Interestingly, there are so many reasons why people voluntarily choose a platonic relationship, abstain from sex for some time, or practice celibacy altogether, these include religious or spiritual beliefs, loneliness, trust issues with partners, diminished sex drive, or dry spells. Regardless of your reason, it is important to know the effect ‘sex-starve’ has on your physical, mental, and sexual health.
Sex is a natural phenomenon that has been present since the beginning of time. It is the means of procreation, intimacy, and fun between lovers. Sex, in fact, is not for fun, or procreation only–– from physical and sexual healing to mental stability, sex serves manifold benefits for both your body and mind.
In this article, we discuss eight things that can happen to your physical, mental, and sexual health when you are in a platonic relationship or don’t have sex for a long time.
- Lack of sex and intimacy can make you more stressed and anxious
Life is as stressful as it can be, with the struggle of juggling our work, family, and social life. Occasionally, everyone needs a break. That’s when sex and intimacy come in. Unlike other exercises, sex is like killing two birds with one stone. As you enjoy the act, you also relax your body and mind. Also, sex encourages the release of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals or hormones your body releases during pleasurable activities to reduce stress, relieve pain and alleviate anxiety. Whenever you feel stressed or anxious, there’s sure to be a fun solution to it, get laid!
- Platonic relationship can make you experience unnecessary mood swings or Irritations
Have you ever heard of the saying, “ An orgasm a day keeps the attitude away’’? When we are stressed, we often let our emotions take control and guide our behavior or attitude negatively. Abstaining from sex for a long time takes a toll on your mood. Many blame their significant other and displace their feelings on them, which puts a strain on relationships. Well, I’m not claiming sex to be the absolute solution for all the ‘bitchy’ attitude going around, but well-satisfying sex improves intimacy which is sure to fix that attitude. Sex releases dopamine (the happy hormone) and oxytocin ( the cuddle hormone), which causes a flash of happiness and calmness during and after sex. You cannot go wrong with it.
- Higher risk of developing a heart disease
Looking for a fun way to burn calories, manage your weight, and prevent hypertension and its complications? A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for developing heart diseases like hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and heart attacks. Sex is a physical activity hence improves circulation, burns calories, and manages blood pressure levels.
- Your immune system gets weaker, and you can fall sick more often
Did you know that having sex at least once or twice per week can increase your antibody concentration by 30%? Thus increasing your natural defense system against disease-causing organisms like viruses and bacteria?. Other scientific studies concurred that sexual arousal and orgasm increase the concentration of leukocytes or white blood cells, which are all responsible for protecting us from infections and diseases.
- Your vagina can dry up, and vaginal walls could thin out leading to poor sexual health.
Some individuals argue that resting your vagina makes it fresher or younger. Some believe abstinence could rebind the hymen, making you a secondary virgin, but this is just a myth. Have you also wondered how it impacts your intimacy with your lover and sexual health?. The truth is that a platonic relationship and abstinence from sex could dry up your vagina and constricts the muscles in the vagina wall. Tightened vaginal muscles make your first intercourse after a dry spell more hurtful or discomforting. Also, during menopause, estrogen levels decrease causing the vagina to dry up and thin out, making it more prone to tear.
- The penis can shrink in size, and you might find it difficult to get hard
It might come as a surprise that sex-starving can significantly reduce your libido level, intimacy, and manpower in bed, but that is the fact. Regular ejaculation ensures adequate testosterone production. Testosterone is the sex hormone in men that regulates libido, muscle mass, and the production of sperm. So, what are waiting for, get to your business in bed for good sexual health.
- Men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
The prostate is a vital organ in the reproductive system of men. Without the prostate, semen is not produced. Several research studies have backed the importance of ejaculation on the prostate and sexual health. Men who ejaculate 20 times a month have a 33% chance of avoiding prostate cancer.
- You can find it difficult to sleep at night
If you are sexually active, I know this came as no surprise. Adequate sleep is one vital element for complete health and well-being. Sex and intimacy is a feel-good activity that relaxes your mind and body, making you sleep faster and better. So, what are you waiting for? Eat, pray, love, and get laid.
