A recent study published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health has found that women who have sex less than once a week are at a significantly increased risk of death within five years. The research, led by Dr. Srikanta Banerjee, used a large database from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to analyze data from 14,542 men and women.
The study found that around 38% of participants reported having sex once a week or more, while 95% had sex more than 12 times per year. The researchers compared this data with another CDC database on deaths up to the end of 2015, as well as US National Death Index (NDI) death certificate records.
According to the study, increased risk of death was found to be 197% higher for individuals who reported low sexual frequency and depression, compared to those with depression alone. The researchers suggest that this may be due to the severity of how depression affects women.
The study also found that sex releases endorphins, which can prevent severe health outcomes. Blood samples showed elevated levels of a key protein linked to inflammation in women who had sex less than once a week, while participants who had sex more than once a week had lower levels of this protein and no increased death risk.
Interestingly, the study found that men who had the most sex were almost six times more likely to experience increased mortality than women. However, for women, the study states that sexual expression is an essential component of both physical and mental health.
The researchers conclude that sexual activity is important for overall cardiovascular health, possibly due to reduction of heart rate variability and blood flow increase. While no one should feel pressured into having sex, this study highlights the importance of prioritizing sexual health for women’s overall well-being.
Source: https://www.tyla.com/life/sex-and-relationships/scientists-warning-women-sex-once-week-study-071843-20250306