Life Has Its Highs and Lows — And So Does Your Sex Life
It’s normal for intimacy to ebb and flow. Sometimes, weeks or even months can slip by without any sexual connection. But what many don’t realize is that going too long without sex isn’t just frustrating—it could actually affect your health in surprising ways.
Why It Really Matters
Recent research from NapLab reveals that the average American has sex just once a week. While that might sound normal, experts warn that not getting intimate often enough can have a deeper impact than you might expect.
You may wonder why what happens behind closed doors matters so much, but the truth is, abstaining from sex isn’t just a physical issue—it can also weigh heavily on your mental health.
Studies show that people who live without sex for extended periods are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and mood swings. One fascinating study from Scotland found that those who hadn’t had sex in two weeks faced more difficulty managing stressful situations—like public speaking—compared to those who stayed sexually active.
Why Skipping Sex Isn’t Just About Missing Out on Pleasure
Dr. Sham Singh, a sexual health specialist and psychiatrist, explains it clearly: “Suppressing sexual urges without finding other ways to relieve stress can build up frustration, making anxiety and irritability worse.”
Sure, having less sex might mean fewer germs—but it also means missing out on some powerful health perks.
Researchers at Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania discovered that people who had sex once or twice a week had 30% higher levels of antibodies that help protect the body from viruses, compared to those who rarely or never had sex.
The Impact of Going Long Without Intimacy
The link between our well-being and sexual activity became especially obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2021 study tracking the sex lives of 4,000 people found that those who had more sex reported lower levels of anxiety compared to those who abstained completely.
Why? Because sex triggers a flood of endorphins—those feel-good brain chemicals that reduce pain and stress. During sex, endorphin levels can surge by as much as 200%.
But it’s not just your mind that suffers when you go too long without sex. Dr. Singh points out, “For both men and women, missing out on sex can lead to restlessness or tension that might show up physically—as muscle tightness, difficulty focusing, or being overly sensitive to touch.”
He also highlights that long-term abstinence can mess with energy, appetite, and sleep patterns by affecting key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol—the stress hormone.
“Many people feel more tired when they aren’t having sex, because sex helps the body relax and sleep better, partly thanks to the release of oxytocin,” Dr. Singh adds.
The Rising Trend of Sexlessness — Especially Among Younger Generations
The trend isn’t just affecting older adults. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly stepping back from sex altogether.
According to a government study, Americans are losing interest in sex—especially adults aged 22 to 34. The latest National Survey of Family Growth found that 10% of young men and 7% of women in this age group are still virgins.
“In the past decade, sexlessness among young adult males has roughly doubled, while it has increased by about 50% among young adult females,” reports the Institute of Family Studies (IFS), which analyzed the data.
A previous Pew Research study also revealed that a record 25% of Americans under 40 have never been married, and many live alone—factors that may be contributing to this shift.
