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Sex is a healthy, loving act that strengthens the bond between partners. It’s a way to deepen a romantic relationship and experience pleasure in a consensual and special way.
While it can be an experience unlike any other, there may come a point in time wherein you and your partner may encounter the dreaded bedroom dry spell.
Sexual desire may wane, sexual fantasies may become less interesting to you, or you may have developed a form of sexual dysfunction such as low testosterone, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or erectile dysfunction.
But, the question remains: what happens when a man is not sexually active? Or starts abstaining from sex or lost interest in it entirely?
Let’s explore what happens when a man stops having sex or has less frequent sex.
You May Develop Feelings of Inadequacy
Sex has an intimate quality to it—and removing that layer of love in a relationship can make some men feel inadequate and insecure.
In cases like this, it’s important to recognize that your self-worth is not tied to the frequency of your sexual experiences. A man who has sex with their partner multiple times a day is of no higher value than a man who doesn’t engage in any sexual acts for weeks.
However, it’s also important to recognize the positive benefits of a sexual connection. After sex, our bodies release hormones like endorphins and oxytocin that make us feel happy and positive.
These chemicals also help fight against stress and improve your mood.
That said, stopping sexual experiences may logically seem like you’re removing the source of these happy hormones. But that’s not quite the case.
Endorphins and oxytocin production can be sourced from other types of activities. These can include:
- Playing with your pets
- Walking in a park
- Participating in exercise
- Socializing with friends and family
- Enjoying your hobbies
Doing things that make you feel good will make your life happier. You will no longer need to find ways to satiate your sex drive if you don’t need to.
This not only helps improve your self-image, but it can also make you less anxious and insecure as a whole.
If you’ve stopped having sex due to sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, consult a men’s medical clinic today for a proper diagnosis from a trained medical professional.
You May Struggle with Relationship Problems
No relationship is the same—and it’s fair to imagine that unmanaged differences in forms of intimacy can cause strains between partners.
Sex and sexual compatibility are very important things to discuss before you enter a relationship. One couple could be doing the deed multiple times a week, while another could save their special occasion once or twice a month.
However, if there’s friction in the sexual intimacy in a relationship (i.e. you want sex more often than your partner), it might be harder to feel emotionally attached to your partner.
Nonetheless, a study among couples shows that there’s been a decline in the frequency of modern-day couples participating in sex. Most couples have sex regularly at least once a week (or 54 times a year), while those in marriages have decreased interest in sex at 51 times a year.
The longer you go without engaging in sexual activity, the more disconnected you may feel with your partner. This is especially true if you don’t do other things together or enjoy other forms of shared activities, like going on dates.
You May Have Increased Odds of Developing Prostate Cancer
A large study with male participants has shown that higher frequent ejaculation is linked to a lower prostate cancer risk.
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. While ejaculation can be reached through masturbation and nocturnal emission, sex with a partner also helps decrease prostate cancer risks later in life.
However, it should be noted that there have been studies that refute this claim. Higher frequency in sex can also increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
While the risk of STD is concerning, it’s not the most common scare out there. Sure, if you sleep around with multiple partners, the risk can be heightened especially if you aren’t wearing a condom.
But if you’re in a committed relationship with a single sexual partner, and have been having sex for years exclusively, then you should have very little risk of contracting this disease.
Your Immune System May Be Impaired
A study showed that college students who have sex more often had a higher immunoglobulin A antibody count than those who didn’t.
Immunoglobulin A is responsible for various key factors in our immune system, namely:
- Fighting off bacterial invasion
- Maintaining homeostasis with your cells
- Protecting tissues
While having regular sex can be risky, the aforementioned benefits prove that having a high interest in sex can also be beneficial.
Immunity can be boosted in other ways too. This includes:
- Quitting vices like smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Losing weight
- Sleeping properly every night
- Taking care of your physical health
- Removing harmful ED medications
- Undergoing a healthy living program
Your Belly Fat May Remain Intact
Sex makes you move a lot, so it’s not surprising to know that you’ll be burning quite a bit of calories along the way.
Research has shown that a young, sexually active, heterosexual man can burn up to 3.1 calories per minute, while women can burn 2.4 calories per minute.
For a 30-minute session, this equates to 101 calories burned for men and 69 calories for women. In comparison, a moderate-intensity workout with a treadmill burns 276 calories and 213 calories in men and women respectively.
Consult Orlando’s Top Men’s Clinic for Sexual Health Issues
There’s no denying the pleasures of sex, but sexual abstinence is not the end of the world.
Stopping sex for a long time doesn’t have any adverse consequences. But there are very minor things you may miss out on if you do.
Fortunately, many of these benefits can be acquired through other means—such as by exercising regularly and living a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re suffering from a loss of interest in sex, get in touch with a sexual health professional today to provide medical advice on your sexual health.
The medical professionals at Premier Men’s Medical Center in Orlando specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
