Sex once a week in old age ‘increases risk of heart attack’ – but ONLY for men
The better the sex the greater a man's risk of heart attack, but for older women good sex can lower blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy sex life is part and parcel of ensuring a long and happy life, right?
Wrong, say scientists.
A surprising new study, released today, reveals the widely held belief that having sex well into old age is beneficial to all may not actually hold true.
For, the findings show having regular sex - and enjoying it - puts older men at higher risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
But, while the results are bad news for older men, the fairer sex have cause to celebrate.
For older women, in contrast, good sex may actually lower their risk of high blood pressure, and the subsequent potential heart problems.
That's according to the first large-scale study of how sex affects heart health in later life.
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Lead researcher Dr Hui Liu, an associate professor of sociology at Michigan State University, said: "These findings challenge the widely held assumption that sex brings uniform health benefits to everyone."
Dr Liu and her colleagues examined data related to 2,204 people in the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project in the US.
Participants were aged 57 to 85 when the first wave of data was collected in 2005-06.
Another round of data was then taken five years later.
Cardiovascular risk was measured as high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, elevated C-reactive protein and general heart problems, including heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Older men who had sex once a week or more were much more likely to suffer a cardiovascular event five years later, when compared with older men who were sexually inactive.
The same risk was not found for women, the researchers noted.
"Strikingly, we find that having sex once a week or more puts older men at a risk for experiencing cardiovascular events that is almost two times greater than older men who are sexually inactive," said Dr Liu.
"Moreover, older men who found sex with their partner extremely pleasurable or satisfying had a higher risk of cardiovascular events than men who did not feel so."
She said the findings suggest the strain and demands from a sexual relationship may be more relevant for men as they get older, becoming increasingly frail and suffer more sexual problems.
"Because older men have more difficulties reaching orgasm for medical or emotional reasons than do their younger counterparts, they may exert themselves to a greater degree of exhaustion and create more stress on their cardiovascular system in order to achieve climax," she added.
Testosterone levels and the use of medication to improve sexual function may also play a role.
"Although scientific evidence is still rare," Dr Liu said, "it is likely that such sexual medication or supplements have negative effects on older men's cardiovascular health."
Strikingly, we find that having sex once a week or more puts older men at a risk for experiencing cardiovascular events that is almost two times greater than older men who are sexually inactive
Dr Hui Liu
Ultimately, while moderate amounts of sex may promote health among older men, having sex too frequently or too enjoyably may be a risk factor for cardiovascular problems, Dr Liu warned.
She said: "Physicians should talk to older male patients about potential risks of high levels of sexual activity and perhaps screen those who frequently have sex for cardiovascular issues."
For women, it was a different story.
Female participants who found sex to be extremely pleasurable or satisfying had lower risk of hypertension five years later than female participants who did not feel so.
"For women, we have good news: Good sexual quality may protect older women from cardiovascular risk in later life," Dr Liu said.
Previous studies suggest that strong, deep and close relationship is an important source of social and emotional support, which may reduce stress and promote psychological well-being and, in turn, cardiovascular health.
"This may be more relevant to women than to men," Dr Liu said, "because men in all relationships, regardless of quality, are more likely to receive support from their partner than are women.
"However, only women in good quality relationships may acquire such benefits from their partner."
Moreover, the female sexual hormone released during orgasm may also promote women's health, she said.
The findings are published today in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour.
