faster than bigger vessels near the heart.
When blood flow to the penis is blocked, erections become more difficult to get and maintain.
Dr Alexis Missick, who works with , said: "Never mind the ways in which sex may be good for your heart in terms of love, intimacy and emotions; sex is quite literally good for your heart."
Several studies have found that sexual intercourse can actually lower high blood pressure - which, in the long run, can trigger a heart attack and stroke.
"High blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of health problems in the long run, such as heart attack and stroke," says Dr Missick.
"Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level is not only important but could be made a lot easier thanks to having sex."
And the doctor adds that sex can be a substitute for the gym - as regular exercise can have a profound benficial impact on the heart.
";Sex may be an exercise that you can get on board with," Dr Missick says.
"Burning approximately five calories a minute, sex works not only to get your heart rate up but it also uses and strengthens a number of different muscles throughout your body."
Warning signs and symptoms of heart disease
Coronary heart disease does not always have obvious symptoms.
In some people, it can cause chest pain (angina) or serious problems like heart attacks.
These are some of the symptoms to look out for:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain throughout the body
- Feeling faint
- Feeling sick (nausea)
Source: NHS
Stress causes inflammation in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure.
But thankfully, sex can relieve stress and anxiety by releasing "feel good" hormones oxytocin and dopamine, according to Dr Alexis.
On the flip side, having too much sex, which the researchers count as more than once a day, could be damaging for the heart.
They wrote: "It’s often overlooked that sexual activity itself constitutes a form of physical activity and aerobic exercise.
"Despite the well-established benefits of moderate physical activity, evidence suggests there may be a point of diminishing returns.
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"In fact, high levels of aerobic exercise may detract from the significant health benefits observed with moderate levels."
7 OTHER reasons to have MORE sex
WHEN was the last time you had sex? Last week? Last month? This morning? Just now?
Whenever it was, and whoever it was with, have you ever stopped to think whether your sex life is ‘normal’?
Whether it’s alone or with a partner, there is plenty of research to suggest that regular sexy time is a big player in good health…
1. It improves sleep
Fancy a decent night’s shut-eye? You might want to have sex before hitting the pillow.
A recent Smile Makers survey found that 77 per cent of women are using masturbation as a way to get to sleep faster.
“Orgasms can boost levels of prolactin, the hormone that makes us feel relaxed and satisfied - the perfect situation for a good night’s sleep,” she says.
"It's worth thinking about what contributes to pleasure because it's far more than just physical stimulation.
“Creating the perfect sex-come-sleep sanctuary in the bedroom can support us drifting off into sweet dreams post-orgasm.
“Turn off the big light and light a scented candle or try a massage oil with lavender in to build arousal and relaxation at the same time.”
2. It increases libido and intimacy
Sex drive flagging? Feel like you and your partner just don’t have that same spark? It’s only natural as busy lives take over, with work, kids and general life just taking priority.
But, sex itself could be the answer to a dwindling libido.
“Oxytocin is the ‘love’ hormone activated by sensual touch and can make us feel more connected and intimate with our partner, which in turn can increase our sexual libido,” says Samantha.
Aim to schedule in regular alone time with your loved one to help keep the spark alive.
3. It makes you happier
Finding that your mood has taken a steep downturn since we waved goodbye to summer and approach into the depths of winter?
It’s time to get busy between the sheets as often as you can because Samantha reveals that sex could be the mood booster we need.
“The mix of happy hormones (endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin) released during sex make us feel good," she says.
"This can also improve our self-esteem and make us more confident throughout the day.”
4. It boosts brain health
According to the NHS, one in 11 people over 65 in the UK suffer from dementia, which causes extreme brain atrophy, or shrinking.
But, having sex, among other things, could actually help improve general cognition as it boosts blood flow to the brain.
Research published in the found that for adults aged 62 to 74, better sexual quality was linked to better cognitive functioning, while for those aged 75 to 90, more frequent sex - at least once a week - was related to better cognitive functioning.
Samantha adds: "There have been some interesting studies in recent years about how sex can improve cognitive function, and it really comes down to those feel-good hormones again - especially dopamine.
“Let’s remember sex isn’t just partnered, and when we’re older we can still reap the benefits of masturbation to get our dose of dopamine.”
5. It could lower the risk of prostate cancer
Men who have sex or masturbate frequently could end up less likely to develop prostate cancer, which is currently the most common cancer for men in the UK, according to Prostate Cancer UK.
A 2016 US found that men aged 20 to 29 who climaxed five times a week were around a third less likely to suffer from prostate cancer than those who only climaxed four to seven times a month.
The study interviewed 32,000 men about their ejaculation habits and then followed them to see if they were diagnosed with the disease.
6. It eases menstrual cramps
If there was ever an excuse to have an orgasm on your period, then this is it!
“Endorphins, and the contraction of muscles during orgasm, can soothe tension and pain,” says Samantha.
Worried about the mess?
Samantha says: “If you do fancy vaginal sex when on your period, just lay down a few towels you don’t mind getting period blood on.
"Though, let’s be honest, for those of us that have menstruated, we’ve all had at least one of our favourite beddings ruined by a leak in the past - at least this time it will be for pleasure!"
7. It relieves stress
According to , one in 14 adults feels stressed every single day, with stress-related illnesses in the UK costing around £8.13billion.
But, regular sex and/or masturbation could be the secret stress relief, and it’s free!
“When we’re stressed our brain releases cortisol, a chemical that makes our blood pressure rise,” says Samantha.
“When we orgasm, endorphins are released which lower cortisol levels.”
Research published in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour found that sex, which is classed as physical activity, helps to lower both women’s and men’s stress hormone levels, including cortisol and adrenaline.
Plus, research has found that having an orgasm during sex releases the love hormone, oxytocin, which promotes bonding and may also help to relieve stress.