Sexual abstinence is when the person decides not to have sexual contact for a period of time, either for religious reasons or need for health due to some recovery time after surgery, for example.
Abstinence is not harmful to health and can be recommended by doctors, as it can happen in people who are not healthy, or when one of the partners does not feel comfortable for some other reason. This desire must always be respected, but it is easier to fulfill a period of abstinence when you are single or when it was the very person who made that decision. When the partner is not comfortable with abstinence, it may be more difficult to cope with non-sexual days.
What happens in the body if you do not have sexual contact
If the person who has already started the sex life needs to go through a period without intimate contact what may happen includes:
1. Lower libido
Over time, less sexual desire the person must have because during intimate contact endorphins are released into the bloodstream, conferring a sense of well-being, and when it does not become present or on a regular basis the person becomes accustomed to having always the same levels of endorphins in the blood, getting comfortable with the situation, and consequently, have less sex drive.
Normally, those who have more intimate contact are more likely to have more sex because their body produces more spermatozoa in the case of men, and there is a greater need for release. However, after a period without intercourse, this need is diminishing and libido can be focused on another area of life, such as at work or in studies, for example.
2. More stress
Staying longer than 1 week without sex can increase stress levels and the way you deal with day to day difficulties. Studies show that people who have sex in a healthy emotional relationship suffer less from stress and anxiety and tend to cope better with the problems that arise. Thus, it is common for a sexless period to become a period of more emotional stress. Know the symptoms of physical and emotional stress.
3. Decreased self-esteem
When a couple is not interested in sex, it is easier to control sexual impulses, but when only one partner chooses to abstinence, the other may feel discouraged and suffer with low self-esteem, always being suspicious that their partner does not love him or has another person involved in the relationship. However, there are other ways to show love and the best way to resolve this type of conflict is by talking and clarifying the reasons for the decision to abstinence. Here are some tips on how you can boost self-esteem.
4. There can be no pregnancy and STDs
Of all forms of contraception, the only one that is 100% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy is sexual abstinence, because in order to be pregnant it is necessary to contact penis-vagina, which does not happen during abstinence. In addition, another benefit of abstinence is not being contaminated with any sexually transmitted disease. In any case it is possible to avoid pregnancy and STDs using a condom when deciding to start or return to sexual contact.
5. Poor blood circulation
One of the benefits of sex to health is to increase blood circulation, functioning as a type of activity or physical exertion, being beneficial to the heart. Thus, refraining from sex does not bring this benefit to health, but it also does not impair circulation. A good way to solve this problem is by eating healthy foods and practicing exercises on a regular basis. Here are some examples of foods to improve blood circulation.
6. There may be memory lapses
When the person spends more time without sexual intercourse there may be small lapses of memory, for the same reason as the previous one, because there are no situations that favor circulation. However this can be solved by practicing physical activity regularly. Check out some home remedies to improve memory.
When sexual abstinence is indicated
In addition to the personal decision to opt for sexual abstinence throughout life, or over a period of time, medicine may indicate withdrawal in cases such as:
- To recover from cardiac surgery or the pelvic or genital area;
- After delivery so that the injured tissues can recover;
- During the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases;
- Before performing gynecological or sperm exams;
- To recover emotionally after the loss of a loved one or diagnosis of an incurable disease, for example.
During the period of sexual abstinence a good way out can be masturbation that can be performed alone or by the couple. Learn the benefits of masturbation for women's health.
When the person wants to start or return to have intimate contact just follow their instincts because the libido or sexual desire return to the highest levels in a short time of practice. But before embarking on sexual activity you must ensure that you are healthy, and you must use some contraceptive method to prevent unwanted pregnancy and protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.
