Emma Thompson: “Sex Should Be on the NHS” for Health Benefits

Oscar-winning actress Dame Emma Thompson, 66, has called for sex to be officially recommended by the NHS, citing its considerable physical and emotional benefits. Speaking at a recent Q&A following a screening of her film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Thompson described sex as an essential part of our “health plan”.

Practical Health Benefits

Thompson’s call is backed by medical experts who note:

• Improved sleep & stress relief: NHS GP Dr Milli Raizada explains sex lowers cortisol, raises mood-enhancing oxytocin, and supports restorative sleep.

• Heart health: UCL’s Prof Joyce Harper points to evidence that sex lowers blood pressure in older women and may reduce cardiovascular risks.

• Cognitive sharpness & appearance: Studies show sexually active older adults score higher on cognitive tests and often look younger—by around five to seven years.

• Boosted immunity and pain relief: Regular intimacy has been linked to higher levels of immunoglobulin A and reduced pain from migraines and cramps.

  
  

Sex, Ageing & Emotional Wellness

• Female orgasm and empowerment: Thompson highlighted the importance of female orgasm, calling it a "healthy expansion of your body." She expressed concern that many women have never experienced one and sees her film as a catalyst for open dialogue.

• Mental health uplift: Regular sexual activity is proven to reduce depression and promote emotional wellbeing, which was echoed during the Q&A following Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.

• Sexual autonomy & stigma: Thompson emphasised the importance of women owning their sexuality and listening to sex workers, whom she described as professionals whose insights on sexual health deserve respect.

  
  

Looking Ahead

Thompson hopes the film will act as a "springboard" for broader societal conversations about older adults' sexual health and well-being. Her comments challenge the notion of sex as purely private or recreational, framing it as a medically valuable component of ageing healthily.