Have you ever considered the effects on your body if you stop having sex? A specialist has highlighted the various health problems that can arise from a lack of sexual activity.
Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, a professor, podcaster, and sex and relationship expert from California, indicates that both men and women may experience several issues if they abstain from sex for a month or two.
Her warning follows a 2021 study by California University, which found that Gen Z is engaging in less sexual activity than any previous generation, with 38 percent of individuals aged 18 to 30 reporting no sexual partners in the past year.
Dr. Tara explained to DailyMail.com that sexually inactive men might develop a rare condition called penile atrophy, which causes the penile tissue to lose elasticity and shrink by one to two centimeters.
The Celebs Go Dating co-host cautioned that abstaining from sex can lead to various physical symptoms, such as penile and vaginal atrophy, painful intercourse, and shrinking genitals, which might start appearing in just six months.
Men who are not sexually active also face an increased risk of prostate cancer. According to the Urology Care Foundation, carcinogens can accumulate in the prostate over time, and ejaculation may help prevent cancer by flushing out harmful chemicals in the semen.
The timeline for when penile shrinkage begins remains uncertain. Tobias Kohler, an assistant professor of urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, informed WebMD that it is associated with a lack of regular erections.
Women who abstain from sex for extended periods may encounter vaginal atrophy, resulting in painful and uncomfortable intercourse.
This condition arises because sex enhances blood flow and lubrication, so without it, vaginal tissues can become thin and dry, shortening the vaginal canal and making penetration more challenging.
Mental health is equally crucial, and Dr. Tara noted that the absence of human touch and intimacy can negatively impact oxytocin and dopamine levels, leading to insecurities, lower self-esteem, erratic emotions, and infidelity.
Other research suggests that individuals with unmet sexual needs may experience frustration, irritability, and even aggression, stemming from either a lack of available partners or unsatisfactory sexual experiences.
The 2021 study also mentioned that this frustration might increase the risk of crime related to relief-seeking, power-seeking, revenge-seeking, and displaced frustration.
While periods of sexual inactivity in relationships are common, sex therapist Sari Cooper recommends addressing the situation with ‘softness’.
She mentioned that during a ‘dry spell’, couples might blame each other, continuously criticize their partner, suggest opening up the relationship, or resort to infidelity.
To avoid these issues, couples experiencing a prolonged lull should first manage their stress levels through yoga, tai-chi, or meditation.
Planning regular date nights can also be beneficial.
If these measures fail, Sari advises couples who feel trapped in a sexless relationship and struggle to communicate to consult a certified sex therapist.