Sex is natural and obviously an integral part of human relationships. It can have huge physical and emotional benefits. However, daily life and its demands, lack of a partner, or other reasons may lead to long abstinence. Although there is no right and wrong in the amount of time that passes without having sex, there are some signs that may indicate that you haven’t had sex in a very long time. Here, we will discuss five signs that may point to a prolonged period without sexual activity.
1. Decreased Libido: A clear indication of sexual inactivity is a diminished libido or sex drive. The process of sexual desire is intricate, involving numerous hormones and chemicals such as testosterone, estrogen, and dopamine. These hormones play a crucial role in sexual arousal and desire, and their production is influenced by sexual activity. Consequently, if a person is not sexually active for a prolonged duration, their body may cease producing these hormones and chemicals, resulting in a reduced libido.
Moreover, lack of sexual activity can also result in vaginal dryness in women, making sexual intercourse uncomfortable and painful. This can further decrease the person’s interest in sex, creating a vicious cycle of decreased libido and sexual inactivity. Therefore, maintaining some level of sexual activity is essential to ensure the proper production of hormones and chemicals responsible for sexual desire.
2. Lack of Physical Intimacy: Another sign that indicates a person has not had sex in a while is a lack of physical intimacy in their life. Physical intimacy goes beyond just sexual intercourse and includes activities such as kissing, hugging, and cuddling. These forms of physical affection are essential for building and maintaining emotional connections in relationships. Therefore, when a person is not sexually active, they may also lack these forms of physical intimacy with their partner.
The absence of physical intimacy can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection in a relationship, which can further impact one’s sex drive. Furthermore, physical touch is also essential for maintaining physical health, as it can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Therefore, a lack of physical intimacy can have detrimental effects on both emotional and physical health.
3. Changes in Mood and Emotional Well-being: Sex has been proven to have significant physical and emotional benefits. When a person is not having sex, they may experience changes in their mood and emotional well-being. The release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones during sex can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, a lack of sex may result in increased levels of these negative emotions and a general feeling of dissatisfaction with life.
4. Physical Changes: Not having sex for an extended period can lead to physical changes in the body. In women, a lack of sexual activity can cause vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable or even painful. This is because sexual activity helps to maintain vaginal health by increasing blood flow to the area and promoting the production of natural lubrication. Without this regular stimulation, the vaginal walls can become thin and dry, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
If men do not have regular sexual activity for an extended period, their testosterone levels may decrease. Testosterone is a vital hormone for male sexual function, muscle mass, bone density, and general energy levels. When testosterone levels go down, it can result in reduced muscle mass and bone density, as well as fatigue, depression, and less interest in sex. In fact, studies show that regular sexual activity can help men maintain their testosterone levels. Therefore, prolonged sexual inactivity may lead to negative effects.
Furthermore, not having sex can also affect one’s cardiovascular health. Regular sexual activity has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, as it can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase blood flow. A prolonged period of sexual inactivity may lead to a decrease in these benefits, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease.
5. Difficulty Having Sex: Another sign that you haven’t had sex in a very long time is difficulty having sex. In women, prolonged sexual inactivity can cause the vaginal muscles to become tight, making it challenging to engage in intercourse. This is known as vaginismus and can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, fear, or past trauma. Vaginismus can be treated with therapy, medication, or pelvic floor exercises, but it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing this symptom.
In men, a prolonged period of sexual inactivity can lead to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. This is because regular sexual activity helps to maintain the health of the blood vessels and nerves responsible for erectile function. Without this regular stimulation, these blood vessels and nerves can become less responsive, making it challenging to achieve or maintain an erection. This condition is known as erectile dysfunction and can be treated with medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.
In summary, although not having sex for a long time might not be a big deal, you need to know these signs which may indicate that it has been really long since your last sexual activity. If you experience any of these signs, perhaps you need to have a conversation with your partner and resolve the issues. A therapist or any medical professional could be very important in trying to understand any physical or emotional hurdles that may block one from becoming active sexually. Remember, it’s not right or wrong for the time one remains without sex; nevertheless, it becomes very crucial to take good care of your sexual health and well-being.
