A new study indicates that men with high libido may live longer than their counterparts. The research, conducted by Japanese scientists, examined health data for 8,500 men, mostly in their 60s, over a period of seven years. The findings revealed that participants who expressed interest in sex at the beginning of the study had a 69% lower risk of dying from any cause by the end of the research period.
The researchers hypothesize that low sex drive may be an indicator of poor overall health, possibly due to factors such as poor diet, obesity, or chronic diseases. A healthy sex life has been associated with better mental and physical health, with experts advising couples to engage in sexual activity at least once or twice a week.
Dr. Kaori Sakurada from Yamagata University, who led the study, noted that men’s lack of interest in sex might be connected to unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking and diabetes. Additionally, she suggested that a lack of sexual interest could potentially influence a variety of inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and immune responses.
Medical professionals recommend engaging in sexual activity at least once or twice a week to reap its numerous benefits, such as reducing stress and inflammation and improving mood. The study involved 21,000 participants from seven cities and collected data on their interest in sex, lifestyle habits, and health outcomes. The results showed that men with a lack of interest in sex were more likely to be older, have diabetes, and experience lower levels of happiness. Interestingly, the findings did not show a significant difference in marital or divorce status between the two groups. The same pattern was not observed among women, and the researchers did not offer an explanation for this discrepancy.
Experts advise that couples should aim for at least once a month sexual activity, although individual preferences may vary. Less frequent sex may lead to relationship issues. Dr. Ian Kerner, a sex therapist, said that people who do not feel desired by their partners or have a biological craving for sex might not be engaging in enough sexual activity. He also explained how to recognize if one is having too much sex, citing factors such as feeling pressured or experiencing a lack of control over sexual impulses.
