Experts have warned that abstaining from sex for weeks, months, or even years can have detrimental effects on the body.
Recent studies show that members of Generation Z who have reached adulthood are having sex less frequently than their predecessors. Scientists caution that this lack of sexual activity could lead to a decrease or atrophy of young people’s genitalia. Professor Tara Suvinyattychaiporn from the University of California, a well-known expert on sex and relationships, discussed these and other consequences of sexual deprivation in an interview with the British publication Daily Mail.
Professor Suvinyattychaiporn also noted that men and women who go without sex for a month or more experience heightened levels of stress, frustration, anxiety, depression, and anger. On the flip side, those who are stressed often find it difficult to enjoy sex, she added.
According to research from the University of California, 38 percent of young people aged 18 to 30 reported having no sexual contact over the past year.
Mental Health Issues
According to Professor Suvinyattychaiporn, everyone is different. Depending on individual mental health, serious symptoms can manifest anywhere from six months to five years.
The crux of the matter is that during sex, hormones that promote well-being are released. Specifically, hormones like oxytocin (the love hormone), dopamine, and serotonin (the happiness hormones) regulate emotions and boost mood. If, for example, dopamine is not produced in sufficient quantities, a person may develop low self-esteem and self-doubt.
A 2021 study found that individuals with unmet sexual needs often feel frustrated, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
When couples experience sexual stagnation, partners may stop treating each other with tenderness and struggle to compromise. This insight comes from sexologist Sari Cooper, founder of the Center for Love and Sex in New York City.
She explained that these couples often lack a clear understanding of how to resolve conflicts, instead blaming and criticizing each other or provoking feelings of guilt in one another. Thus, prolonged sexual inactivity can lead to serious relationship problems, Ms. Cooper added. During such crises, couples often resort to infidelity.
Physical Health Issues
Professor Suvinyattychaiporn warned that abstaining from sex can be accompanied by quite serious symptoms. She stated that sexually inactive men may experience a rare condition known as penile atrophy. In this condition, the tissue of the penis becomes less elastic, leading to a reduction in size by one to two centimeters.
Long-term abstinence from sex also poses risks to prostate health. Researchers say that carcinogens can accumulate in the prostate over time, increasing the risk of cancer. Ejaculation can help prevent this, as it flushes out harmful chemicals that build up in sperm.
A 2016 study showed that men who ejaculated at least 21 times a month had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who did so only 4-7 times a month.
Similarly, when a woman goes a long time without sex, it can lead to vaginal atrophy. This can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable and sometimes even painful for her.
For couples stuck in sexless relationships, Ms. Cooper recommends seeking help from a certified sex therapist. Under professional guidance, they can work through their difficulties.