From the Guidelines
Lack of sex does not cause any direct physical health problems, and the most recent evidence suggests that it is not harmful to physical health. While some individuals may experience feelings of frustration, stress, or emotional dissatisfaction during periods without sexual activity, there are no medical conditions that develop specifically from sexual abstinence 1. Some people might notice changes in mood, increased sexual thoughts, or temporary physical discomfort like pelvic congestion, but these symptoms are typically mild and resolve naturally. Sexual desire varies greatly between individuals, and many people live healthy lives with little or no sexual activity by choice. If someone is distressed about their lack of sexual activity, speaking with a healthcare provider or therapist can be helpful, but it's essential to understand that abstinence itself is not harmful to physical health. The body naturally adapts to different levels of sexual activity, and there are many ways to experience physical and emotional satisfaction beyond sexual intercourse.
Key Points
- Lack of sex does not cause direct physical health problems
- Abstinence is not harmful to physical health
- Emotional dissatisfaction or frustration may occur, but symptoms are typically mild and resolve naturally
- Sexual desire varies greatly between individuals, and many people live healthy lives with little or no sexual activity by choice
- Healthcare providers or therapists can help individuals distressed about their lack of sexual activity
Relevant Evidence
The most recent evidence from the NCCN Guidelines Insights: Survivorship, Version 2.2024, suggests that sexual health is an integral component of quality of life across the lifespan, and cancer survivors who experience sexual morbidity are at an increased risk of distress and poor quality of life 1. However, this evidence does not support the idea that lack of sex causes direct physical health problems. Instead, it highlights the importance of addressing sexual dysfunction and providing multidimensional treatment plans to improve symptoms and quality of life.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should prioritize discussing sexual health and function with patients, particularly those with a history of cancer or cardiovascular disease. This discussion can help identify potential issues and provide opportunities for education, counseling, and treatment. By addressing sexual dysfunction and promoting overall sexual health, healthcare providers can improve patients' quality of life and reduce distress related to sexual activity.
From the Research
Lack of Sex: Potential Causes and Effects
- Lack of sex can be caused by various factors, including erectile dysfunction (ED) 2, 3, which is a common male sexual dysfunction associated with a reduced quality of life for patients and their partners.
- ED can be caused by increasing age, depression, obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, and lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia 3.
- Psychological and interpersonal factors, such as anxiety, stress, and relationship adjustment, can also play a role in ED and its treatment outcome 2, 4, 5, 6.
- Treatment of ED can include lifestyle modification, reduction of comorbid vascular risk factors, and treatment of organic or psychosexual dysfunction with either pharmacotherapy alone or in combination with psychosexual therapy 3, 4, 5, 6.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
- Pharmacotherapy, such as sildenafil, can be an effective treatment for ED, with significant improvements in erectile function, sexual desire, and overall sexual satisfaction 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Psychosexual therapy, such as cognitive-behavior sex therapy, can also be effective in treating ED, particularly when combined with pharmacotherapy 4, 5, 6.
- Lifestyle modification, such as exercise and weight loss, can also help to improve ED symptoms 3.