Can sex really boost your lifespan? A new study says yes, but mostly for women

Could your sex life be the key to a longer life? According to a new study, women who regularly engage in sexual activity might just have a better shot at living longer. The findings come from a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative study conducted in the United States.

The study in a nutshell

The research, led by public health scientist Srikanta Banerjee of Walden University, surveyed 14,542 adults between the ages of 20 and 59. Participants were asked about their sexual activity over the past year. About 38% reported having sex at least once a week.

For women, the results were striking. Those who had sex less than 52 times a year were three times more likely to die from any cause over the five-year study period compared to those who had sex more frequently. This link remained significant even after accounting for factors like education, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Interestingly, the same connection wasn't found in men. However, sexual activity still played an important role for both men and women, especially those with poor mental health. Participants with depression who had sex less than 52 times a year had nearly a 200% higher chance of dying compared to non-depressed individuals, while those who were sexually active more than 52 times a year had a 75% higher risk.

Why sex matters — especially for women

The study builds on previous research that has highlighted the health benefits of partnered sex, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, increased happiness, and even enhanced brain health. Solo sexual activities, like masturbation, have also been linked to reduced stress and better sleep.

However, this new research suggests that the benefits of sexual activity may be more pronounced for women, particularly in terms of longevity. While the exact reasons for this aren't clear, the study's authors point out that depression, which is more common in women, has been linked to a higher risk of premature death. Regular sexual activity might offer some protection against this risk.

The limits of the research

It's important to note that the study doesn't delve into the specifics of sexual activity, such as the types of sex or the level of satisfaction involved. The authors acknowledge that adding more detailed measures of sexual satisfaction in future research could help to clarify the findings.

Before you jump to any conclusions, there’s an important caveat: the study also found that men who engaged in daily sexual activity were six times more likely to experience premature death than women who did the same. So while regular sex might be good for your health, moderation is key.

There’s still much to learn about how sexual activity affects long-term health outcomes. But the takeaway from this study seems clear: regular sex, in moderation, could be a boon to your health—especially if you’re a woman. Just remember to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

The full study was published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health.