Some studies conclude that having sex is not a primary need, like eating, drinking water or sleeping; however, scientific research confirms that when there is no frequent sexual activity, the body undergoes certain changes.
Here we will tell you #sinrecato what happens when you do not have sex:
Defenses go down: A study conducted in 2004 concluded that people with a more active sex life produce significantly higher levels of Immunoglobulin A, which is the main antibody in all mucous secretions of the body: saliva, tears, semen, etc., which gives them a stronger immune system.
Sexual desire fades away: The more space you have between one sexual encounter and another, the lower the hormone production and the desire to have sex will be.
Sexologist María Martínez Murillo explains that sexual desire is a need of the species and not of the individual: “There are essential needs such as drinking, eating or sleeping and when these are not satisfied, the body gives signals that it needs them to continue living. On the other hand, the opposite happens with sexual desire; it is a vicious circle.”
Just as you read it, lack of sex weakens the immune system and, of course, you are exposed to germs that affect the body; you become a radar for the flu.
Martinez points out that the lack of sex does not make the body give signals that it needs it, but rather the desire fades until it disappears; that is, “the libido is channeled into other activities and sexual desire is inhibited.”
Cortisol increases: When you have sex, stress levels decrease significantly, and, of course, you are in a state of total relaxation. This is because the moment you have an orgasm or two or as many as you want and can, cortisol levels decrease and you no longer feel overwhelmed and rushed as usual.
Decreased sexual libido: After a period of sexual inactivity, men find it difficult to achieve an erection and women find it difficult to reach orgasm.
Emotional distance: The permanent physical distance generates an emotional distance between couples; of course it depends on the type of relationship and the bond they have. However, it is not good news for couples who have a long distance relationship.
Decreases cognitive function: In 2013, American scientists claimed that repeated sexual experience can stimulate neurogenesis in adults and restore cognitive function.
Until recently it was believed that neurogenesis, meaning the production of new neurons, only happened in childhood, but now it was revealed that this occurs throughout life and that sexual intercourse contributes to this process.
Experts recommend, especially to older adults, neurobics or mental gymnastics to keep the brain young, which consists of a series of mental exercises such as writing by hand, memory exercises, reading and physical activity.
The good news is that sex is also part of those activities that prevent or delay the onset of problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Decreases self-esteem: When you stop having sex, you do not release the so-called happiness hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin, endorphin and dopamine, which generate overall well-being not only for our body but also for our mind. When we do not have sex, our self-esteem is affected because we do not feel desired.
It produces depression: Some studies have shown that lack of sex increases the likelihood of depression in both men and women, and even more in married couples.
Having sex more often in addition to maintaining active sexual desire, libido and passion could also improve mental health.
Increases the possibility of prostate cancer: A study by the U.S. National Cancer Institute has shown that to stop having sex is a risk factor for prostate cancer. In said research, it was concluded that those who ejaculated at least 21 times a month had a three-times-lower risk of suffering from this disease.
Vaginal atrophy: During menopause, women may experience thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls due to low levels of estrogen.
According to the clinical psychologist and sexologist, Paola Beltran: “Sexual intercourse can help protect the health of the vaginal canal, through the stimulation of the walls, especially in the menopausal stage.”
Additionally, the expert assures that sexual relations cannot be limited to penetration because there is a whole universe of sexual practices that also generate well-being:
“Masturbation, the use of sex toys, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, watching erotic content, among others, can also help to preserve many of the benefits of sex.”
A healthy sex life provides general well-being and, of course, emotional stability. However, sexologist Maria Martinez clarifies that: “More sex does not necessarily mean to more happiness. Sexual well-being does not grow exponentially: it has a limit.”
The specialist concludes: “In sex, quality is more important than quantity. It is better to have little sex that is rewarding than a lot of sex that is not.”
It is a fact that having sex provides well-being and makes us happier. But the thing is that the above does not depend on the number of sexual relations, nor does it increase our happiness by itself. If we see sex as an obligation that we have to fulfill, the opposite will happen: we will be unhappy.
Just enjoy and do not make your life complicated.
Traducción del español: Catalina Oviedo Brugés
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