Life is full of ups and downs—and so is your sex life. Weeks or even months may go by without intimacy, often without much consideration. However, what many don’t realize is that prolonged periods of sexual inactivity aren’t just frustrating—they can actually have a negative impact on your overall health.
New research from NapLab shows that the average American has sex only once a week. Experts warn that a lack of regular intimacy can have a considerable effect on both physical and mental health.
You might not believe your sex life has a significant impact on your overall well-being, but studies indicate otherwise. Extended periods of abstinence have been associated with a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and mood fluctuations.
Study Reveals the Stress-Busting Power of Sex
Scottish researchers discovered that people who avoided sexual activity had a harder time handling stress—like giving a speech in front of a crowd—than those who had been intimate at least once in the prior two weeks.
How Abstinence Affects Body and Mind
Dr. Sham Singh, a sexual health expert and psychiatrist, notes, “Ignoring natural desires without healthy coping mechanisms can fuel pent-up tension, increased anxiety, and mood swings.”
But the effects go beyond mental health—skipping sex might even leave you more vulnerable to illness. Research from Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania showed that adults who had sex once or twice weekly produced 30% more infection-fighting antibodies than those who rarely or never did.
How Prolonged Abstinence Affects the Body
The connection between sexual activity and overall well-being became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2021 study involving 4,000 participants found that those who remained sexually active during lockdowns reported lower levels of anxiety compared to those who refrained from intimacy.
This could be attributed to endorphins—natural chemicals released during sex that help reduce stress and pain. In fact, endorphin levels can surge by up to 200% during intercourse.
Dr. Singh cautions that prolonged abstinence can also have physical effects. “In both men and women, a lack of sexual release can lead to heightened tension, muscle tightness, difficulty concentrating, and increased sensitivity to touch,” he explains.
Hormonal imbalances resulting from a lack of intimacy can disrupt energy levels, appetite, and sleep patterns. “Some individuals may experience heightened fatigue, as sex promotes relaxation and enhances sleep through the release of oxytocin,” Dr. Singh adds.
Americans Are Losing Interest in Sex
Declining sex rates were once primarily linked to older generations, but now this trend is affecting younger adults, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
A government study has revealed that sexlessness is on the rise among adults aged 22 to 34. According to the National Survey of Family Growth, 10% of young men and 7% of young women in this age group have not had sex.
“In summary, for young adult males, sexlessness has roughly doubled across all measures over the last decade. For young adult females, it has risen by about 50%,” states the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), which analyzed the data.
This change may be connected to evolving lifestyle patterns. A previous Pew Research study found that a record 25% of Americans under 40 have never married, with many also living alone.
Whether driven by personal choices, changing social norms, or shifting priorities, this decline in sexual activity could have long-term consequences—not only for relationships but for overall health as well.
