Sexual activity is often linked to physical, emotional and mental well-being. For many, it is considered an essential aspect of health and happiness, providing benefits such as stress relief, improved mood and lower blood pressure. But what happens when sexual activity takes a back seat in someone’s life? Can men really go without sex, and if so, what are the consequences for their overall health?
Whether it’s due to personal choice, life circumstances, or health issues, long-term abstinence is more common than you might think. Let’s explore whether going without sex is a cause for concern in men, as well as the reasons why some men may go without sex, the possible consequences of prolonged abstinence, and ways to maintain sexual health during these periods.
Common causes of prolonged abstinence
There are many reasons why men may go long periods of time without sexual activity, and these reasons vary from person to person. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Health conditions: Physical health problems, such as chronic pain, cardiovascular problems, or hormonal imbalances, can reduce sexual desire or ability. For example, conditions such as diabetes or low testosterone levels can affect libido.
- Mental health problems: Depression, anxiety and stress can significantly reduce interest in sexual activity. Medications for these conditions, such as antidepressants, can also have side effects that reduce libido.
- Relationship challenges: Marital problems, loss of attraction, or lack of communication can lead to a decrease in sexual activity within relationships. Your relationship status can also affect sexual activity, as it can be more difficult to enter into a sexual relationship without any commitment from either partner.
- Aging: As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to a decreased sex drive. Other age-related factors, such as erectile dysfunction, may also play a role.
- Living conditions: Busy schedules, demanding careers, or caregiving responsibilities can undermine the priority of intimacy, even in healthy relationships.
- Celibacy and asexuality: Some men choose to abstain from sex for personal, cultural, or religious reasons. Others may identify as asexual, meaning they have little to no sexual attraction to others.
What it means to be ‘sexually active’ and how long men can go without sex
Sexual activity does not have a universal definition, but researchers often define it as regularly engaging in sexual intercourse or other intimate acts, such as oral sex. On average, “sexually active” can mean having sex at least once a week, or about 54 times a year.
However, it is entirely possible that men can go weeks, months, or even years without sex without serious consequences. The human body is resilient, and while there are benefits to regular sexual activity, missing it does not automatically lead to health problems.
That said, Long-term abstinence can affect men differently depending on their age, health and emotional state.
Physical effects of sexual abstinence
Although avoiding sex does not immediately harm the body, long-term abstinence can lead to certain physical changes:
- Testosterone levels: Regular sex has been shown to help maintain testosterone levels. Without this, some may experience a mild dip, which can affect energy levels, mood and libido.
- Prostate Health: Some research suggests that regular ejaculation is possible reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Long-term abstinence, on the other hand, could increase the risk somewhat, although more research is needed to confirm this.
- Erectile function: Regular sex can promote healthy blood flow to the genitals. Without this, some men may experience changes in erectile function, although this is often temporary.
- General physical health: Men who are sexually active experience benefits such as better heart health, better sleep and lower blood pressure. Prolonged abstinence may mean missing out on these benefits, but these effects can be mitigated by other activities such as exercise and stress management.
Psychological and emotional impact of no sex
Sex is not just a physical act; it can play an important role in emotional and mental well-being. Prolonged abstinence can lead to:
- Increased stress levels: Sexual activity can help lower cortisol (the stress hormone). Without this, men could experience more stress.
- Changes in mood: Oxytocin and endorphins released during intimacy increase happiness and connection. A deficiency of these hormones can lead to irritability, mood swings or feelings of loneliness.
- Reduced partner connection: For men in relationships, sexual intimacy often strengthens bonds with their partners. Prolonged abstinence can create distance or a lack of emotional closeness.
- Self-confidence: A lack of sexual activity can sometimes affect self-esteem, especially if a man associates his sexual performance with his self-esteem.
It is critical to address these emotional and mental health impacts by finding healthy outlets and seeking support when needed.
How to deal with a lack of sex in a healthy way
Missing out on frequent sex can be disheartening, especially for some young men. If you experience a “dry spell” or choose not to have sex, there are ways to manage the potential impact on your health:
- Masturbation: Masturbation provides many of the same benefits as partnered sex, including stress relief, improved sleep, and maintaining prostate health.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help balance hormone levels, improve mood and promote overall health, offsetting some of the benefits of sex.
- Focus on emotional intimacy: If you are in a relationship, prioritize non-sexual forms of connection, such as spending quality time together or improving communication. Fostering a deeper connection can ultimately improve your sex life, too.
- Seek professional support: If prolonged abstinence is harming your mental health, consider talking to a therapist. They can help you safely deal with feelings of frustration, loneliness or stress. Interacting with involuntarily celibate or “incel” groups can result in misdirected anger and blame based on fabricated societal pressures. Rather than participating in these online channels, talk to someone who has experience with the psychological effects of male sexuality.
- Practice stress management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or journaling to maintain emotional balance.
It’s important to remember that sex is just one part of overall health, and there are many other ways to feel connected, fulfilled, and physically good.
Take care of all aspects of your sexual health with priority STD testing
Whether you’re going through a “dry spell” or choose not to have sex, your sexual health is still important. While not having sex for a long period of time is not necessarily harmful to your health, it is essential to stay aware of the effects it has on your body and mind.
If and when you choose to engage in sexual activity, make your safety a priority. Regular STD testing is a crucial part of maintaining your health and protecting your partner. Priority STD Testing offers confidential, convenient and accurate testing options, putting you in control of your sexual well-being.
Remember that sexual activity is only one aspect of a healthy life. Whether you are sexually active or not, staying informed and proactive about your health is crucial.
Read more about our testing options and take the first step towards a healthier you!