A decline in sexual activity is being observed among young adults aged 18 to 30, prompting experts to discuss the potential effects on both male and female bodies due to prolonged absence of sexual engagement or stimulation.
Sex and relationship expert Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn shared insights with the Daily Mail, emphasizing that a lack of sexual activity can negatively impact both men and women.
Contrary to the assumption that everyone is frequently engaging in sexual activities, this might not be the reality for Generation Z.
Research from California University in 2021 revealed that 38 percent of individuals aged 18 to 30 reported having no sexual partners over the past year.
This raises the question: what are the consequences of not having sex or masturbating?
Societal pressures often highlight the significance of sex, partly because it’s essential for reproduction and the continuation of the human race.
Beyond reproduction, however, the absence of sexual activity can adversely affect mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, as noted by Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn.
Sex often emphasizes affection, touch, and connection, and the absence of these elements can lead to increased anxiety and stress levels.
Both men and women may experience mood swings and irritability when they lack a partner or engage in unsatisfying sexual encounters.
A 2021 study published in the Science Direct journal suggested that unmet sexual needs could result in frustration and potentially lead to aggressive behavior.
The study also indicated that sexual frustration might elevate the risk of aggression, violence, and crime due to relief-seeking, power-seeking, revenge-seeking, and displaced frustrations.
While the physical consequences of not engaging in sexual activities aren’t as severe as the saying “use it or lose it,” some concerns do exist.
Severe symptoms like penile and vaginal atrophy or pain during sex could manifest, but these typically develop after abstaining from sex for more than five years.
Penile atrophy involves the stiffening and decreased flexibility of the skin and tissue in the penis, potentially leading to a reduction in size or girth.
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that an inactive sex life might increase the risk of prostate cancer in men.
A 2016 study in the journal European Urology found that men who ejaculated at least 21 times monthly had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated only four to seven times a month.
For women, vaginal atrophy can occur, where the vaginal tissues become thin and dry, sometimes shortening the vaginal canal.
This condition can make intercourse more challenging and cause pain or discomfort during sex.
Sex therapist Sari Cooper, also speaking to the Daily Mail, highlighted the importance of managing stress, as stressed individuals may struggle to discern when “someone piques our neurotic nerve endings.” This means they might not be as attuned to whether someone is exciting them.
Suwinyattichaiporn added that stressed individuals lack the capacity to fully enjoy sex.
To alleviate stress, popular methods include yoga, exercise, and other activities that help release toxins.
Cooper suggested individuals should focus on what previously triggered their “erotic desires,” noting that these triggers aren’t always physical; they can be auditory, olfactory, or taste-related.
For couples, she recommended consulting a certified sex therapist to help overcome barriers with professional guidance.