Sex is frequently seen as a source of bodily enjoyment, feelings of closeness and some health advantages. What is the outcome for your body if you do not ever have sex? Although refraining from having sex due to personal, religious, medical or other reasons is completely OK and healthy, doing this for a long period can still lead to some physical and mental changes. Let’s look at what science says.
There is no evidence that not having sex directly affects your overall health. Not having sex does not harm the body in any major way. Even if people stay abstinent through choice or luck, they can enjoy many healthy and long years. But sex can lead to benefits such as overall heart health, proper immune function, lower blood pressure and better control of hormones. Alternatively, these advantages can be enjoyed by exercising, adopting healthy eating habits and dealing with stress.
Being sexually active can cause levels of testosterone, estrogen and oxytocin to change. These hormones support a person’s mood, muscle health and bone strength. It appears that sexual intercourse on a regular basis can help keep testosterone levels healthy in men. For women, sexual intimacy could affect their estrogen levels which can change reproductive wellbeing and the elasticity of their skin. Fortunately, the body is able to cope well. Lifestyle can influence hormone levels and reduced sex alone doesn’t produce hormone imbalance.
Sex causes the release of endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin which support good mood, induce attachment and relieve stress. If people are not having sex for a long period, they might notice greater stress, stronger feelings of anxiety or irritation and loneliness or mood swings, depending on how much they need emotional support. Yet, there are many aspects to mental health. Just like music, other things like physical activity, mindfulness, connecting with others or pursuing hobbies can help improve your mood.
Studies suggest that people having sex more often often experience a mild boost in immunity in their upper respiratory area. But this doesn’t prove that people who don’t have sex get ill more often—their overall health is affected by many other aspects. Taking care of your diet, exercise routine and sleep matters more for immunity than any benefits from sexual activity alone.
Being aware of the difference between sex and intimacy is necessary. A celibate way of life can still bring you closeness, touching, having companions and loving others. For many people, friendships, family ties and platonic romantic relationships bring deep emotional happiness. While people desire relationships, these don’t have to include sex.
Not having sex does not affect your fertility. Men still produce sperm and women will ovulate regularly unless affected by aging or hormonal changes like menopause. If men abstain for a long time, their sperm may not be as active or fresh, but it becomes meaningful only if having children is important. It is not something we worry about in normal life.
Benefits of abstaining from sex include having neither worry about sexually transmitted infections nor about having an unplanned pregnancy. Certain individuals find this helpful for lowering fear and simplifying the way they manage healthcare.
The effects of not having sex or having sex, on a person vary widely. There are many people who live full and happy lives without having sex and that is completely normal. Our bodies can adapt and many of the benefits linked to sex appear in other healthy and enjoyable activities.
The most important thing is how you feel, what you value and the way you live. Take care of your mind, feelings and body according to your own lifestyle, regardless of whether you are sexually active.
