Heart Disease and Stroke

Further analysis of the Caerphilly study (which included only men) examined the relationship between engaging in sexual intercourse and experiencing heart disease and stroke. Researchers found that even when adjusting for age and other risk factors, frequent sexual intercourse two or more times a week was correlated with lower incidence of fatal coronary events. At a 10-year follow-up examination, the men who reported an intermediate or low frequency of sexual intercourse less than once a month had rates of fatal coronary incidents twice that of those who had reported a high frequency of sexual intercourse. However, a Swedish study of both men and women found that mortality was higher among men who had ceased having sexual intercourse at earlier ages. No association was found between sexual intercourse and mortality for women.

Using similar methods, researchers found that frequent sexual intercourse did not result in an increased risk of stroke. This finding is particularly important, because there is a prevailing belief that frequent sexual intercourse may cause strokes even though this is untrue. More fascinating facts from the white paper on the benefits of sex include the fact that sexual expression may lead to a decreased risk of breast cancer; research has also shown that sexual activity and orgasm may bolster the immune system in women and men. The sexual and reproductive health of women and men is directly influenced by their sexual experiences. It has been found that sexual activity can have positive effects on

General Physical Well-Being, Because Sex . . .

• Improves sleep because orgasm causes a surge in oxytocin (a hormone best known for inducing labor, but also associated with human attachment and bonding) and endorphins that may act as sedatives.
• Increases fitness by burning calories and fat. It has also been suggested that people with active sex lives tend to exercise more frequently and have better dietary habits than those who are less sexually active.
• Cures wrinkles! A study conducted during a 10-year period and involving more than 3,500 European and American women and men examined various factors associated with youthful appearance. A panel of judges viewed the participants through a one way mirror and then guessed the age of each study subject. Those women and men whose age was regularly underestimated by 7 to 12 years were labeled “super young.”Among these super young people, one of the strongest correlates of youthful appearance was an active sex life. On average, super young participants reported engaging in sexual intercourse three times a week in comparison with the control group’s average of twice a week. The super young were also found to be comfortable and confident regarding their sexual identity.

Sexual and Reproductive Health, Because Sex . . .

• Protects against endometriosis
• Enhances fertility
• Regulates the menstrual cycle
• Relieves menstrual cramps
• Protects against early delivery in pregnancy
• Supports prostate health
• Relieves chronic pain
• Helps to relieve migraines

Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Health, Because Sex . . .

• Improves overall quality of life
• Decreases risk of depression and suicide
• Reduces stress
• Increases self-esteem
• Enhances intimacy
• Improves social health
• Increases stability of relationships