When was the last time you had sex? If it’s been too long, that might not be a good thing. But it’s totally understandable!
Whether by choice or circumstance, you might find yourself going through an extended period without getting intimate with anyone.
But have you ever wondered what actually happens when you don’t have sex for a long time?
From hormonal changes to shifts in your mood and even your immune system, a lack of sexual activity can impact you in some pretty surprising ways.
10 THINGS THAT HAPPEN WHEN YOU STOP HAVING SEX
Sex is a biological need even though most people use it for fun or procreation.
When you go for a long period without being intimate, it can have many negative effects on your mind and body.
If you’ve ever wondered what will happen to you if you decide to become celibate, here are some surprising things that happen when you stop having sex.
1. You’ll notice some changes in your body
When you take a break from sexual activity, your body undergoes some interesting changes.
According to WebMD, you might notice an increase in stress levels as you’re missing out on those feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins that get released during sex.
Your cardiovascular health could also take a hit. Regular sex acts as a form of light exercise, burning calories and keeping your heart pumping.
Without this activity, you might need to find other ways to stay physically active.
For women, especially after menopause, a lack of sexual activity can lead to vaginal changes.
The tissues may become thin and tighten, potentially causing discomfort during future encounters.
Men might notice changes too, as regular ejaculation has been linked to prostate health.
However, these changes don’t mean you’re unhealthy. There’s nothing wrong with choosing not to have sex, whether it’s temporary or long-term.
The key is to stay aware of your body and maintain overall wellness.
2. Your immune system might become weak
Surprisingly, abstaining from sex can affect your immune system.
Studies suggest that frequent sex boosts levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that helps fight off pesky germs.
When you’re not getting any action under the sheets, your body will struggle to fend off illnesses.
You might become more susceptible to colds, as regular intimacy can help keep you healthy and strong.
But it’s not just about the physical act. Sex is a great stress-buster, and we all know how stress can wreak havoc on our health.
Those feel-good hormones released during sex help keep your stress levels in check so you don’t get sick all the time.
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the link between sexual activity and immune function.
Don’t stress if you’re not having frequent sex — abstinence is a personal choice with no known negative side effects.
Plus, very high levels of sexual activity can weaken your immune system, so moderation is key.
3. You’ll feel more stressed and tensed than usual
When you’re not getting any action between the sheets, your stress levels can skyrocket.
Regular sex helps lower anxiety by reducing stress hormones in your body. Without this natural stress-buster, you might feel more on edge and tense than usual.
Your body misses out on those feel-good hormones released during sex, leaving you more vulnerable to life’s daily pressures.
You may notice you’re snapping at coworkers or feeling overwhelmed by minor inconveniences.
The lack of physical intimacy can also impact your emotional well-being, potentially leading to feelings of isolation or anxiety.
While, there are other ways to manage stress, like exercise or meditation, sex certainly has its unique benefits for keeping you cool, calm, and collected.
4. You may struggle to sleep
Do you often toss and turn all night, feeling restless but unable to get some sleep? Abstinence from sex might be the culprit.
Research shows that partnered sex with orgasm can significantly improve both how quickly you fall asleep and your overall sleep quality.
Without regular intimate encounters, you may find yourself staring at the ceiling more often.
Sexual activity releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and prolactin that help you relax and drift off.
These hormones can regulate your sleep cycles, making it easier to fall asleep.
So if you’re experiencing a sexual drought, you might be missing out on this natural sleep aid.
Quality sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being. If sleepless nights persist, consider talking to a healthcare professional about potential solutions.
5. You may develop mental health issues
When you go without sex for an extended period, it can take a toll on your mental well-being.
Research shows that regular sexual activity may help reduce rates of depression and anxiety.
Without this outlet, you might find yourself feeling more stressed or irritable.
According to WebMD, sex helps lower the body’s stress hormones. When you’re not getting that release, tension and anxiety can build up.
You may also experience poorer sleep quality, as sex promotes restful sleep through hormone release.
However, it’s important to note that for some individuals, abstaining from sex can actually benefit mental health, especially if they have a low sex drive or identify as asexual.
The impact of abstinence on mental health can vary widely.
While some people may experience negative effects like increased depression or anxiety, others might notice they feel less anxious and more at peace because of their personal beliefs.
It’s important to remember that there’s no right amount of sex you need to be having.
The key is understanding your own needs and communicating openly with your partner about intimacy.
6. You’ll get angry or irritated easily
One of the most obvious signs you’ll notice when you’re not getting any action in the bedroom is that you become angry at the smallest things.
Sexual frustration can lead to irritability, restlessness, and edginess.
Without the release of feel-good hormones that sex provides, your mood can fluctuate.
Lack of regular sexual activity can negatively impact heart health, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, which is associated with mood swings.
You might find yourself more stressed and anxious, as sex helps lower stress hormone levels.
Without the physical and mental benefits of sex, you may experience more aches, pains, and sleep disturbances.
These factors can contribute to feeling more easily angered or irritated. So if you’re feeling extra cranky lately, lack of frequent sex might be to blame.
7. You might find it difficult to concentrate
When you’re not having much sex, you may notice your mind wandering more than usual.
Studies suggest that regular sexual activity can improve cognitive function, especially in older adults.
The release of hormones like oxytocin and dopamine during sex may play a role in boosting memory and focus.
Without the mood-boosting effects of sex, you might feel more stressed or anxious, which can impact your ability to concentrate.
Research has shown that sexually active men tend to score higher on tests of executive function and recall compared to those who aren’t sexually active.
For women, being sexually active was associated with better memory performance.
If you’re struggling to stay focused, your lack of bedroom action could be partly to blame.
Consider other ways to stimulate your mind and body to help sharpen your concentration.
8. You’ll feel emotionally disconnected from your partner
When you go without sex for an extended period, you might notice a growing emotional distance between you and your partner.
Physical intimacy plays a crucial role in building and maintaining emotional connection, and its absence can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
You may find yourself communicating less and sharing fewer personal thoughts and feelings.
This emotional disconnect can snowball, making it harder to address issues or feel close to your partner.
Without the bonding hormones released during sex, you might struggle to feel as connected or in sync with your significant other.
According to The Awareness Centre, a lack of intimacy can lead to communication problems as partners stop opening up to each other.
You may feel lonely and isolated, questioning the future of your relationship.
9. You might struggle with low self-esteem
When you’re not getting intimate for a while, it can negatively impact your self-confidence and even strain your relationship.
You might start questioning your attractiveness or desirability, especially if you’re used to validation through physical intimacy.
According to Practical Intimacy, a persistent lack of sex can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-worth which might even impact your performance at work.
You may get stuck in a vicious cycle — low self-esteem makes it harder to put yourself out there, which in turn reinforces those negative feelings.
Remember, your value isn’t defined by your sex life. If you’re struggling, consider talking to a trusted friend or professional to work through these feelings and rebuild your confidence.
10. You’ll experience more conflict in your relationship
Studies show that couples who have sex more frequently tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness.
When physical intimacy decreases, it often leads to increased tension and disagreements.
According to The Awareness Centre, a lack of intimacy can cause communication breakdowns, with partners becoming less likely to confide in each other or address negative feelings.
This emotional distance can breed resentment and frustration, escalating conflicts beyond just the topic of sex.
As noted by SavantCare, persistent sexual withholding can destroy trust and open communication, leading to more frequent and intense arguments.
Couples might bicker at each other over small issues or feel irritable without understanding why.
The truth is, intimacy is the fuel that powers not just desire, but overall relationship satisfaction and harmony.
The prolonged absence of physical closeness can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and resentment, making it harder to resolve conflicts constructively.
If you’re in a sexless relationship, work with your partner to find ways to spice up your sex life and reignite the spark.
Conclusion
When you don’t have sex for a long time you might notice many physical and emotional effects, but don’t stress too much.
While a lack of action between the sheets might mess with your mood or health for a bit, it won’t cause you much harm. Your body and mind are resilient.
Medical News Today reports that there are no major negative physical side effects from abstaining from sex for long periods.
Many people lead fulfilling lives without frequent sexual activity. Whenever you decide to become intimate, you’ll likely bounce right back to normal.
In the meantime, focus on self-care, pursue your passions, and nurture your relationships. There’s way more to life than just sex.
However, if you have a romantic partner who is dissatisfied with your sex life, you might need to talk about your needs and work on finding practical solutions together.
Recommended reading:
10 Benefits Of Sex In A Relationship