SEX when you're older may affect your heart health.
But depending on your gender, it can either be good or terrible.
Michigan State University researchers think men who have frequent, good quality sex have an increased risk of cardiovascular events while women having regular sex have a decreased risk.
Lead researcher Hui Liu said men having sex once a week or more were almost two times as likely to have a cardiovascular event, such as stroke or heart attack, than men who didn't.
"Moreover, older men who found sex with their partner extremely pleasurable or satisfying had a higher risk," she said.
The findings may indicate that a sexual relationship is too hard for older men, as many may experience sexual health problems.
"Because older men have more difficulties reaching orgasm for medical or emotional reasons than do their younger counterparts, they may exert themselves to a greater degree of exhaustion and create more stress on their cardiovascular system."
Testosterone levels and sexual health medication may also contribute.
The opposite effect occurs for women.
Female participants who engaged in regular sex had a lower risk of hypertension.
"Good sexual quality may protect older women from cardiovascular risk later in life," Professor Liu said.
Relationship psychology may be partly responsible for the different results between genders.
Professor Liu explains that a close, intimate relationship may provide women with a source of emotional and social support.
This could result in reduced stress and anxiety, which may translate to better cardiovascular health.
