What Are The Side Effects Of Not Having Sex

Abstinence or celibacy are terms used to describe the condition of not having sex. Several researches have shown that having sex regularly comes with certain benefits.

Notwithstanding, are there side effects of not having sex? It’s not a big deal if one abstain him/herself from sex for few days or weeks. It becomes a real big deal if he/she abstains for several months or years.

Factors such as relationship status, religious beliefs, asexuality, age, inconsistencies in sex drive and sex disorders are some of the reasons people abstain from sex. In spite of these, this article will show you some of the side effects of not having sex.

Benefits Of Having Sex

The main benefits of having sex are pleasure and satisfaction, stress relief, physical and mental health, emotional support, etc.

Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system primarily consist of the heart and blood vessels.

Sex plays an important role in the cardiovascular health.

Specifically in men, erectile function relies on appropriate blood flow to result in an erection after sexual stimulation and this contributes to cardiovascular health.

According to research, men who have sex at least twice a week, are less likely to have heart disease.

Low Prostate Cancer Risk

A study on prostate indicates that men who often have sex have lower probability of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer risk in one way or the other depends on sexual function, but not entirely. Semen retention is not healthy for the prostate gland, which if not taken into consideration can cause lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate issues. Ejaculation of sperm can be achieved through sexual activities.

Also, frequent sexual activity in women can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that aids the bladder, enhancing bladder function and decreasing incontinence and leakage.

Other benefits of having sex include stronger immune system, mood improvement and high sex performance.

Side Effects Of Not Having

The side effects of not having sex are sexual frustration, stress, anxiety and depression, high blood pressure, low testosterone levels, high heart disease risk, poor prostate health, low sperm quality, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, relationship problems with sexual partner, etc.

High Heart Disease Risk

As cited earlier, sex plays a significant role in keeping the heart healthy. As a form of exercise, sex may help lower cholesterol levels, lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, hence less risk of heart attack.

During sex, endorphins are released and these can oppose depression and anxiety that may increase the risk of heart disease.

According to studies, having sex at least twice a week may counter heart disease than not having sex at all.

Higher Prostate Cancer Risk

Prostate health can benefit from frequent ejaculation. Studies show that lack of ejaculation can lead to the possibility of having prostate cancer.

Another research conducted found that, men who ejaculated for a minimum 21 times in a month had a lower risk of prostate cancer as compared to those who ejaculated 4 to 7 times in a month.

Mental Health Problems

Another study has shown that, people with low sexual desire, especially those in relationships have the tendency of becoming distress. 

Take Away

Lack of sex has low or in most cases, no negative impact on people’s health. The number of times one should have sex is determined by individual preferences.