Brit pupils told: 'An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away'

A National Health Service leaflet about the benefits of sexual pleasure has been circulated to parents, teachers and youth workers.

Authors of the document argue too much emphasis was laid on the need for "safe sex" and relationships while the main reason to have sex, that is, for enjoyment, has been pushed back, according to online news reports.

The leaflet, entitled Pleasure and drawn up by NHS Sheffield, reads: "an orgasm a day keeps the doctor away."

It also says: "Health promotion experts advocate five portions of fruit and veg a day and 30 minutes' physical activity three times a week. What about sex or masturbation twice a week?"

Steve Slack, director of the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health at NHS Sheffield, said that teenagers have as much right as an adult to an enjoyable sex life.

Slack, one of the authors, also said the move could help delay teenage sex.

But Anthony Seldon, master of Wellington College, Berkshire, who introduced classes in emotional wellbeing, appeared less convinced, saying the approach was "deplorable".