What do sex therapists say happens to your body if you don’t have regular sex?

We all know that regular sex is good for our overall health and well-being, but it’s not uncommon to go weeks or even months without it. So what effect does sex really have on your body?

For many people, going without sex for a while can be frustrating and increase stress levels. But sex and relationship expert Christine Rafe says that while it can feel like a big change, scientifically speaking, that’s not necessarily the case.

Speak with Body+SoulRafe says, “Although sexual activity alone or with a partner – including non-penetrative sex or sex without penetration – is recognized to have physical, emotional and psychological benefits, this does not mean that sexual inactivity also has negative consequences.”

She compared the physical effects of temporarily abstaining from sexual intercourse with those of a period without exercise.

“People who have not had sex or have not had sex for a long period of time may experience a decline in stamina with regard to sexual activity, noticing tension or pain in the muscles, difficulty controlling ejaculation and a loss of confidence in sexual activity,” says Rafe, adding that these do not represent “long-term biological changes.”

Short-term or long-term abstinence doesn’t necessarily have to be bad for you. As Rafe explains, “There is no solid research or evidence that there are any negative health effects when someone chooses not to have sex or to stop having sex.”

Previously, other experts had warned that not smoking for a long period of time could have physical and psychological consequences.

Sex and relationship expert Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn told the Daily Mail UK that sexually inactive men can be affected by penile atrophy, a very rare condition in which the penile tissue becomes less flexible and can shrink by up to 2 cm. Scientists do not agree on how long it may take for this condition to occur.

However, a 2016 study found that men who ejaculate about 21 times a month have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ejaculate less than seven times a month. In women, months of abstaining from sex can cause the vagina to atrophy, leading to discomfort or pain during sex in the future.

Going without sex for a month or more can cause stress, frustration, anxiety and even outbursts of anger in both men and women, she said, because sex releases positive hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.

We all need affection and connection with others in our lives, and a lack of it can affect our mental health, she explained.

Sex therapist Sari Cooper told the Daily Mail UK that “dry spells” are normal, but if you are in a relationship and go too long without sex, it can lead to serious problems.

“Sometimes one partner will ask for the relationship to be more open so that they can meet their needs ethically, and the other partner may just engage in sexual infidelity to meet their needs,” Cooper explained.

She suggested that couples who do not have regular sex should assess their individual stress levels, as “stressed people are unable to enjoy sex,” and then try to plan evenings together, meditation or yoga to reduce stress.

Cooper said couples who are having trouble in this area should seek professional help or the advice of a certified sex therapist.