- Rena Malik, MD
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- How Often Is Enough?
How Often Is Enough?
Can more sex really lower your mortality risk? Here's what the research found!
This Week’s Yourology With Dr. Malik:
How Often Is Enough?
Welcome to Yourology with Dr. Malik – your weekly prescription for the latest medical updates, valuable insights, and freshest highlights straight from the frontlines of medicine!
🛏️ I looked at a study on how often you’re having sex—and why more might actually help you live longer.
🩲 A reader asked about foreskin itchiness at 75—I shared what might be going on and what to try.
🥦 I’ve been deep in book writing, and just finished a chapter on how fiber helps your gut and your sex life!
🚶♀️ On YouTube, I talked about how the way a woman walks could hint at her orgasm potential—really fascinating stuff.
💉 On the podcast, Dr. Mohit Khera broke down why testosterone might be the best marker of men’s overall health.
Did you know that how often you have sex might be linked to how long you live? This large study looked at over 15,000 adults aged 20–59 and found that people who had sex more than once a week (52 times a year or more) were significantly less likely to die from any cause—especially cancer—compared to those who had little to no sexual activity.
It shows that sex might not just be a reflection of health—it could actually be a contributor to it. While the study can’t prove causation, the dose-response pattern is striking: the more frequent the sex, the lower the risk of death. Yet another reason to prioritize intimacy—not just for connection, but for your long-term health.
This week, someone asked me, “I keep getting itchiness on Tip of foreskin. What can I do. My current age 75 yrs”. First, I want you to know that it’s completely understandable to feel concerned or even a bit frustrated when you’re dealing with ongoing itchiness, especially at your age since skin changes and sensitivities can increase over time. Itchiness on the tip of the foreskin could be due to a number of things, including mild irritation from soaps or hygiene products, low-level fungal or bacterial infections, or even just normal dryness related to age. The most important thing you can do right now is to switch to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers—avoid overwashing and never use harsh soaps or antiseptics on that area. Make sure to dry the area well and try wearing loose, breathable underwear. Even consider using baby powder (or cornstarch) to keep the area dry. If the itch persists, if you notice any redness, sores, or changes in urinary stream, go see your doctor to make sure you don't have an infection that requires further treatment. Please don’t ignore it or feel embarrassed—taking care of yourself is so important at every stage of life.
I love hearing from you, so if there’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask, just let me know. Who knows? Your question might be the one I dive into next!
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY
This week, and for most of the summer, I'm diving deep into writing my upcoming book, set to release in October 2026. I can't wait for you all to read it! I've just finished a chapter on optimizing your sexual health through diet, and I want to highlight something that many people don't consider: the incredible importance of fiber!
Did you know that most people don't get the recommended amount of fiber in their diets? It's not just great for gut health, but also for cardiovascular health, brain function, and even colon cancer prevention. For men, the recommended daily fiber intake is 38 grams, while for women, it's 25 grams.
Let's talk about some high-fiber foods you can incorporate into your diet:
Beans and lentils
Whole grains like oats and quinoa
Fruits such as apples, pears, and berries
Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts
Nuts and seeds, especially chia seeds and almonds
It's also important to understand the difference between soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. You can find it in oats, peas, beans, and some fruits. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, doesn't dissolve in water and helps food move through your digestive system. It's found in whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, and many vegetables.
Take a look at your diet and see if you're getting enough fiber. If not, consider adding more high-fiber foods or even fiber supplements to help you reach your daily goals. Remember, a healthy gut contributes to overall well-being, including your sexual health!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY CHANNEL
I shared some really fascinating research about whether the way a woman walks can actually hint at her ability to have a vaginal orgasm—and what might explain why some women experience them more easily than others. Quote: "They found that these women who had a history of vaginal orgasm tended to have a more... fluid, sensual or energetic and free gait."
Here are a few quick takeaways:
Only about 15% of women can climax from vaginal stimulation alone (most need clitoral stimulation too).
Women able to orgasm from penetration often have a more relaxed, confident walk and certain anatomical differences.
The area linked to vaginal orgasm tends to be thicker and richer in nerves and glands in some women.
So, in short, both physical confidence and unique anatomy might play a role. Definitely give the full episode a listen if you want to learn more about these surprising findings!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY PODCAST
I had an incredible conversation with Dr. Mohit Khera all about men’s health, testosterone, and some surprising things that could actually impact your overall wellbeing. He puts it simply, “You show me one other blood test that you can order today that will be more indicative of a man's overall health… It's that testosterone is the best barometer of a man's overall health. Right? It's the best barometer.”
Some key takeaways from our chat:
Your symptoms matter more than just the number on your testosterone test.
Lifestyle changes—like losing weight, better sleep, and less stress—can boost your testosterone naturally.
Testosterone isn’t just about sex—it’s tied to mood, bone health, heart risk, and even future risk of diabetes.
Want more? Dr. Khera also gives the scoop on safe treatments, fertility, and why feeling good is about far more than just the numbers. This episode is packed with practical advice, so listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here and see why people are commenting, “Great content. Always best to hear from peer reviewed researchers.”
Check out my new location and book a consultation with me today!
Empowering Your Health Journey
I believe in empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your health. Explore my informative resources for valuable insights on reproductive systems and other health topics.
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As always, remember to take care of yourself because you're worth it!
Yours Truly,
Rena Malik, M.D
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