What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Having Sex
Your body notices when intimacy takes a back seat.
Sex is something everyone approaches differently. Some people wait until they’re in a committed relationship, while others are comfortable with casual hookups - and both choices are perfectly valid as long as you feel comfortable. But did you know that going without sex for too long can actually have negative effects on your body and mind? The Mirror highlights some of the most common ones.
Your sex drive may fade
One of the first things you might notice is a dip in libido. Sex therapist Sari Cooper explains that people who stop having sex often stop wanting it, too. “Out of sight, out of mind,” she says. Of course, this doesn’t apply to everyone - but if it sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.
Women feel it differently
For women, a sexual dry spell can sometimes make intimacy physically uncomfortable. This is especially true for women going through menopause, when vaginal walls naturally thin and sex may become painful without regular activity. Vaginal dryness can also become more common, making ongoing intimacy even more important for comfort and pleasure.
Men aren’t off the hook either
According to Bustle, the link between lack of sex and erectile dysfunction isn’t just a myth. A 2008 study found that regular sex actually supports stronger erections, suggesting that a healthy sex life can be good for men’s physical function too.
Less sex, more stress
Sex isn’t just about the body - it affects the mind as well. A 2016 study found that good sex can help protect women from heart disease, thanks to the feel-good sensations that benefit cardiovascular health. Without those positive effects, the body misses out.
And then there’s stress. Many people notice that when their sex life slows down, their stress levels rise. If you’ve ever been through a long dry spell, chances are you’ve felt that difference firsthand.
