Aimed at youngsters aged 14 and over, the publication says experts concentrate too much on the need for safe sex and loving relationships and not enough on the pleasure sex can bring.

The advice, which also claims regular sex is good for a healthy heart, has been circulated to parents, teachers and youth workers.

Under the heading 'An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away it asks: "What about sex twice a week? Health promotion experts advocate five portions of fruit and veg a day and 30 minutes' physical activity three times a week."

Critics believe the leaflet will encourage risky behaviour and an increase in sexually-transmitted diseases but NHS Sheffield says evidence from countries such as the Netherlands indicates that where there is more openness about sex, young people wait longer before their first experience and levels of teenage pregnancy are significantly lower.

Steve Slack, director of the Centre for HIV & Sexual Health which produced the leaflet, said: "It is designed to support professionals to speak to young people to ensure they are emotionally ready for sexual relationships, to help build their self-esteem, and to help them to be able to better resist peer pressure and negotiate and practise safe sex when they feel they are ready.

"Far from promoting teenage sex, it is designed to encourage young people to delay losing their virginity until they are sure they will enjoy the experience."

But Dr Trevor Stammers of Family and Youth Concern said: "I'd like to know what scientific evidence there is to back this up. There are an awful lot of overpaid and under-occupied health promotion officers around who are obsessed with sex."

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