Most people see sexual activity as linked to enjoyment, a strong bond and various health impacts. What effects might happen on your body if you do not have sex? Whether somebody is not sexually active due to personal choice, religion, health matters or circumstances, that is perfectly normal and healthy; however, not having sex for a long time can have physical and emotional results. These are findings from scientists.
It is a myth that not having sex has direct negative effects on your physical health. A person’s health is not harmed by less sexual activity. People who live without alcohol sometimes enjoy living longer and healthier lives. Yet, sex helps to improve heart health, the immune system, blood pressure and maintains hormone balance. In fact, these positive effects can be gained by exercising, eating healthily and handling stress.
The hormones testosterone, estrogen and oxytocin change during sexual activity. They control a person’s mood, help maintain muscles and play a part in bone health. Regular sex in males can help ensure proper testosterone production according to research. In females, being sexually active might change how much estrogen they have and that can affect their reproductive system and their skin elasticity. But our bodies are strong. A person’s hormones may respond to their lifestyle and not having sex does not automatically result in hormone imbalance.
Having sex encourages the brain to bring out endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin which lead to feelings of happiness, being close and less stress. In some cases, sexless people may get stressed out, tend to be more anxious or irritable and feel loneliness or experience mood changes. Still, mental health has many aspects. Participating in exercises, meditating, spending time with friends or engaging in hobbies is also good for your mood.
Some research shows that those who have sex often may tend to have slightly stronger defenses against infections in the upper respiratory tract. Even so, not having sex does not make anyone more prone to illness, it’s just one of several contributing rules. Having a balanced diet, doing exercise regularly and getting enough sleep matters more for immune function than sex by itself.
You should tell the difference between sex and intimacy. It is possible to live without sexual intimacy but enjoy closeness, affection, friendship and love. A lot of people experience contentment from friendships, their families or other close relationships. Although people need connection, they don’t need it only through sexual activity.
Not having sex does not do any harm to your reproductive organs. Males continue to make sperm even without sex and females keep on ovulating unless affected by hormones or getting close to menopause. Abstaining from sex for a while can technically reduce the freshness and movement of sperm in men, though this matters only if having children is a consideration. Most of the time, it isn’t a worry outside of the lab.
One useful thing about not having sex is that you don’t have to worry about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancies. For a number of people, this means their worries are soothed and their healthcare routines are easier.
Answering how sex (or not having sex) affects the body depends on each person. Some people lead fulfilling lives without having sex and that is a normal situation. Both physical and emotional health from sex can be found in other activities and happy relationships as well.
What really counts is your happiness, your personal values and the way you live. Regardless of your sexual activity, what counts is taking care of your mental, emotional and physical health according to your situation.