What happens to you when you abstain from sex for a long time?

Self-imposed sex renunciation? Only monks do that! If that’s your spontaneous reaction, you’re not alone, and you’re not entirely wrong. Sexual abstinence is usually involuntary and due to external circumstances: a lot of stress, illness or being single. U.S. researchers from the University of San Diego revealed in a study that we have less sex today than 20 years ago. According to the results, people in the 1990s were still having sex 60 to 65 times a year, but today only about 53 times. A study by the University of Leipzig underpins the downward trend, with young people in particular living ascetic lives: almost 30 percent of single men and women between the ages of 15 and 30 had not had sex in the year before the study (masturbation excluded

But there are also people who voluntarily prescribe chastity, almost like a sex fast. The belief behind this is that they are doing themselves some good — but the opposite is the case. By the way, the imposed asexuality is not to be confused with a sex trend that has spilled over from the USA to Europe: the so-called NoFap movement. Its followers, who exchange views on Internet forums, deliberately refrain from masturbating to sex films. The reason: they suffer from porn addiction and can no longer enjoy real sex. In such a case, abstinence can actually help. Why and how abstinence can even harm your body, we will show you in the following.

1. you weaken in performance

Was there ever a phase in your life when you didn’t have sex for a long time? If no, you’re lucky! If you have, you might know the awkward feeling the first time after the dry spell. The “flow” is missing, the fear of failing is high. And in fact, after a long period of abstinence, you may experience problems with your erection. This phenomenon is colloquially also called “widower syndrome”. The reason for the lack of stamina is low testosterone levels and lack of exercise. Because the penis and its performance only stay in shape if you exercise it regularly — you rest, you rust. Means: The erectile tissue in the penis must be regularly well supplied with blood. Masturbation and sex with a partner train not only the sense of rhythm, but also the stability of the best piece.

2. abstinence can increase your blood pressure

People who have sex regularly have lower blood pressure in stressful situations. In a study published in the journal Biological Psychology, scientists prove that regular sex lowers blood pressure. In subjects who enjoyed a fulfilling sex life, they measured lower blood pressure in stressful situations than in subjects who rarely or never had sex. And it also makes a difference whether they masturbate or make love together: In subjects who regularly had sex with a partner, the researchers measured even lower blood pressure than men who regularly self-pleasured.

3. the risk for prostate cancer increases.

Men, masturbate! Even researchers advise to at least masturbate if man does not currently have a partner to share love with. Studies from Harvard Medical School in the US proved that the less often a man ejaculates, the higher the risk of developing prostate cancer. The result of their research: Men who ejaculate 4 to 7 times a week have a low risk of developing prostate cancer.

4. you feel more stressed

After a passionate night, even the choleric boss or urgent deadlines can’t upset you. It’s no coincidence. Sex releases the hormones oxytocin and endorphin, which inhibit the stress hormone cortisol and lift your mood. Conversely, if you abstain from sex because of stress, you may feel twice as bad. So it’s better to relax with your sweetheart in bed instead of on the sofa in front of the TV.

5. you give away a natural muscle growth accelerator

Researchers have found that competitive athletes who play fast-paced strength sports should abstain from sex 24 to 48 hours before a competition or hard workout. The reason: during orgasm, the hormone oxytocin, which is released, ensures that aggressiveness decreases. However, in order to win a competition, a certain degree of aggressiveness is crucial. Sex also makes you calm. For athletes who play a sport that requires a lot of concentration, such as archery, sex (up to 4 hours before the competition) can therefore lead to improved marksmanship. Aside from athletic performance, however, regular sex also provides an increase in testosterone in the blood, contributing to healthy muscle growth. A study by Zhejiang University in China proves: If an ejaculation fails to occur, testosterone levels are maintained for 6 days. With each additional day without ejaculation, it decreases.

6. sex abstinence makes your immune system weaker.

The best remedy for colds: an orgasm — at least once a week. U.S. psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania found in a study that regular sex strengthens the immune system. They took saliva samples from subjects who had sex 1 to 2 times a week. The result: The samples contained a very high concentration of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which acts against colds. The value was significantly higher than in men who had no or infrequent sex.

7. job performance decreases

Apparently, the lack of sex can also lower job performance and drive for other activities. U.S. scientists at Oregon State University found in a study that couples with active sex lives are more satisfied at work and show higher engagement at work. The explanation: sex leads to a release of dopamine. The hormone is closely linked to the reward center in the brain. The effect of the bubbling hormones lasts up to 24 hours, according to the researchers.

8. abstinence harms your relationship happiness

If there is a lull in bed for a long time, this also damages the partnership. If one of the partners regularly rejects advances, the other partner soon feels as if he or she has been sidelined — this can end in a vicious circle. In addition, without sex, both partners lack the release of the bonding hormone oxytocin during physical contact and orgasm. It makes partners feel attracted to and more empathetic toward each other. Through intimate touching, you demonstrate mutual trust and willingness to engage with each other. And, don’t forget: When you feel like your partner, it’s the best compliment you can give her.

Conclusion: Sex is the best home remedy

A drought is no more good for you than it is for your houseplant. The reasons we put forward as excuses for sex breaks (stress, pain, listlessness) don’t apply. Because researchers proved: Sex is an effective home remedy for all these reasons. To keep your sex-health balance in balance, you can now have sex on prescription. If you don’t have a partner, you should try it yourself. By the way, having sex is also an act of charity: Women also live healthier and more relaxed lives when they have sex regularly.