Scientists find link between men's sexual interest and death

Scientists say that a persistent low libido is a sign of poor habits like smoking and drinking, which raise the risk of chronic disease.

The experts studied medical records and surveyed answers from more than 20,000 men and women in Japan for more than a decade.

Data shows that males over 40 that had a lack of sexual interest were almost twice as likely to die from cancer, with the risk of death from heart disease one and a half times greater.

The findings remained true even when researchers took into account other variables such as underlying health conditions and exercise levels.

The study authors from Yamagata University said: "Although sexual activity and sexual satisfaction are considered of benefit to psychological health and well-being in older groups, the association between sexual interest and longevity has not been investigated.

"This study is the first to prospectively examine associations between sexual interest and  mortality, and cardiovascular and cancer mortality in a community-based population."

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