Does Sex Speed Aging?

Medically Reviewed on 1/26/2023

A couple in bed with each other
Sexual activity does not speed up the aging process. Regular sexual activity may have a number of health benefits.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that engaging in sexual activity can speed up the aging process.

In fact, some research has suggested that regular sexual activity may have a number of health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, boosting the immune system, and reducing stress.

  • Still, it is important to practice safe sex in order to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Using condoms and other forms of protection can help protect against these risks and allow people to enjoy the potential benefits of sexual activity without negative consequences.
  • Sexual activity is a personal choice and people should only engage in it if they feel comfortable and ready to do so. It is not necessary to have sex in order to be healthy or happy, and everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their sexual activity.

Can sex lengthen your life span?

There is some evidence that an active sex life may be associated with a longer lifespan although the research on this topic is limited and the findings are not definitive.

  • A study published in the British Medical Journal in 1997 found that men who reported having at least two orgasms per week had a 50 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease compared with those who had less frequent orgasms.
  • Other studies have reported similar associations between active sex life and a lower risk of heart disease and other health problems.

It is important to note that these studies do not prove that sex causes a longer lifespan, as there may be other factors that contribute to both an active sex life and good health. 

What are the health benefits of sex?

There is some evidence to suggest that regular sexual activity may be associated with longer life spans in both men and women. One possible reason for this is that sexual activity has been linked to various health benefits, such as:

  • Improved cardiovascular health: Sexual activity has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart attack and stroke and improved overall cardiovascular health.
  • Stress reduction: Sexual activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on overall health and lifespan.
  • Boosted immunity: Some research has suggested that regular sexual activity may boost the immune system, which potentially helps reduce the risk of certain illnesses.
  • Increased lifespan: Some studies have reported that people who report having regular sexual activity tend to live longer than those who are sexually inactive.

It's important to note that these studies have generally reported an association between sexual activity and health benefits, rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

SLIDESHOW

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Causes and Treatment See Slideshow

What is the relationship between regular sex and telomeres?

There is some evidence to suggest that regular sexual activity may have a positive effect on telomeres, which are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that play a role in aging and diseases. Telomeres naturally shorten as we age, and shorter telomeres have been associated with a greater risk of age-related diseases and earlier death.

  • A study of older adults found that people who reported having regular sexual activity had longer telomeres compared to those who did not. This study was small and did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, so more research is needed to confirm the link between sexual activity and telomere length.
  • Other factors, such as diet, exercise, stress levels, and genetics, also play a role in telomere health and the overall health and well-being of an individual. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and engage in activities that promote overall physical and mental well-being.

How often should you have sex to possibly slow down aging?

  • There is no scientific evidence to suggest that having sex on a specific frequency will slow down the aging process. Although having a healthy and active sex life can have numerous physical and mental health benefits, it is not a factor that has been proven to impact the rate at which the body ages.
  • It is important to remember that everyone is different and what may be an enjoyable and fulfilling frequency of sexual activity for one person may be different for another. It is important to find a balance that works for you and your partner and to communicate openly about your needs and desires.

How does sex play an important role in happy relationships?

  • Sex can play an important role in happy relationships for several reasons. It can help partners feel physically and emotionally close to one another, and it can be an important source of intimacy and connection. In addition, regular sexual activity can have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting the immune system. 
  • Sex is just one aspect of a relationship and there are many other factors that contribute to a happy partnership, including communication, trust and mutual respect. Remember that what works for one couple may not work for another. It's important for partners to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and desires for a healthy relationship.
Medically Reviewed on 1/26/2023
References
Can Good Sex Keep You Young? https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/sex-keep-young#: AB59.

Can sexual health contribute to longevity? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708348/