Sex can play an important role in our physical and mental well-being. However, life changes, stress, or relationship issues can lead to times when we’re not as sexually active. While stopping sex won’t immediately harm your health, it can lead to certain changes. Here’s what happens to the body when you stop having sex and how important sex is for your overall health.
1. Physical Effects
Sex has some health benefits, but stopping doesn’t necessarily mean something bad will happen. However, there are a few physical changes that may occur:
Lower Sex Drive
The more you have sex, the more your body may crave it. When you stop having sex, you may notice a decrease in your libido (sexual desire). This happens because your body isn’t releasing as many sex-related hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, which are connected to sexual desire.
Weaker Pelvic Muscles
For people with vaginas, regular sex can help keep the pelvic muscles strong. If you stop having sex, those muscles might not get the same workout. This could affect bladder control, but pelvic exercises, like Kegels, can help keep these muscles strong.
Immune System Changes
Some research shows that having regular sex can boost the immune system by raising the level of antibodies that help fight off sickness. That said, skipping sex won’t make you more likely to get sick. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and good sleep are much more important for your immune system.
Less Cardio Exercise
Sex can raise your heart rate and help with circulation, which is good for heart health. If you stop having sex, you might miss out on this little bit of cardio exercise, but regular activities like walking or jogging can easily make up for it.
2. Mental Health Changes
Sex isn’t just a physical act—it affects our mood and emotions too. Here are some mental effects that can happen when you stop having sex:
Mood and Happiness
Sex causes the brain to release chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins, which make us feel happy and calm. When you stop having sex, you might miss out on these feel-good chemicals, but that doesn’t mean you’ll become unhappy. You can get similar mood boosts from things like exercise, socializing, or meditation.
Stress Relief
For many people, sex is a way to relieve stress. Without it, you might notice that you feel a little more tense. However, other stress-relief methods like deep breathing, yoga, or hobbies can help just as much.
Self-Esteem
Sex can boost confidence and make you feel more attractive. When sex stops, some people might feel a drop in their self-esteem, especially if it’s tied to body image or relationship problems. Focusing on self-care and maintaining a positive body image can help with this.
3. Hormonal Changes
Sex also affects our hormones, and stopping sex can change hormone levels in a few ways:
Lower Oxytocin and Dopamine
Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” is released during physical intimacy and helps with feelings of closeness. Dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure, is also released during sex. Without regular sexual activity, these hormones might drop slightly, which can affect how bonded or happy you feel. However, non-sexual touch, like hugs or cuddling, can still trigger the release of these hormones.
Changes in Testosterone
Sex helps maintain healthy levels of testosterone in both men and women. When you stop having sex, testosterone levels may decrease a little, which could affect energy, mood, and sex drive. But this change is usually not severe enough to cause major problems.
4. Relationship Impact
Sex can be an important part of connecting with a partner. When sex stops, it might affect your relationship in certain ways:
Feeling Emotionally Distant
If sex is an important way for you and your partner to feel close, stopping it might create a sense of distance. That said, you can maintain emotional intimacy through other ways like spending quality time together, talking openly, and showing affection in non-sexual ways.
Communication Issues
If one partner wants to have sex more than the other, it can lead to frustration and misunderstandings. It’s important to talk openly about your needs and feelings to avoid tension.
5. Is Sex Necessary for Good Health?
Although regular sex has benefits, it’s not absolutely necessary for good health. Many of the positive effects of sex, such as stress relief and mood boosts, can be achieved through other activities. As long as you’re taking care of your body and mind in other ways—like exercising, maintaining relationships, and practicing self-care—you can still live a healthy life without regular sex.
Stopping sex can lead to minor changes in your physical, emotional, and mental health, but it’s not essential for well-being. The most important thing is to find balance in your life and meet your physical and emotional needs through other healthy outlets. Whether you’re having sex or not, staying active, connected, and mindful of your health is key to feeling good.