Sex is bad for older men, says heart study

Updated
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Pharmaceuticals have granted older men the option of staying sexually active, but whether or not doing so is a good idea has been a matter of debate.

According to a recent study, caution is advised. Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Chicago found that men who considered sex enjoyable and engaged in the activity weekly were more likely to experience increased cardiovascular risk.

See also: How the menopause affects your sex life

See also: Women prefer food to sex, says study

Conditions include hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Women, on the other hand, suffered no such health consequences and, in some cases, benefited.

One of the study's authors suggests a number of reasons for the varying affects.

She posits that exertion and medication may both prove detrimental for men.

Female advantages could be rooted in both hormone releases and the relationship itself, as strong bonds have been shown to aid wellbeing.

Data for the study was gathered from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project and focused on participants between the ages of 57 and 85.

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