A lack of sexual activity could significantly increase the risk of early death among men, a new study has revealed. An analysis of data from 20,000 individuals found that men with low libido were two-thirds more likely to die prematurely compared to those with a higher sexual appetite.
These findings held true even after researchers adjusted for factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, existing health conditions, and physical activity. This suggests that reduced sexual interest itself may be a contributing factor to increased mortality risk, although the authors emphasize that more research is needed.
This follows previous research suggesting that celibate men are at greater risk of developing cancer and other chronic illnesses—though they may be less likely to suffer heart attacks.
In the Japanese study, scientists analyzed health data from over 7,500 men and 11,000 women aged 40 and above, tracking their health outcomes over seven years. At the start of the study, participants were asked whether they had “any interest in people of the opposite sex.” Respondents who answered “no” were categorized as having low sexual interest.
The analysis found that men who reported a lack of sexual desire had a 69% higher risk of death over the study period. More specifically, those men had a 72% higher chance of dying from cancer, although they were not found to be more likely to develop cancer in the first place.
Interestingly, while women were more than twice as likely as men to report low libido, researchers found no significant link between low sexual interest and mortality risk in women.
The study’s authors from Yamagata University stated:
“Based on our results, we suggest that lack of sexual interest itself contributes to an increased risk of all-cause mortality, independent of established risk factors in men over 40.”
Published in the journal PLOS One, the study was observational in nature, meaning it cannot definitively prove that low libido causes premature death. The authors also acknowledged the possibility of other factors influencing the results.
They noted that men with low sexual interest were more likely to drink heavily, suffer from diabetes, laugh less, experience psychological distress, and have lower educational attainment.
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One standout finding was that these men were more likely to report a lack of “ikigai”—a Japanese concept that translates to a reason for living or a sense of life purpose.
“Based on these results, we speculate that maintaining sexual interest may be related to positive psychological well-being and ikigai, especially among men,” the researchers added.
Sexual Activity May Protect Men’s Health
This isn’t the first study to suggest sex has protective effects on men’s health.
A British study involving over 5,700 men aged 50 and above found that those who had less sex were 63% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 41% more likely to develop long-term illnesses.
Dr. Lee Smith of Anglia Ruskin University, who co-authored the study, explained:
“It is important to remember that sex is a form of physical activity, albeit often performed at a moderate intensity, burning around 3.6 calories per minute. All exercise comes with health benefits, and sex is no different.”
Another UK-based study from the 1990s, which looked at about 1,000 Welsh men, found that regular sexual activity cut death rates by nearly 50%.
Further American research showed that men who have sex frequently are up to 45% less likely to develop life-threatening heart conditions than those who are sexually active only once a month or less.
Other Health Benefits of Regular Sex
Regular ejaculation—whether through sex or masturbation—has also been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. One study found that men who ejaculated at least 21 times a month were one-third less likely to develop the disease compared to those who did so four to seven times.
Researchers theorize that frequent ejaculation may help clear the prostate of cancer-causing substances or prevent the buildup of calcium deposits linked to prostate cancer.
What About Women?
Separate research suggests that a lack of sex may also negatively impact women. A study found that women aged 20 to 59 who had sex less than once a week were at a 70% higher risk of death within five years.
Across genders, the health benefits of sexual activity are wide-ranging—including improved sleep, a stronger immune system, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and better cardiovascular health.
Proceed with Caution
However, experts warn against jumping to conclusions. They caution that a reduced sex life might simply be a symptom of underlying health issues, rather than a direct cause of increased mortality risk.
As always, more research is needed to better understand the connections between sexual activity, physical health, and longevity.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL
