The decision to not have sex is a perfectly normal one. But your body will change if you’re used to regular sex and all of a sudden you aren’t having it. Break-ups. Work. Travel. There are a lot of reasons your sex life may be stalled. Your dry spell in the sack can affect your health in many ways, both good and bad. Here are the 11 things that can happen when you lose that loving feeling.
1. Your Immune System Weakens
Did you know sex builds up antibodies? So if you’re abstaining, you might find you’re more susceptible to colds and the like.
2. Your Bladder Control Weakens
Sex works your pelvic floor. This helps control the urge to pee. Yes, there are exercises like, Kegels, that can help counteract this, but hey! They’re not nearly as fun.
3. Frustration And Lower Self-Esteem
This usually occurs if your abstaining isn’t a choice but more of a “dry spell.” However, these can also be unrelated depression symptoms, so consult a doctor if they worsen.
4. Your Blood Pressure Rises
Having sex keeps your blood pressure down. The difference is not usually huge, but you might want to check yours if you’re engaging in prolonged abstinence.
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5. Your Stress Levels Will Rise
You’re better equipped to deal with high-stress situations when you’re having regular sex. But if you’re abstaining, then your stress levels might rise. You can fight this through relaxation exercises and meditation.
6. Your Risk Of Heart Attack Rises
Sex raises your heart rate and lowers blood pressure. If you have regualr sex, it can cut your risk of heart disease and heart attack in half.
7. You’ll Have More Trouble Sleeping
After sex, your body releases prolactin, a hormone which puts you to sleep in a nice, relaxing fashion. If you’re used to it, falling asleep another way could prove difficult.
8. You’ll Forget Stuff
Sex leads to the production of new cells in your brain’s memory centers. When sex stops, so does production. But you can take on an exercise regimen to keep them coming.
9. You’ll Get Fewer Urinary Tract Infections
Here’s some good news finally. Sex increases the risk of UTIs because bacteria are pushed into the tract. Stopping sex will definitely reduce exposure and risk.
10. Sex Can Be Painful The Next Time You Have It
The anxiety that women feel from becoming “out of practice” can lead to a decrease in the production of lubrication during the next sexual encounter, which can be a painful experience.
11. You Could Suffer From Short-Term Erectile Dysfunction.
It’s not clear if the lack of sex causes erectile dysfunction or vice-versa, but either way, they’re linked, so the less sex you’ve been having, the more likely you’ll incur a hiccup or two in your next sexual encounters.
