We all know that sex can have many benefits for our health, as long as that sex is safe, consensual, and non-destructive. While men and women share certain benefits of having regular, healthy sexual relations, the hormonal differences between the sexes do mean that sex has a different impact on health. Research has increasingly shown a strong link between sexual activity and overall health, particularly for men over the age of 50. A recent study conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, sheds light on the potential health risks associated with a decline in sexual activity among men in this age group. It is important to note that this decrease in sexual activity was due to a lack of personal desire, aka decreased libido, not external reasons.
The Health Implications of Men Not Having Enough Sex: The Study
The study, titled “Declines in Sexual Activity and Function Predict Incident Health Problems in Older Adults: Prospective Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing,” involved over 5,700 participants. They placed a significant focus on the impact of not having enough sex on men. The findings revealed that men who are not actively engaged in sexual intercourse are at a higher risk of developing serious health conditions compared to those who are sexually active. This was particularly seen in men over the age of 50. The research showed, however, that it wasn’t due to men wanting to have sex and not getting it, but rather low levels of desire on their part.
Impact on Men’s Health
So what does this mean? Is it the lack of desire, aka low libido, that is a marker for potential health risks? Or is it the actual lack of sexual activity itself that is putting these men at risk? According to the research, men over 50 who experience a decrease in sexual desire or activity are more likely to face health challenges. The study found that men who reported a decline in their sex drive were 47 percent more likely to believe their health had deteriorated. Additionally, those who struggled with erectile dysfunction had a 66 percent higher risk of self-rated health deterioration. So it is a bit of both, or perhaps a chicken-and-the-egg situation. The men aren’t necessarily having less sex because their partner doesn’t want to or because they can’t find anyone to have sex with, but rather, they are having less because their own levels of desire have decreased. This may or may not have to do with erectile dysfunction, which can be embarrassing and distressing for many men.
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Cardiovascular and Chronic Health Risks
Furthermore, the study highlighted that men who are less inclined to engage in physical intimacy with a partner face a 33 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Again, it is important to note that these are not men who are being told ‘no’ from their partner, but rather men who are lacking libido themselves. This suggests that a low sex drive or a decline in sexual activity can have significant implications for cardiovascular health in older men.
Notably, the research also pointed out that men who are not having frequent sexual activity are at a heightened risk of developing chronic illnesses, including cancer. Specifically, the study indicated a 63 percent increase in the likelihood of incident cancer among men over 50 who are not engaging in regular sexual activity. This research shows that a man’s decrease in libido should not simply be waved off as a factor of age. Rather, doctors should be working with their older male patients to get to the bottom of the reasons why their desire has decreased, so that these can be corrected for. Whether it’s simply low libido or has erectile dysfunction intertwined with it, doctors can work with these men to help get their mojo back. Not only will those men be able to continue having fulfilling sex lives, but also it will have a protective effect on their health.
Associations with Mortality Rates
In addition to these findings, a separate study in Japan highlighted the association between lack of sexual interest and overall mortality rates in males over 40 years old. The research suggested that maintaining sexual interest could play a role in increasing longevity and promoting good health outcomes. Again, it is not necessarily the act of sex itself that is at play here, but rather the desire to have sex in the first place. If someone’s desire has gone away, this can often signify hormonal or other issues that are occurring in the body. Addressing those problems will allow that man to want to have sex again. From there, they can start also enjoying the actual benefits that come from having sex itself.
The Bottom Line
Overall, these studies not only emphasize the importance of sexual intimacy for older men’s health and well-being, but the importance of simply the desire to have sex at all. A decline in sexual activity or interest in having sex could potentially serve as a warning sign for underlying health risks. These risks include chronic illnesses and cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, maintaining a healthy sex drive and therefore sex life may not only enhance quality of life but also serve as a crucial indicator of overall health for men over 50. As more research uncovers the intricate relationship between sexual health and general well-being, it is essential for both men and women to prioritize physical intimacy as a vital aspect of their health maintenance routine, especially as they age. If either are experiencing a notable lack of libido, they should speak with their doctor to understand why and how to correct for it.
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