Totally did not expect this lol
Georgia Lynn
Contributing Writer
For centuries, sexual activity has been viewed as a natural and essential part of human life, often tied to physical and emotional well-being. However, recent scientific research has begun to uncover a surprising twist: a lack of sex might do more than just dampen a man’s mood—it could have measurable effects on his health.
Studies spanning large populations and diverse age groups are shedding light on how declines in sexual activity may be linked to serious health problems in men, from heart disease to cancer. Here’s what scientists have discovered about this intriguing connection.
The Research Unveiled
One pivotal study, Declines in Sexual Activity and Function Predict Incident Health Problems in Older Adults: Prospective Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, published in 2020, tracked 2,577 men and 3,195 women aged 50 and older over four years. The findings were striking for men: those who reported a decline in sexual desire had a 41% higher odds of developing a limiting long-standing illness and a 63% increased risk of incident cancer compared to those who maintained their desire.
Additionally, men experiencing erectile dysfunction faced a 73% higher risk of cancer, a 129% increased risk of coronary heart disease, and a 66% higher likelihood of rating their health as fair or poor. The study suggests that a drop in sexual activity or function could serve as an early warning sign of underlying health issues, prompting researchers to urge healthcare providers to pay attention.
Another recent investigation, published in 2023 in The Journal of Sexual Research titled Is Sex Good for Your Brain? A National Longitudinal Study on Sexuality and Cognitive Function among Older Adults in the United States, explored how sexual inactivity might affect more than just the body. Analyzing data from U.S. adults aged 62 and older, the study found that men who were sexually inactive showed faster cognitive decline compared to their sexually active peers. The researchers hypothesize that sexual activity might bolster brain health through physical exertion, emotional bonding, or the release of beneficial hormones like endorphins—leaving sexually inactive men potentially more vulnerable to age-related cognitive issues.
Adding to this, a 2021 study from The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sleep Quality, Duration, and Associated Sexual Function at Older Age: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, revealed a bidirectional relationship between sleep and sexual health. Among men over 50, poor sleep quality was linked to higher odds of erectile difficulties, with moderate sleep issues increasing the risk by 47%. While the study didn’t directly tie this to broader health outcomes, it underscores how a lack of sexual function might reflect—or exacerbate—other physiological problems, like sleep disturbances, which are known to impact cardiovascular and mental health.
What’s Happening Under the Hood?
Scientists are piecing together why a lack of sex might hit men’s health so hard. One theory points to the physical benefits of sexual activity: it’s a form of exercise that boosts heart rate, improves circulation, and releases endorphins, which could fend off chronic conditions. Without it, men might miss out on these protective effects. Hormones also play a role—regular sex increases testosterone levels, which support muscle mass, bone density, and mood stability. A decline in sexual activity could signal or contribute to lower testosterone, potentially accelerating aging-related health declines.
Psychological factors can’t be ignored either. The emotional intimacy and stress relief from sexual activity might buffer against depression and anxiety, conditions linked to poorer physical health outcomes. For older men, a lack of sex might reflect social isolation or relationship strain—both known risk factors for illness. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing hints that sexual inactivity could be a marker of broader health deterioration, not just a cause, making it a complex chicken-and-egg scenario that researchers are still unraveling.
Beyond the Bedroom: What Can Men Do Instead?
If sexual activity isn’t on the table—whether due to circumstance, health, or choice—men don’t have to sit idly by as their well-being takes a hit. Here are five evidence-backed alternatives to keep health in check:
Hit the Gym or Take a Walk z
