Everyone experiences sexual urges except for the very few and rare asexuals.
There are lots of benefits from engaging in sex, from pleasurable orgasms to a better immune system, better cardiovascular health to a better relationship with one’s partner, to feeling good about yourself.
But not everyone who experiences a sexual drive gives into the urge to have sex. Some abstain from sex for religious or cultural reasons, and some cause fear and a lack of sexual drive, others for health reasons, and a host of other reasons.
But are there side effects to not having sex? Well, the answer is not a clear-cut yes or a no. Everyone experiences life in a unique way, and the experiences of one might be different from the experiences of another.Â
5 Likely Side Effects Of Not Having Sex
Here are a few side effects one may experience from not having sex;
1. Weakening of the pelvic floor muscle
Abstaining from sex can result in weak pelvic floor muscles. For females, regular sexual activity with a partner or solo strengthens the pelvic floor muscles.
The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for intense orgasms and better bladder control and support.
The stronger the pelvic floor muscles, the better the bladder function and the less the risk of leakage and incontinence.
A lack of sexual activity can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, and this can result in less enjoyable sex in the future, leakage, or incontinence.
2. May lead to decrease in prostrate health
When men have sex, be it alone or with a partner, it more often than not is climaxed by an ejaculation. For males, prostrate health can benefit from regular ejaculation, whether it be alone or with another person.
A 2016 study found that men who had at least 21 ejaculations per month had a lower risk of prostate cancer when compared with men who only had 4 to 7 ejaculations per month.
3. May lead to reduced immune system
Having sex regularly releases a host of endorphins which prepares the body to fight illnesses like that the common cold and flu.
This means that having sex less often might result in falling ill more frequently.
A study reported that saliva samples of college students who had sex regularly contained a higher concentration of certain antibodies called immunoglobin A, a chemical that helps fight the common cold.
4. Could cause decreased levels of sleep
When you have sex, your body releases a cocktail of feel-good hormones that can help you fall asleep.
Hormones like vasopressin and oxytocin are released during sex. They are known to reduce stress levels and can help you fall asleep.
After falling asleep, the hormones norepinephrine and serotonin then help you into the flow of REM cycles, which helps you sleep comfortably.
A decreased amount of sex means a decrease in the secretion of these hormones, meaning a reduction in the amount of these feel-good hormones, which means a reduced sleep quality.Â
5. Likely decreased mental health
When sexual abstinence is involuntary, it can take a real toll on a person’s mental health. The person’s confidence starts to wane. They feel they are unattractive and distasteful, especially if they are in a relationship void of sex.
Conclusion
Sex is a wonderful experience when it is done with consent and the right partner. Some are better off not engaging in sexual activities, while it is a disadvantage to others if they do not have sex. These side effects of not having sex is only applicable to very few people, not everyone.
It is important to remember that not everyone is the same, and how we experience the world differs from person to person. The important thing is to do what is best for our health.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ:
- 5 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Nigeria
- 10 Disadvantages Of Having Sex Every Day
- Things To Do After Having Unprotected Sex
- Are There any Disadvantages of Releasing Sperm Daily?
- 7 Nigerian Foods That Boosts Sperm Count
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
