Why It Matters
New research from NapLab reveals that the average American has sex just once a week. According to experts, not engaging in intimacy regularly can significantly impact both your physical and mental well-being.
You might not think your sex life plays a major role in your overall health, but studies suggest otherwise. Prolonged abstinence has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
Scottish researchers found that individuals who refrained from sex struggled more with stressful situations—such as public speaking—compared to those who had been intimate at least once within a two-week period.
The Physical and Mental Impact of Abstinence
Sexual health specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Sham Singh explains, “Suppressing sexual urges without alternative stress-relieving outlets can lead to frustration, heightened anxiety, and irritability.”
Beyond the mental toll, skipping out on sex may also weaken the immune system. A study from Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania found that people who had sex once or twice a week had 30% higher levels of antibodies that help protect against viruses compared to those who had sex infrequently or not at all.
How Prolonged Abstinence Affects the Body
The link between sexual activity and overall well-being became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2021 study of 4,000 participants found that those who were sexually active during lockdowns reported lower levels of anxiety than those who remained abstinent.
This could be due to endorphins—natural chemicals released during sex that help alleviate stress and pain. In fact, endorphin levels can spike by as much as 200% during intercourse.
Dr. Singh warns that prolonged abstinence can also have physical consequences. “In both men and women, a lack of sexual release can lead to increased tension, muscle tightness, trouble concentrating, and hypersensitivity to touch,” he explains.
Hormonal imbalances caused by a lack of intimacy can also affect energy levels, appetite, and sleep patterns. “Some people may experience increased fatigue, as sex can promote relaxation and improve sleep through the release of oxytocin,” Dr. Singh adds.
Americans Are Losing Interest in Sex
Declining sex rates have long been associated with older generations. But the trend is now affecting younger adults—particularly millennials and Gen Z.
A government study found that sexlessness is on the rise. This among adults aged 22 to 34. The National Survey of Family Growth reports that 10% of young men and 7% of young women in this age group are still virgins.
“In sum, for young adult males, sexlessness has roughly doubled across all measures over the last decade. For young adult females, it has risen by roughly 50%,” according to the Institute of Family Studies (IFS), which analyzed the findings.
This shift may be linked to changing lifestyle patterns. A previous Pew Research study found that a record 25% of Americans under 40 have never been married. Many also live alone.
Whether due to personal choice, changing social norms, or shifting priorities, the decline in sexual activity could have lasting effects—not just on relationships, but on overall health.
