Enjoying regular sex can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease - but the news isn't so great for women.

Research found having sex several times a week can slash levels of homocysteine in men, whereas women benefit far less from regular romps.

The harmful chemical is found in the blood and can trigger potentially life-threatening cardiac problems.

It's thought men getting regular sex often have better circulation and healthier blood vessels. This is crucial for preventing a build-up of homocysteine.

But scientists say women benefit much less because sexual arousal is less dependent on having a healthy blood flow, which is a key factor in keeping homocysteine under control.