Making love is not just a physical act; it encompasses emotional, psychological, and physiological elements. When there’s a significant reduction or complete halt in sexual activities, it can lead to various changes in your body and mind. Here are nine notable things that can happen when you stop making love.
1. Decreased Libido
One of the most immediate effects of not engaging in sexual activities is a decrease in libido. Like any other physical activity, the more you engage in sexual activities, the more you stimulate your sexual desire.
2. Increase in Stress Levels
Sex is known to be a natural stress reliever. The absence of sexual activity can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, making you feel more stressed.
To manage stress and understand its impacts, consider “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” by Robert M. Sapolsky. This book offers a deep dive into stress and its effects on your body.
3. Emotional Distance in Relationships
For couples, a lack of sexual intimacy can create an emotional distance. Physical intimacy is often linked with emotional closeness, and its absence can impact the relationship.
4. Changes in Self-Esteem
Regular sexual activity can boost self-esteem and body confidence. When you stop having sex, you might notice a decrease in these feelings.
5. Sleep Disruptions
Sex helps in releasing oxytocin and prolactin, hormones that promote sleep. Without it, you may experience disruptions in your sleep patterns.
6. Potential for Vaginal Atrophy
For women, prolonged abstinence can lead to vaginal atrophy, where the vaginal tissues can become thinner and drier, leading to discomfort.
To understand the female body better, “The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina – Separating the Myth from the Medicine” by Dr. Jen Gunter is an excellent resource.
7. Impact on Prostate Health
For men, some studies suggest that regular ejaculation might reduce the risk of prostate cancer, although this is still a subject of ongoing research.
8. Emotional and Physical Detachment
Abstaining from sex can lead to feelings of detachment from your partner, affecting both emotional and physical intimacy.
9. Potential for Decreased Immune Function
Regular sexual activity is believed to boost the immune system. A lack of it might lead to a slight decrease in immunity.
To learn more about boosting your immune system through various lifestyle changes, “Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body’s Defenses to Live Longer, Stronger, and Disease Free” by Joel Fuhrman, M.D., is a recommended read.
While abstaining from sexual activity is a personal choice and can be influenced by a variety of factors, it’s important to be aware of the potential effects it can have on your physical and emotional well-being. Understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health.