The expert also said certain drugs and alcohol could increase the risk of sudden death during sex.

A medical practitioner and health advocate in the Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Adebayo, said sex and sudden death were two topics often thought of as being unrelated but that in reality they were closely linked.

Adebayo said, “The most common cause of sudden death during sex is cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including an underlying heart condition, an increase in physical activity during sex or a combination of both. Other causes of sudden death during sex include stroke, aneurysm and pulmonary embolism. It is important to note that the risk of sudden death during sex is higher for certain individuals, such as those with existing heart conditions or those who engage in risky sexual activities. Additionally, certain drugs and alcohol can increase the risk of sudden death during sex. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce them.”

He said the best way to prevent sudden death during sex was to take proper precaution.

He added, “Individuals with existing heart conditions should talk to their doctor before engaging in sexual activity to ensure that their condition is properly managed. It is also important to avoid drugs and alcohol before engaging in sexual activity as these can increase the risk of sudden death.

“It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and other causes of sudden death. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting. If any of these symptoms occur during sexual activity, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

“Sex and sudden death are closely linked, and it is important to take proper precautions to reduce the risk of sudden death during sexual activity. This includes avoiding risky sexual activities, using protection, talking to a doctor if necessary, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and being aware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and other causes of sudden death. By taking these steps, individuals can reduce their risk of sudden death during sex and enjoy a safe and healthy sexual experience.”

In Germany, a forensic post-mortem study of 32,000 sudden deaths over a 33-year period found that 0.2 per cent of cases occurred during sexual activity. The study also showed that sudden death occurred mostly in men with an average age of 59 years, and the most frequent cause was a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction.

The researchers found that low sex drive is often a symptom of more serious health problems that can increase the risk of chronic disease, including cardiovascular issues, obesity and poor lifestyle habits.

They noted that sexual interest is essential for maintaining positive sexual relationships and sexual function, which have been recognised as important indicators of good health and quality of life.

The study titled ‘Association between lack of sexual interest and all-cause mortality in a Japanese general population: The Yamagata prospective observational study’ was published in PLOS One.

The study was led by Prof Kaori Sakurada of the Department of Fundamental Nursing, Yamagata University Graduate School of Nursing, Yamagata, Japan.

The study enrolled 20,969 people – 8,558 males and 12,411 females, who participated in annual health check-ups in Yamagata Prefecture, and their sexual habits and interests were examined over a decade.

The researchers said, “Based on our results, we suggest that lack of sexual interest itself contributes to an increased risk of all-cause mortality, independent of established risk factors in men over 40 years old. However, it is possible that some important confounding factors were not identified or adjusted.

They noted that how the lack of sexual interest impacts health and longevity remained precisely unknown, but several possibilities could be considered.

Commenting on the study, a consultant urologist at the Ogah Hospital and Urology Centre, Fugar, Edo State, Dr Gabriel Ogah, said being healthy could increase longevity and sexual drive logically.

“When people are healthy, they are more likely to have a high libido. If someone is more healthy and has more money in his pocket, his libido will be high because that person can fund it. But if you have no money to pay for your temptation, then you won’t have a high libido, generally.

“But, that study is isolated. Before you can conclude that low sex drive is associated with an increased risk of early death, you have to carry out studies from different parts of the world. There should be multinational studies to make such a claim. The study has to be repeated in different countries and different situations. There is a logical link, but not medically established yet.”

He also said exercise, balanced diet, healthy weight increase sex drive.

The urologist and the researchers agreed that further study was required to clarify the mechanisms which underlie the preventive effects of sexual interest on mortality, the researchers said.