Life has its ups and downs, and so does your sex life. Sometimes weeks — or even months — can pass without intimacy.
But what many don’t realize is that going too long without sex isn’t just frustrating — it could actually be harmful to your health.
Why it matter
New research from NapLab reveals that the average American only has sex once a week. And according to one expert, not getting intimate often enough could have a serious impact on your life.
You might be skeptical about why it matters what you do in the bedroom, but there’s more to it than you think. In fact, abstaining from sex isn’t just physically harmful — it can take a serious toll on your mental well-being too.
Studies show that people who live in celibacy are at a higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and mood swings, according to experts.
Scottish researchers discovered that individuals who refrained from sex had a harder time handling stressful situations, such as public speaking, compared to those who had engaged in intercourse at least once within a two-week span.Sexual health specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Sham Singh explains: “Suppressing sexual urges without alternative stress-relieving outlets can build up frustration and also aggravate anxiety or irritability.
Having less sex might mean fewer germs, but it also means missing out on its immune-boosting benefits.
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 defend the body against viruses, compared to those who had sex infrequently or not at all.
Going long periods without sex
The connection between well-being and sexual habits became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, as researchers conducted a study on the topic.
According to a 2021 study analyzing the sex lives of 4,000 people, those who had more sex during the pandemic reported lower levels of anxiety compared to those who were completely abstinent.
This may be linked to endorphins — brain chemicals that help reduce pain and stress. During sex, endorphin levels can spike by as much as 200%.
However, going long periods without sex can also have physical health consequences.
Dr. Sham Singh explains, ”In both men and women, the absence of sex release may result in a heightened level of restlessness or tension that may find its way into physical manifestations like muscle tightness, trouble concentrating, or hypersensitivity to touch.”
He also noted that long-term abstinence can impact energy levels, appetite, and sleep due to hormonal changes in testosterone, estrogen, and the stress hormone cortisol.
”Some people may feel more fatigued due to sex being a good way to relax and sleep better, for example, through the release of oxytocin,” he said.
Americans are losing interest in sex
A less active sex life may not only affect older generations, but it’s also becoming increasingly common among younger people, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
A government study has revealed that Americans are losing interest in sex, with one surprising age group leading the trend. According to the latest National Survey of Family Growth, rates of sexlessness are rising nationwide among adults aged 22 to 34. The study shows that 10% of young men and 7% of women in this group are still virgins.
“In sum, for young adult males, sexlessness has roughly doubled across all measures over the last 10 years or so. For young adult females, it has risen by roughly 50 percent,” according to the Institute of Family Studies (IFS), which published an analysis of the study.
A prior Pew Research study revealed that a record 25% of Americans under 40 have never been married. Many people in this age group also reported living solo.