According to a study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, while older women may benefit from frequent sex, for men, too much sex could put them at high risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
The researchers analyzed data from 2,204 adults between the ages of 57 and 85 and measured their risk of cardiovascular problems.
The researchers then reviewed the participants’ data for their findings five years later.
They measured cardiovascular risk from high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, elevated C-reactive proteins, and heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Their findings were quite alarming for older men.
Over a five-year period, the older men who reported having sex at least once a week were more likely to have a cardiovascular problem than men who abstained from sex or were inactive.
Fortunately, older women don’t have the same risk.
There are a few explanations as to why this occurs. According to Hui (Cathy) Liu, lead author of the study and associate professor of sociology at Michigan State University, “As men age, they may have greater difficulty reaching orgasm for medical or emotional reasons.
“As a result, they can exert themselves to a greater degree of fatigue and put relatively more stress on their cardiovascular system to reach peaks that can be detrimental to health.”
Well, we’ve never heard of orgasms that can kill you! Another possible cause for this?
Men who take prescription or over-the-counter medications for sexual dysfunction.
It could also have to do with the emotional factors of sex.
“A fairly high frequency of sex may indicate problems with sexual addiction, sexual compulsion, or sexual impulsivity — related to mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression — which can lead to negative cardiovascular health,” says Liu.
Though these results may be worrisome, Liu says men (and women) shouldn’t be afraid to have sex.
Instead, take the right precautions to ensure your health comes first.
“Moderate frequency of sex is actually good for older men, but high frequency of sex is risky for older men.
Good sexual quality is important for older women.
I think it’s important for older people to understand the potential risks and benefits of sex.”
Furious! That’s a relief.
