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While having sex has many benefits, not being active in the sack is unlikely to be bad for your overall health, one experts says.
Going through a spell of sexual inactivity can feel overwhelming for some, while others may not notice a difference in their body.
“While there are recognized physical, emotional and psychological benefits to engaging in solo or partnered sexual activity, this does not mean that there are negative consequences associated with not being sexually active,” Christine Rafe, a sex and relationship expert for sex toy brand Womanizer, told Australian lifestyle website Body+Soul.
Rafe says abstaining from sex can have minor effects on the body, but no long-term biological consequences.
“In the same way we might experience a reduced confidence, muscle tightness and overall deconditioning from not exercising, people who haven’t had sex, or who stop having sex for prolonged periods, may experience deconditioning to sexual activities and find that they have muscle tightness or soreness, difficulties in ejaculatory control and a loss of confidence in sexual activity,” she said.
As people age, it’s very normal for libidos to change, as well.
“It’s very likely that you will experience fluctuations and changes in your experience of desire, arousal and pleasure throughout your life, and this can fluctuate weekly, monthly, or more progressively over different life stages including puberty, relationship dynamics, parenthood, menopause, older age, etc.,” Rafe said.
However, the act of having sex and receiving pleasure can help lower stress, boost body confidence and increase intimacy among partners.
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But don’t expect any serious or negative consequences from abstaining.
“Sex can certainly be a component of a healthy lifestyle, but it is not essential for you to be healthy,” Rafe said.
“If it is not causing you concern or impacting your life in any adverse ways, then you can absolutely live a healthy and fulfilling life without having sex.”