MDLinxThis is How Not Having Sex Impacts Your Health

The Hidden Health Costs of Sexual Inactivity: Unveiling Its Impact on Physical and Psychological Well-being

This article systematically examines the health implications of sexual inactivity, demonstrating how lack of sexual engagement can have wide-ranging effects on both physical and psychological health. It reinforces the importance of addressing sexual health with patients, as regular sexual activity is shown to offer protective benefits against various chronic illnesses and improve overall well-being.

Key Points:

• Sexual Activity and Health Benefits: Regular sexual activity is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease, fatal heart events, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, primarily through the increased release of endorphins.
• Risks of Sexual Inactivity: Lack of sexual activity is linked with heightened cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension in older adults.
• Sexual Satisfaction and Physical Well-being: Discontent with sexual life in cardiovascular disease patients is correlated with poorer physical health outcomes.
• Marital Sexual Frequency and Mortality: Lower frequency of sexual activity in married individuals with hypertension is associated with higher mortality rates.
• Sexual Desire and Long-term Health: Men with reduced sexual desire have a higher likelihood of developing long-term illnesses and cancers over time.
• Sexual Inactivity in Women: Women who experience reduced sexual arousal have a significantly higher risk of stroke.
• Immune System Benefits: Frequent sexual activity boosts the immune system, enhancing protection against infections like COVID-19.
• Sexual Function and Psychological Health: Active sexual life acts as a natural stress reliever and improves conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Sexual Activity and Self-esteem: There is a positive correlation between frequent sexual activity and improved body image and self-esteem across different sexual orientations.

“In reality, a 6-minute sex encounter typically burns just 21 kcal for a man in his 30s—only 14 kcal more than watching TV.”

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