Researchers in Italy have found that wearing higher heels -- earlier linked to a range of problems -- actually improves a woman’s pelvic floor muscles, thereby boosting her sex life.

“Women often have difficulty in carrying out the right exercises for the pelvic zone and wearing heels could be the solution. It’s good to know they have potential health benefits,” according to lead researcher Dr Maria Cerruto.

The researchers analysed a study of 66 women aged under 50 before coming to the conclusion.

They found that those who held their foot at a 15 degree angle to the ground had as good posture as those who wore flat shoes, and crucially showed less electrical activity in the pelvic muscles, an essential component of female body.

According to the researchers, this suggested the muscles were at an optimum position, which could well improve their strength and ability to contract.

However, Gill Brook, a women’s health physiotherapist in Britain, stressed the study did not suggest that stilettos were a good thing for those keen on improving their pelvic floor function.