Not having sex often may have an impact on your health, especially for men over 50.
A study of 5,772 people, including 2,577 men, found that a drop in sexual activity could increase health risks. Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, found that men who were less active in the bedroom were two-thirds more likely to develop a serious illness than those who maintained their sex life.
One key finding was that men who lost interest in intercourse were 63% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, they had a 41% higher chance of developing a long-term illness.
Sex drive also seemed to influence how men perceived their overall health. Those who noticed a decline in their desire for intimacy had a 47% increased risk of feeling their health was worsening. Men who struggled with maintaining an erection had a 66% higher chance of rating their health poorly.
It wasn’t just about self-perception. Men who were less interested in physical intimacy had a 33% higher risk of being diagnosed with coronary heart disease compared to those with an active sex life.
A lower sex drive or a drop in how often men engaged in intimacy was linked to a 41% higher risk of developing long-term health issues. Even more concerning, there was a 63% increased likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer.
The study concluded that a decline in sexual activity, including lower desire and difficulty with arousal, was connected to multiple health concerns.
Meanwhile, another study in Japan found a possible link between lack of sexual interest and lifespan. Researchers analyzed data from 20,969 people to see how sexual interest related to longevity.
The study, published in a medical journal, highlighted that having an active interest in intimacy may be a sign of good health. Prior research has suggested that positive psychological factors can help people live longer and reduce risks of heart disease and cancer.
The study found that Japanese men over 40 who had little interest in intimacy had a higher risk of dying from any cause. Researchers suggested that maintaining a healthy interest in sex might play a role in living longer and improving overall well-being.
