Sexual activity offers numerous physical and psychological benefits, such as lowering high blood pressure, enhancing the immune system, and promoting better sleep.
Engaging in sexual intercourse and experiencing orgasm triggers the release of oxytocin, commonly referred to as the “love hormone,” which plays a crucial role in fostering trust and establishing bonds between individuals.
However, there exists a darker aspect to sex: occasional fatalities occurring during or shortly after sexual activity. Fortunately, such incidents are exceedingly rare, accounting for only 0.6 percent of all instances of sudden death.
Several factors contribute to these occurrences. Often, the physical exertion of sexual activity plays a significant role, compounded by the use of prescription medications (such as those for erectile dysfunction) or illicit substances like cocaine, sometimes in combination.
The risk of sudden cardiac death tends to increase with age. A forensic analysis of 32,000 sudden deaths in Germany spanning 33 years revealed that 0.2 percent of cases occurred during sexual activity.
These incidents predominantly affect men, with an average age of 59 years, and the primary cause is typically a heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction. Studies from the United States, France, and South Korea examining sudden cardiac death and sexual activity corroborate these findings.
