What happens to your health if you stop having sex?

Abstaining from sexual activity can have both mental and physical implications. Photo / Getty Images

Nearly a third of people in Britain are sexually inactive – but could it be good for you or is it harmful to your overall wellbeing?

In a YouGov study, three in 10 people in the UK report being sexually inactive, with almost a fifth of people aged 40 to 44 not having sex. By the age of 74, this figure jumps to 57%. While it’s often difficult to get an entirely accurate picture of people’s intimate lives, one survey suggests that more than a quarter of relationships are sexless.

Reasons for abstinence range from being celibate by choice to those who might want sex but are living with a partner who doesn’t. What happens to your body if you stop having sex, and does it harm your health?

What is sexual abstinence?

“Sexual abstinence is a choice to refrain from engaging in any form of sexual activity. This may be due to personal, relational, cultural or religious reasons,” says obstetrician Dr Ali Novitsky, founder of Exercising Intimacy, a programme that encourages deeper connection between partners via exercise and sex.

The Social Organisation of Sexuality, which reported on a survey of 3432 people in the United States, defined a “sexless marriage” as a couple who aren’t engaging in sexual activity or are having minimal sexual encounters.

Sexual abstinence is defined as 'a choice to refrain from engaging in any form of sexual activity'. Photo / 123rf

What are the effects of not having sex?

“Abstaining from sexual activity can have a variety of effects on individuals, both physically and emotionally.”

One of the most immediate effects might be a change in the individual’s hormone levels. Regular sexual activity is known to boost the levels of certain hormones, like oxytocin and endorphins, which are associated with feelings of happiness and reduced stress. Therefore, “abstaining from sex may potentially lead to decreased levels of these hormones”, says Novitsky.

So, what are the benefits of regular sex? Here they are:

• Improvements in physical health. Studies suggest that regular sex can lower anxiety levels and help alleviate depression and it’s also linked to a decreased risk of heart problems. For men, it’s worth noting that prostate health can benefit from frequent ejaculation. A study from 2016 showed that men who ejaculated at least 21 times a month had a lower risk of prostate cancer compared with those who ejaculated four to seven times per month.
• Avoid incontinence later. For women, a study has shown that orgasms can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help avoid incontinence in later life.
• Improves your immunity. For men and women, regular sex is good for your immune system. In one study, university students who had sex once or twice a week were shown to have greater immunoglobulin A, an antibody that boosts the immune system.
• Less pain during intercourse, especially after menopause. After menopause, without regular sex a woman’s vagina can become tighter and her vaginal tissues can become thinner, making them more susceptible to injury, tears or bleeding during intercourse.

But if you’re not having sex, don’t worry, says Novitsky. “While regular sexual activity can have certain physical benefits, not having sex does not inherently lead to physical health issues,” she says.

There can, in fact, be psychological benefits to refraining from sexual activity.

“It can be a chance to regroup, to get a sense of who you are. There can be a lot of pressure on people to be sexual and to choose to be abstinent can be a huge relief,” says Ammanda Major, Relate’s head of clinical practice and a trained relationship counsellor and sex therapist.

Studies suggest that people who refrain from sex are no less happy than those who do have sex.

Studies show no difference in the happiness levels of those who have sex compared to those who refrain from it. Photo / 123rf

Why do couples stop having sex?

There are numerous reasons why couples may stop having sex. One survey of 2000 adults found that 45% of people list exhaustion as the most common reason for their lack of intimacy, followed by “life being too stressful” (29%), a drop in libido over time (28%), mismatched sex drives (20%), and simply low or no intimacy (19%). Find out more reasons in the chart below.

In more detail, Novitsky explains why some people may have a lower sex drive:

• Daily life pressures. “For many, the demands of daily life, work, children and other responsibilities can take precedence over intimacy, leaving little time for sex,” says Novitsky. Stress and fatigue can also be significant factors as they can diminish libido (the individual’s general sex drive) and sexual desire (the attraction experienced between people in a couple), she says.
• Physical conditions. “In some cases, health issues, including hormonal imbalances, menopause or chronic illness, can directly impact sexual function or desire,” Novitsky says. Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are all causes of impotence among men. “If you suspect an underlying health issue, seek medical advice. Hormonal therapy or medication might be helpful,” she continues. Diabetes, heart problems, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and certain medications have been shown to reduce sexual capacity and the quality of sex life for older people.
• Age. Research also shows that getting older affects how you feel about having sex psychologically. A study in the Journal of Sex Research examined frequency, perceived quality and interest in sex in 1170 adults with an average age of 53 over a 10-year period. The people who reported the greatest reduction in the quality of their sex life were those who “felt older” and already held unfavourable views about what getting older meant. The same study also found the opposite to be true – that the younger people felt, the more satisfying their sex life.
• Hormonal changes. For women specifically, hormonal issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome can disrupt the libido, and in a survey conducted by Relate, almost a third of women over 60 say they have lost their libido since the menopause.
• Emotional factors. “Emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, or unresolved conflict within the relationship can also lead to a decrease or cessation of sexual activity.”

Some couples may experience a natural decline in sexual frequency over time as the novelty of the relationship wears off,” says Novitsky.

“It’s important to remember that a decrease in sexual activity doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. It could merely be a transition into a different phase of the relationship. However, if the lack of sex is causing distress to either partner, it’s crucial to address the issue openly and constructively, considering professional help if needed.”

While they can improve mood and help you to better manage your mental health, antidepressants can also affect your sex drive. Photo / 123rf

How to boost low sex drive

Fluctuations in sex drive are normal, and what is considered a low sex drive varies from person to person, says Novitsky. “The most important aspect is that you feel comfortable and satisfied with your sexual life,” she says.

But if you feel a boost is necessary, she recommends a multi-faceted approach that encompasses physical health, mental wellbeing and relationship dynamics:

1. Prioritise self-care

Novitsky recommends getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep. In fact, a small-scale study of women in 2015 suggested that sleeping for longer the night before increased their sexual desire the next day.

Regular exercise can help libido in many ways. A 2015 study of men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, which lowers testosterone levels, found that regular exercise helped men cope with body image concerns, low libido and relationship changes relating to their treatment.

“Regular physical activity can increase blood flow, enhance mood and improve body image, all of which can contribute to a healthier sex drive,” says Novitsky. “A diet rich in nutrients can also support hormonal balance and energy levels.”

2. Manage stress

It’s important to manage stress, says Novitsky. “High stress levels can negatively impact libido. Incorporating stress-management techniques such as yoga, mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, potentially improving sexual desire.”

3. Behavioural therapy

Studies also show that therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy can improve sexual dysfunction. A trial involving 198 women found that CBT can play a positive and effective role in improving sexual relationships. Another review concluded that CBT can help erectile dysfunction alongside drug therapies.

4. Seeking professional help

Major also suggests seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor who can give you the space, guidance and strategies to help counteract any emotional issues that might be affecting libido.

“Sex can create a sense of connectedness and comfort. Even if the desire is waning, it doesn’t mean you can’t reach out and be intimate and gain comfort and affection from each other. But that often starts with being able to talk about how you’re feeling,” she says.

Seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can aid in re-establishing the connection with your partner. Photo / 123rf

What to do if your partner has no desire for sex

It’s very common to find that your desire is mismatched with your partner’s. Research shows that around 80% of couples regularly experience situations where one partner has a desire for sex and the other doesn’t.

It’s important to talk about it without blame, says Major. She suggests a tentative approach. “Don’t go in all guns blazing: ‘I’m not happy, it’s your fault…’ Start with language like: ‘I’ve noticed recently… I’ve been thinking that, or I’ve been feeling that, and I really want to share that with you…’

“Then ask a question, something like: ‘What are your thoughts about that?’ A lot of people feel more comfortable telling their partner how they’re feeling, but they’re not really making much opportunity to listen to what the other person has to say. Open up the conversation and listen.”

Many people may struggle with having open and honest conversations about sex within their relationships, but research shows that talking about your needs and desires can improve sexual relations.

“A lot of people are scared to have the conversation because they catastrophise and worry that it means the end of the relationship. But we need to normalise the ebb and flow of our sex drive and keep the lines of communication open. Reach out to each other not just physically but emotionally too – with kindness,” says Major.

Novitsky agrees. “Focus on creating shared experiences, expressing affection and understanding your partner’s needs. Every individual and relationship experiences variations in sexual desire, and it’s important to navigate these changes with patience and understanding.”