Locations:
Search IconSearch

5 Common Questions About Sex and Your Heart

For starters, is sex really exercise?

man and woman talking in bed

By: Steven Nissen, MD

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Patients often ask me: Is sex good for your heart?

The question seems simple. The answer is complicated. In part because of the limits of what research can tell us. But we do have a strong sense that sex fits in with a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Below are answers to five common questions.

1. Is sex exercise?

Yes — but it’s not much exercise. You’re not going to burn your daily calories during an average sexual encounter (and few people want to admit to being average).

Assuming an average of five to 15 minutes for sex, you get about the same amount of activity as walking a mile in 20 minutes. If your partner is on top, they reach a heart rate of around 120. The partner on the bottom reaches about 110.

In other words, you get a minimum of cardiovascular exercise from sex. Don’t count on it as your only workout.

2. Is sex good for your heart?

Probably. For example, one study found that men who had sex twice a week or more were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who had sex once a month or less. Research like this typically focuses on men because more men have heart disease. But we generally apply the same reasoning to women, too.

Studies such as this don’t prove that sex prevents heart disease. But they do suggest sex is part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle. We tend to think of sex as a “marker” for your health. If you’re having more sex, there’s a good chance you’re fitter and more active to begin with. And if you’re too out of shape to enjoy sex, that may be motivation for lifestyle changes.

Advertisement

3. Will anyone prove sex is good for your heart?

Probably not. For example, observational studies can establish a correlation. But they can’t prove a cause-effect relationship.

To prove cause and effect, you need a randomized clinical trial with a control group that abstains from sex for a long time period. This seems unlikely. It’s one reason among many that we can say sex is probably good for your heart — but we can’t say it definitively.

4. If you have heart disease, is sex risky?

Not in the vast majority of cases. Patients often ask this after a heart attack or diagnosis of heart disease. If you’re fit enough for sex, we encourage it.

Your blood pressure will go up during sex, typically to a peak of around 160/90. That’s comparable to what happens during a brisk run for a few minutes, and it goes back down afterward.

There has been evidence that sex with an unfamiliar partner — like sex outside of a marriage — can be risky for men with heart disease. Men have even died during sex, but it’s rare.

5. Does sex benefit your overall health?

Yes, it likely does. Even if it’s not a high-intensity workout, regular sex can be a rewarding part of an overall healthy lifestyle. It can make you happier, more relaxed and less stressed.

Put simply: Sex is probably helpful to your heart and overall health. And because it’s not harmful to your heart (except in rare cases), “probably” might be all the answer you need.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Female reclining on couch holding laptop, having video appointment with healthcare provider
November 8, 2024/Sex & Relationships
Dealing With Vaginal Rips and Tears After Sex

Most tears down there are mild and heal on their own, but some require medical treatment

Adding spoonful of allulose to mug of coffee
November 4, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About Allulose

Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety

Female looking over their shoulder, with oversized tube of gel and x'd out sperm
October 28, 2024/Women's Health
Birth Control Gel: Effectiveness and How It Works

Birth control gel is simple to use and an effective method for preventing pregnancy

Couple snuggled up in bed together at night
September 23, 2024/Urinary & Kidney Health
Why You Get UTIs After Sex — and How To Prevent Them

Staying hydrated and peeing after sex can help prevent this common post-sex condition

Smiling Person briskly walking outside on sidewalk, jacket tied around waist
September 18, 2024/Heart Health
Can Walking Speed Be a Sign of Your Heart Health?

Studies show those who walk faster tend to have a lower risk of heart disease

Older person with can, sitting down on bed
September 16, 2024/Heart Health
Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Recognizing subtle symptoms, like cold sweats, stomach discomfort and nausea, could be the key to survival

Person standing on scale in their bathroom, with measuring tape around waist
August 16, 2024/Heart Health
Do Statins Cause Weight Gain?

Statin use has been associated with weight gain but the reasons aren’t clear — and the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks

Female breastfeeding in baby's room
August 15, 2024/Women's Health
Yes, You Can Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding

You may have a lower chance of getting pregnant while nursing — but it’s still possible

Trending Topics

Person sitting on floor at night next to bed in deep thought, with partner sleeping in bed
Understanding Mental Load: What It Is and How It Affects You

When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Smiling person with headphones on, sweeping floor in living room
Understanding Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT Exercise)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being

Ad