The taboo of sex can often be quite awkward to talk about out loud – regardless of how old you are.
But the reality is, we all do it, or will do at some point.
New research shows those who have sex regularly are actually better off it for it health-wise – but what will happen to those who aren’t?
Luckily, you won’t have to confront your doctor or bother Google as BirminghamLive reports mindfulness website HackSpirit has provided the answer.
Slower brain growth
Having more sex can actually make you smarter in your old age.
Studies by Oxford and Coventry universities found people who had regular romps scored higher on tests for fluent speech and ability to perceive objects visually, The Mirror reported.
Another study found middle-aged rats produced new brain cells after mating.
(Image: Getty)
Increased risk of heart disease
A scientific study has found having sex just twice a week halves a man’s chances of getting clogged arteries compared to those who indulge less than once a month.
And recent research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found having sex slashed men’s levels of homocysteine, a harmful chemical which can trigger cardiac problems.
It is believed men getting regular sex often have better circulation and healthier blood vessels.
But the benefits are less pronounced for women because their arousal is less dependent on healthy blood flow – a key factor in keeping homocysteine under control.
(Image: Getty)
More stress
You might be feeling sexually frustrated for a good reason, as research shows a session beneath the sheets is good for relieving stress.
A landmark 2005 study published in the journal Biological Psychology suggested intercourse is far more effective than masturbation.
Sex increases the levels of endorphins and the hormone oxytocin produced by the brain. Studies show oxytocin can offset the effects of stress-causing hormone cortisol.
You get sick more often
The human body’s immune system gets a boost from sex.
Studies show it produces more of Immunoglobulin A, the antibody which fights off illnesses like flu.
Those who have sex twice a week produce 30 more per cent of it than those who abstain, according to Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
It’s harder to get an erection
Men who are going through a dry spell could be damaging their sex life in the future.
An American study in 2008 showed men who made love less than once a week were twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction as those who performed more regularly.
Higher risk of developing prostate cancer
Research published in the US shows men who ejaculate 21 or more times a year had a 33 per cent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
It has been speculated that orgasms lessen the risk by lowering stress and regulating the metabolism of cells.
Less lubrication
After a break from sexual activity, the vagina can fail to lubricate properly.
The cause is said to be a lack of the hormone oestrogen, which makes older women particularly susceptible.
Younger women in their 20s and 30s are far less at risk from the side effect because they already produce plenty of the hormones.
Porn might not help
Experts say frequent watching of pornography can de-sensitise men and make them less likely to get aroused in the bedroom.
Males in their late teens and early 20s who watch explicit material could suffer the kind of problems middle-aged men suffer.
