Can Sex Prevent Colds?

According to a study conducted by Carl J. Charnetski, professor of psychology, and Francis X. Brennan, Jr., assistant professor of psychology, at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA, it seems that persons who engage in frequent sexual activity (once or twice per week) have substantially higher levels of the antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA) than those individuals who have sex less than once per week or no sexual activity. IgA, which is found in all mucosal linings of the body and in the blood, is the most prevalent of the five major antibodies that work as part of the body’s defense mechanism against disease. The general function of one’s immune system can be inferred by measuring IgA levels.

In the study, IgA was measured in saliva samples obtained from a group of male and female undergraduate students. The researchers asked these students about their sexual encounters that included some sort of genital contact with a partner, length of their relationships, and their satisfaction with their sexual relationships.

The collected data revealed four distinct classifications of sexual frequency: No Sexual Activity, Infrequent Sexual Activity (less than one occurrence per week), Frequent Sexual Activity (one to two occurrences per week), and Very Frequent Sexual Activity (three or more occurrences per week).

“We found concentrations of IgA to be approximately one-third higher in the Frequent group as compared to all other categories, including the Very Frequent Group,” says Charnetski.

So, don’t get too slap-happy when it comes to planning your coital calendar. Sexual activity (with a partner) once or twice per week appears to be the optimum frequency for a stronger immune system…at least in college students.