Could Having More Sex Add Years to Your Life?

by Anna Maltby

John Dolan
John Dolan

When fruit flies think a potential mate is sexually available, but those same flies aren't able to actually mate, their health and longevity suffer, according to a study published in the journal Science. "They experienced severe health-related consequences, including significantly reduced lifespan, stress resistance and fat storage," study author Scott Pletcher, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan told SELF.

Why?

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"This is the big question. The short answer is 'We don't know,' although we have some hypotheses we are testing now," Pletcher says. "Different types of sensory perception can have big effects on health and aging -- one might speculate that when male flies perceive females nearby, they devote energy to prepare for reproduction, and if that does not happen, they suffer the consequences."

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The other question: Could this finding translate to humans? The researchers can't say for sure, but they hope some insights from their study may inform future studies in humans.

OK, so maybe we can't say that going without sex will shorten your lifespan. But we do know that sex can be awesome for your health. It helps with pain relief, heart health and sleep. Even just a great smooch can aid your immune system, reduce stress and help reduce allergies. Bottom line: Getting it on = good stuff.

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