Life has its ups and downs, and so does your sex life. At times, weeks — or even months — can pass without intimacy.
What many don’t realize is that going for long periods without sex isn’t just frustrating; it can actually be harmful to your health.
Why it matters
New research from NapLab shows that the average American has sex just once a week. Experts suggest that not getting intimate enough could have a significant impact on your overall life.
You may question why it matters what happens in the bedroom, but it’s more important than you think. In fact, abstaining from sex isn’t just bad for your physical health — it can also take a serious toll on your mental well-being.
Studies show that people who live in celibacy are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and mood swings, according to experts.
Scottish researchers found that individuals who refrained from sex had more difficulty managing stressful situations, like public speaking, compared to those who had sex at least once every two weeks.
Sexual health specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Sham Singh explains: “Suppressing sexual urges without other ways to relieve stress can lead to frustration, and it can also worsen anxiety or irritability.”
Health benefits of sex
Having less sex might reduce your exposure to germs, but it also means you’re missing out on its immune-boosting effects. Researchers at Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania found that people who had sex once or twice a week had a 30% higher level of an antibody that helps fight viruses compared to those who were less sexually active or abstinent.
Going long periods without sex
The connection between sexual habits and well-being became even clearer during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a study of 4,000 people revealing that those who had more sex during the pandemic experienced lower levels of anxiety compared to those who abstained completely.
This could be linked to endorphins — brain chemicals that help reduce pain and stress. During sex, endorphin levels can rise by up to 200%.
However, going without sex for extended periods can also lead to physical health issues.
Dr. Sham Singh explains, “For both men and women, the lack of sexual release can lead to increased restlessness or tension, which can manifest physically as muscle tightness, difficulty concentrating, or heightened sensitivity to touch.”
He also pointed out that long-term abstinence can affect energy levels, appetite, and sleep patterns due to changes in hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol, the stress hormone.
“Some people may feel more fatigued, as sex helps people relax and sleep better, partly through the release of oxytocin,” he added.
Americans are losing interest in sex
A less active sex life is affecting not only older generations but also younger people, especially millennials and Gen Z.
A government study has shown that Americans are becoming less interested in sex, with one surprising age group leading the trend. According to the latest National Survey of Family Growth, sexlessness is on the rise, particularly among adults aged 22 to 34. The study found that 10% of young men and 7% of young women in this group are still virgins.
“In fact, sexlessness among young adult males has roughly doubled in the past 10 years, while it has risen by about 50% among young adult females,” according to the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), which analyzed the findings.
A previous Pew Research study also revealed that a record 25% of Americans under 40 have never been married, with many in this group also living alone.