New findings from NapLab reveal that the average American is having sex just once a week, and experts warn that this trend may be taking a significant toll on both mental and physical health. While it may seem like a harmless statistic, the effects of infrequent sexual activity are more profound than one might think.
Though you might question the significance of what happens in the bedroom, experts explain that abstaining from sex doesn’t just affect physical well-being—it can also lead to serious emotional and mental health issues. Studies show that people who are celibate for extended periods face a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
Scottish researchers found that individuals who refrained from sex had more difficulty managing stress, especially in situations like public speaking, when compared to those who were sexually active at least once every two weeks.
Sexual health expert Dr. Sham Singh emphasizes the mental health impact of not having an outlet for sexual release. “Suppressing sexual urges without finding alternative ways to relieve stress can lead to built-up frustration, and that frustration can contribute to anxiety and irritability,” he explains.
Sex also offers surprising immune-boosting benefits. A study from Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania revealed that people who had sex once or twice a week had a 30% higher level of antibodies that help protect the body from viruses, compared to those who were less sexually active or abstinent.
The connection between sexual habits and well-being became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2021 study involving 4,000 people found that those who had more frequent sex reported lower anxiety levels than those who were abstinent. Researchers suggest this could be due to the endorphins released during sexual activity, which can reduce stress and pain. In fact, endorphin levels can surge by as much as 200% during sex.
However, going extended periods without sex may have serious physical effects as well. Dr. Singh notes that both men and women who experience prolonged sexual abstinence may develop symptoms like muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, or heightened sensitivity to touch. Additionally, long-term celibacy can lead to changes in energy levels, appetite, and sleep due to fluctuations in hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.
Interestingly, it’s not just older generations that are experiencing a decline in sexual activity. Younger adults, especially millennials and Gen Z, are also showing decreasing interest in sex. The latest National Survey of Family Growth found that rates of sexlessness are on the rise among adults aged 22 to 34, with 10% of young men and 7% of young women in this age group still virgins.
The Institute for Family Studies analyzed the data and revealed that sexlessness has nearly doubled among young adult men over the past decade, while the rate for young women has increased by 50%. A separate Pew Research study showed that a record 25% of Americans under 40 have never been married, and many in this age group also reported living solo.
These findings indicate a shift in attitudes toward intimacy, raising questions about how modern relationships, lifestyle choices, and societal changes are influencing sexual behavior. With these trends in mind, experts are urging a broader conversation about the impact of declining sexual activity on both mental and physical health.