Not having sex lately? Know its physical and mental side effects
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Sex is that special feeling in human life that (almost) every adult human being usually wants to experience to the fullest! As we move from puberty to our adult life, consensual sex is likely to happen in its due course of time. Interestingly, research suggests that having regular sexual intercourse can improve one’s mood and relationships as well as significantly improve his/her physical and mental well-being. But then, is it important to have sex a certain number of times within a certain time period?
Let’s find out whether or not there are mental and physical side effects of having sex!
What are the mental and physical effects of not having sex?
The answer is a big ‘no’. There aren’t any such hard and fast rules to adhere to when it comes to your sex life. But then at the same time, not having sex for a prolonged time period is something that isn’t desirable, as lack or less frequency of having sex may have its own ill effects on one’s body and mind.
Of course, the frequency of having sex for a person usually changes from time-to-time depending on his/her current age, physical fitness level, sex drive and relationship status. That being said, sexual abstinence or restricting the body from having sex could certainly have negative connotations both psychologically and physically for any person.
Physical repercussions of not having sex
Irregular or non-frequent sex can result in various health issues, including sexual health problems and disorders. For example, the common sexual issues faced by men include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculations
- Hypoactive sexual desire
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Urinary tract infection,
- Prostate disorders
Common sexual health problems faced by women include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during intercourse
- Urinary tract infection
- Pain during menstruation
- Pelvic floor weakness
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Furthermore, other common physical health problems that both males and females can possibly experience due to lack of sexual activity include hypertension, obesity, Thyroid disorders, blockage in blood flow, lower back problems and fatigue etc.
Mental repercussions of not having sex
Endorphins and various other feel-good hormones are released during sex which can help to improve one’s mood. Therefore, lack of frequent sex for a longer period could cause mood swings and even depression due to lesser production of such hormones. Also, given that sex helps an individual to distress a lot by releasing numerous hormones that help to maintain good sleep.
Lack of frequent sex could also result in sleep disturbances as well as increased stress and anxiety among some. Additionally, when someone practices sex abstinence for several years, it may result in suppressing their immune system and thereby causing increased fatigue and tiredness, which may again have implications for one’s mental wellness. Besides, not having sex could potentially even lead to mental exhaustion and relationship problems at times. Not having regular sex with your partner while in a relationship can also make one or both of the partners feel insecure and anxious or question their self-worth!
The last word
People may abstain from sex for many reasons. For instance, they may not have a strong sex drive or they may be asexual or they simply choose not to engage in it. However, if and when one’s sexual abstinence occurs due to involuntary factors, individuals may experience a plethora of negative effects on his/her physical and mental health. Exercising regularly, yoga, meditation and following a healthy diet and lifestyle can help you to a great extent. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor if this persists.