Are you missing out on the health benefits of sex?

A UK survey (via The Daily Mail) is wagging its finger at women who don’t prioritize sex, but rather consider it a necessary obligation in life, kind of like recycling or composting.

The WomenTALK study offers an annual peek into the private lives of a sampling of average women (no Kardashians were consulted). Commissioned by Healthy Women, this year it examined the sex habits of more than 1,000 ladies from age 18 and up.

Don’t worry. The results won’t make you blush. Just over half of the women surveyed, 51 percent, in fact, agreed on principle that having sex a few times a week falls under the category of ‘good for you.’

But kind of like eating kale, another healthy lifestyle choice, it’s one of those things most women don’t get around to doing as much as they should. Only 30 percent of women reported having sex a few times a week. More women—66 percent—reported desert-like conditions in the boudoir, having sex once a week or less (less than once a week, if you’re wondering means nada, zip, zilch, or “my life”.)

What’s wrong with not getting it on thrice-weekly? A lot of things. For one, ladies are losing out on some of the health benefits of makin’ bacon (isn’t that what you call it?)

Those benefits, according to Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, a nurse and the executive director of HealthyWomen, include stress relief, strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, increased immune system function and calorie burning.

I know what you’re thinking: Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, has also just unwittingly outlined the health benefits of Pilates and yoga. But can a yoga mat gaze lovingly into your eyes? Can a Pilates reformer massage your shoulders while you talk about work?

No, but unfortunately many men aren’t doing any of that stuff either, which may be the reason so many women aren’t getting as busy as their immune system or pelvic floor might like them to.

While 63 percent of the respondents said the ultimate value of sex was the opportunity to connect emotionally with their partners, only 42 percent said this aspect was satisfied.

How to have more sex and emotional satisfaction, and more importantly how to have them both at the same time? It’s not a question the survey answers, unfortunately. While 66 percent of you consider the dilemma for yourself, why not chow down on some steamed kale? Or take a yoga class?