Table of Contents Show
If you engage in sexual activity, you can reap certain health benefits. Similar to sports, neglecting sex will not result in any adverse consequences, nor will it increase the risk of mental or physical illness.
What We Know About the Effects of Sex on Men’s Health
While data on how sexual activity affects men is limited, current knowledge suggests that the complete absence of sex does not have any adverse effects on health. In 2014, American scientists drew this conclusion by analyzing data from the National Epidemiological Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) conducted in 2004-2005. The study involved 14,427 men aged 40 and over who were randomly selected to participate.
The participants in the study were asked to complete a questionnaire that inquired about their sexual frequency, history of mental illness, and diagnosis of common conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Out of the 14,427 men, 0.9 percent reported a complete absence of sexual intercourse in their previous years. Comparing this group to men who reported engaging in sexual activity, the study found no significant differences between the two groups in terms of their physical and mental health.
Although individuals who avoided sex were found to have higher rates of obesity and anxiety disorder, it is not possible to draw a causal link between the lack of sex and these conditions based on this type of research. It could be possible that people with these conditions avoid social interaction and, as a result, abstain from sexual intercourse. There is a lack of research on the consequences of partial abstinence from sex. However, doctors and sexologists have observed that the need for sexual activity is biologically determined and varies among individuals. Some experience sexual desire frequently, while others experience it infrequently or not at all. Asexual individuals do not experience sexual desire at all.
Although some asexual individuals never engage in sexual activity, most of them do so occasionally, but only in specific circumstances. Studies conducted by New Zealand scientists on the well-being of people with different sexual identities have found that asexuality has no detrimental effects on mental or physical health.
How Sex Can Be Beneficial
It is not accurate to claim that men derive no benefits from sexual activity. During ejaculation and orgasm, the body releases a substantial amount of dopamine, which increases feelings of happiness and reduces stress levels. In addition, endorphins are also released, which are natural painkillers that can help alleviate migraine attacks and headaches. However, there are other benefits of sexual activity that extend beyond just the release of these neurotransmitters.
A significant study conducted in 2016 discovered that men who ejaculated a minimum of three times per week before the age of 50 had a 50% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who reported only four to seven ejaculations per month. This finding suggests that regular ejaculation may have a protective effect against the development of prostate cancer.
Older people can still benefit from sexual activity, although the benefits may not be as significant as when they were younger. Individuals aged 57 and above who engage in sexual activity with a partner once or three times a month have a lower five-year risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those who avoid intercourse.
However, those in the same age group who engaged in sexual activity once or three times a week had a higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those who refrained from sex completely. The authors of the study speculated that this increased risk was not due to the sexual activity itself, but rather the fact that these men were using erectile dysfunction drugs. The misuse of such drugs is detrimental to the health of the heart and blood vessels.
It appears that sexual activity can enhance brain function, among other benefits. In fact, men between the ages of 50 and 90 who participated in any form of sexual activity, including intercourse, masturbation, and petting, at least once in the past year had better memory compared to those who abstained from sexual activity.
What’s the Bottom Line
While the available data are not enough to draw definitive conclusions, they do indicate that sexual activity is generally healthy. However, the frequency of sexual activity does not seem to be as crucial.
Responses