French told to have more sex by doctors citing the mental and physical benefits

Cardiologists in the country say it is good for cardiovascular health

A couple kisses on the Pont des Arts bridge at sunrise (LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images)

Cardiologists in France have advised their fellow countrymen to have more sex, citing the many mental and physical health benefits of regular intercourse.

Sex is not just fun, but also has painkilling properties and can work like an antidepressant by encouraging the production of "pleasure hormones" dopamine and serotonin, The Federation Française de Cardiologie said in a statement, released on Valentine's Day.

"Scientists and health professionals agree on the multiple health benefits of regular sexual activity," it said, adding that it has "multiple benefits to cardiovascular health"—so in layman's terms, it is particularly good for the heart.

"Sexual activity requires a physical effort of a moderate intensity, which is comparable to climbing two flights of stairs at a brisk pace", they said.

It also "helps eliminate toxins, increases the heart rate, helps blood circulation and strengthens the muscles in the heart."

It is even safe for most people with heart conditions to enjoy a normal sex life, as they "can generally maintain regular sexual activity and will benefit from its protective effect on the heart," the cardiologists said.

In the same way a healthy sex life leads to a healthy heart, the federation stressed that the opposite is true. It said men suffering from erectile dysfunction should get to a doctor, as impotence can be a sign of impending heart problems.

They added that sex should be part of an all-round healthy lifestyle, along with exercise, a good diet, and limited consumption of tobacco and alcohol.