What happens to your body when you stop having sex?

Couple in bed pulling the covers up to hide their faces and looking surprised

For whatever reason, sometimes we find ourselves in a position where we stop having sex, and even stop masturbating. Whether it’s mental or physical, or a combination of both, stopping your body from experiencing sexual pleasure can often have a not-so-great effect on our bodies and brains.

This is a little bit different to people who have chosen celibacy as a lifestyle choice, and is more referring to sexual people who have had regular sex and then, for one reason or another, stopped.

We’ve put together a list of five things that can happen to you when the orgasms stop.

1. Excessive Erotic Dreams

If you’ve been a sexual person and had regular orgasms, stopping it can seriously affect your subconscious. Even if during your waking hours you’re not thinking about it too much, when you’re asleep all those latent feelings start to take over resulting in more frequent wet dreams for men and sleep orgasms for women.

2. Loss of Sex Drive

Confusingly, while there may be an increase in sexual desire in your dreams, halting your sex life can have a severe effect on your libido in general. The desire to have sex begins to fade, and the things that once used to turn you on or get you aroused don’t seem to have the same kick. For many people it’s a bit like “out of sight out of mind” and the less you have it the less you want it.

3. You Get Dumber

Sex and the endorphins released during orgasm help boost neuron growth in the hippocampus (the area of the brain that deals with memory function and retaining information) and so the fewer of these chemicals you release, the slower the function of that particular area gets. I have heard many anecdotal stories from people saying they become clumsier and less able to remember things when they’ve stopped having sex for a month or more. 

4. Weaken the Vaginal Wall and Pelvic Floor

Unlike what the slut-shamers of the world would have you believe, the vaginal wall is made of many different muscles and the more you use it, the tighter and stronger it actually gets. Stopping the vagina and pelvic floor from regularly exercising (like having sex and orgasming) can weaken the walls of the vagina and make them thin and susceptible to damage. It can also create dryness which, along with weakened walls and thinner skin, can make future sex very uncomfortable indeed.

5. Increased Risk of Cancer

As mentioned in the How Ejaculation Can Save Your Life article, regular ejaculation can help keep the prostate strong and working, and also help flush out toxins and cancer causing cells. When guys stop getting regular erections and orgasming it can reverse all that good work and positive strengthening, and put them right in the path to discomfort and possible long-term prostate issues. It can also have a bit of an effect on overall erection function with some guys telling me if they don’t “use it” they “lose it”. 

So while sex isn’t always the easiest thing for us to come by, self loving and regular sexual pleasure should be routine and habit! It’s not only fun and a nice way to pass the time, it could also save you a bunch of unnecessary body changes and mental anguish!

60 comments

Have your say! Login to comment.
  • mischief85

    mischief85

    More than a month ago

    What about when you really want to have sex but cant find anyone who wants to fuck you!

    Reply
  • Victaman6975

    Victaman6975

    More than a month ago

    I would really appreciate some feedback about wether my profile is any good or if it needs improvement but that may be asking too much? I don't make up things just to be more appealing. I am just being myself.

    Reply
  • Victaman6975

    Victaman6975

    More than a month ago

    jerishar I have often thought the same thing but the AMM site says otherwise so it's a mystery. You can't win with women. If you mention sex in your message to a woman even though she has nude pics of herself they think that you're a desperate wanker so then you try another approach and try to engage in conversation with a woman then she thinks that you are boring and ignores you anyway. I only get a response when it's a negative one. They enjoy telling me that they are not interested, just a power kick I guess. Most women like this bad boy crap and they always want what or who they cant have but when they get what they want they don't want it anymore. I am slowly having the DILLIGAF attitude if you know what that stands for?

    • AMM.Editor

      AMM.Editor

      More than a month ago

      @funnymoments go to the navigation bar on the left (either mobile or desktop), down the bottom is Settings, then choose Membership and then uncheck the box for auto renew.

    Reply
  • Victaman6975

    Victaman6975

    More than a month ago

    One thing is for sure, I have a lot of trouble getting any sex from this site. This is ridiculous.

    • jerishar

      Account Closed

      More than a month ago

      I agree.....I am beginning to think that most of the female profiles are actually just employees set up to tease and entice.

    • AMM.Editor

      AMM.Editor

      More than a month ago

      @jerishar We're committed to genuine profiles and never have, and never will, create profiles to "lure" members which other sites have been caught doing. And our Report Member feature is used daily and members are either banned or, if there is a grey area, are asked to verify before they can access the site again.

    Reply
  • Photos in private gallery

    just1lastdance

    More than a month ago

    My wife has not been interested in initiating sex for quite a number years now, I do understand that sex for her is wonderful when I initiate it (get the ball rolling so to speak as that is the only way it will happen) but now she has a work related injury on top of that which makes her even more less interested... I am in for the long haul, kids etc and do love her her but shit how much can a koala bear... I think I need a lover in the same boat, wouldn't that be nice... :-)))

    • Raze69x

      Raze69x

      More than a month ago

      You should talk it out with her first

    • Photos in private gallery

      just1lastdance

      More than a month ago

      Hi Raze69x, thanks but how much talking, begging and waiting is exceptable...
      We're talking about 35 yrs of trying to excite your partner... She's just is not into passion/lust...
      Life's cruel

    • Photos in private gallery

      Emm222

      More than a month ago

      Unfortunately you're one of many men in this situation. For some reason some women seem to turn off sex very early in a marriage. I can never understand that.

    • Photos in private gallery

      just1lastdance

      More than a month ago

      Thanks peaches, yes there are a lot of men and woman who just seem to give up... Maybe they just become too comfortable or just haven't got that I need to fuck gene...lol
      I don't know, but I can't not be me... Turn the mind on and the rest should follow...

    Reply
  • Gcups71

    Gcups71

    More than a month ago

    I wondered why I was getting smarter as time goes by....it's all that sex!!

    Reply
  • Photos in private gallery

    Sassynsensual

    More than a month ago

    My partner has a low sex drive, along with erection problems. Very frustrating, to say at least!

    • Photos in private gallery

      just1lastdance

      More than a month ago

      I hear you sassynsensual only she hasn't got erection issues lol... A low sex drive and no initiation, doesn't matter what you do... It is very frustrating...

    • YesOhYesMore

      Account Closed

      More than a month ago

      Ask him to try kegal exercises I do them daily and they really help with a strong firm erection.

    • meandutime

      Account Closed

      More than a month ago

      have you tried pills and things to get him going?

    Reply
  • Alexis2973

    Alexis2973

    More than a month ago

    It'll NEVER happen to me :)

    I think you become uninterested in life, sex is natural, why wouldn't you do it :)

    • Photos in private gallery

      bluebell43

      More than a month ago

      goes to show I have to start looking around again...

    • lotsalicken

      Account Closed

      More than a month ago

      nice bean :)

    • agoodsoul

      agoodsoul

      More than a month ago

      Why wouldn't you have sex!
      Because it gets expensive paying for it as well as it no fun when having to pay for it!

    Reply
  • luvshak

    luvshak

    More than a month ago

    Why did I bother reading this? You heard anecdotes about people getting dumber when not having sex? And present it as 'sort of' factual. It's all absolute crap.

    • AMM.Editor

      AMM.Editor

      More than a month ago

      Actually there are a number of highly regarded research studies which back this up. We researched it last year when we wrote our Blog post: Sex makes you Smarter, and Smarts make you Sexy

      Use the search feature if you'd like to read it.

    Reply
  • Mindfood2

    Mindfood2

    More than a month ago

    Looking after yourself ..Body and Mind..
    And everything else will be put in place.. when Sex is part of our life
    I look after myself as I will never give up sex..so to speak with the right person..
    Single..as im worried to get involved with someone.. who doesn't like intimacy
    And I don't want to look wasted and old just because I got a boring sex partner...
    Its a matter of having Fun and take control of our life..

    Reply
  • Photos in private gallery

    bluebell43

    More than a month ago

    what happens when I want sex and my partner has no interest being intimate. he goes on the porn sites for quite some time...if I walk in the room he shuts it down quickly..
    we have not had sex now for four years...it is completely frustrating and lately even I am losing interest which is not me
    can anybody help solve this issue please

    • KinkyGirl101

      KinkyGirl101

      More than a month ago

      Sounds like my ex. A bit of self love on a regular basis will help you cope better. Honestly that's exactly what I lived with for years.

    • FriendlyGuy1965

      FriendlyGuy1965

      More than a month ago

      Oh No ! Bluebell, that it really sad. I thought i had it bad being single (mostly for being shy) but
      to have a partner and not having some sex at home is really sad. I feel i want to give you hug !!
      Do not give up, perhaps ask him if you can watch his porn movies with him and hopefully the conversation will switch to "dirty" sex talk and then you both get horny, start undressing each other, and let the fun begin. Good luck !! Cheers.

    • Alexis2973

      Account Closed

      More than a month ago

      Leave :)

      Or go elsewhere :)

      It's that simple :)

    • Photos in private gallery

      andy0071

      More than a month ago

      Go find some swingers club

    • allinmymind

      allinmymind

      More than a month ago

      I don't understand why you haven't said, don't do that, I don't mind you watching porn.

    Reply
  • SeductiveGazes

    SeductiveGazes

    More than a month ago

    I regularly experience fulfilment in sensuous activities with my partner. Since meeting this person, I have had clear mind, I'm more alert mentally, physically energised, and we have the most relaxed sleep patterns. I have never experienced this before, my partner and I are connected on all levels i.e. foreplay is stimulated outside of our deep intimate sessions. ***Environment and similar interests are a major factor for us as well.***

    Reply
  • triXXXi66

    triXXXi66

    More than a month ago

    loving and respecting yourself first is the best way to get to love and respect another... getting in touch with yourself and knowing your ways of pleasuring yourself can only help when you can share those with another.
    id love to have more erotic dreams...so does that mean i have to stop having sex?
    and as for the dumber bit.....im pretty smart...so go figure.....lol

    • allinmymind

      allinmymind

      More than a month ago

      I started having them after meeting one particular person who obviously turns me on.

    Reply
  • Photos in private gallery

    Wearefree

    More than a month ago

    ll i can say is that whilst my sex life is very health, thank god I still like to wank

    Reply
  • friskypuz

    friskypuz

    More than a month ago

    Sex is great fun keeps me feeling good about myself and keeps me young.

    No wonder people start to look else where when it gets shut down at home.

    • jayandgee

      jayandgee

      More than a month ago

      have to 'look elsewhere when it gets shut down at home' is a good way of putting it friskypuz.
      It seems the only problem with that is the edgy sexual politics and heavy sanctions that follow.
      No pain no gain as they say.

    • Mindfood2

      Mindfood2

      More than a month ago

      Well said..
      Regards
      Lollyx

    • allinmymind

      allinmymind

      More than a month ago

      Sometimes you have to put in a lot of effort and patience with a partner during sessions that you want to have. It is worth the trouble.

    • friskypuz

      Account Closed

      More than a month ago

      Sorry, allinmymind you lost me.
      I have both my husband and a great fwb, it's the fwb who has had it shut down at home for whatever reason.

    Reply
  • Nikkiandroley

    Nikkiandroley

    More than a month ago

    The sexperts are looking more like tabloid journalists.
    Not much here that is factual

    • allinmymind

      allinmymind

      More than a month ago

      Although we are all works in progress, those that are unopen to the articles ideas are painting themselves in a bad light sexually.

    Reply
  • Monique07

    Monique07

    More than a month ago

    I think it also impacts your ability to be creative, and also puts people in bad moods. That's one reason there's so much anger around. Go and get laid!

    • agoodsoul

      agoodsoul

      More than a month ago

      That's right its as easy as that for females.
      Its ain't like that for some males!

    • allinmymind

      allinmymind

      More than a month ago

      agoodsoul, the ones that seem to get somewhere either are in business or in sales. They also put in a bit of effort.

    • agoodsoul

      agoodsoul

      More than a month ago

      Allinmymind I have put a lot of effort in i have also worked as a sales rep and a trade in the construction industry and at the moment run my own road work company.

    Reply
  • Kimeee

    Kimeee

    More than a month ago

    I've not had sex in two and a half years. I'm 57 and i doubt I have sex more than 150 times in my life. I've had at least 22 adult years with no sex and slept alone for 36 of my 39 adult years. I doubt i'll be having any sex soon, or ever again and i don't masturbate either. There is something seriously wrong with me...... wHAT A WASTE

    • Photos in private gallery

      discreet069

      More than a month ago

      Hi
      If u wr in Sydney I be having sex with u regularly it seem a real waste of beauty

    • agoodsoul

      agoodsoul

      More than a month ago

      I know how you feel I have only ever had one female allow me to have sex with her and it was a one off i also feel she only did as she felt sorry for me the other few females I had sex with I had to pay for it they were escorts the two I did not pay only allowed me to if I played with there male partner I could tell the female really had no interest in me.
      I am almost 42y/o and only ever had sex with a female 7 times I have not played with anyone for over 10years don't get me wrong I try but being rejected all the time takes its toll on me.
      Worse thing is now I really have not one bit of confidence with women it really has messed me up in a big way!

    • Fishnlove

      Fishnlove

      More than a month ago

      WTF? Send me a message. I will have sex with you everyday.

    • prrrrfct

      Account Closed

      More than a month ago

      totally understand - I have a partner and he is not at all interested; we have not been intimate for 12 years!! I try to look for a sexual partner but it is difficult as ( no-one believes me and the first thing they ask is:why you still with him? ) my confidence is lost, and the thought of being naked in front of a stranger is paralyzing! so, what's the answer? hmmmm like you KimEee I do not "self-indulge" I don't see the reason for it...

    • Photos in private gallery

      Emm222

      More than a month ago

      My hubby has a low sex drive and we have not had sex for about 6 years and prior to that it wasn't very frequent either. It mattered to me alot coz I'm a very sensual person and to me sex is part and parcel of a relationship. I love him to bits but am now no longer in love with him. I mean, how could I be when we're no longer intimate? Then I got rebellious coz he didn't want sex and I did but I felt I was not given a say in this matter. We stopped having it coz he didn't want it but I wanted it and I don't get it so how's that fair? That pushed me to look elsewhere to fill that need. I was very lucky as I found a beautiful man four years ago in the same boat as me. I connect so well with my new man and the both of us are so happy with each other. Only trouble is we don't get to see each other as often as we would like coz his wife is like a leech stuck to him all the time and the opportunity to get together isn't that great but when we do, it is explosive. So yes, I am happy as I'm one of the lucky ones.

    Reply
  • goosebumps75
    Online status icon

    goosebumps75

    More than a month ago

    There's more to life than just sex. Go out and have fun doing other things. Remember when we were kids we had a ball playing and not thinking the world would comer to an end.

    • allinmymind

      allinmymind

      More than a month ago

      Thanks for reminding me, it is important not to forget that.

    Reply
  • April3322

    April3322

    More than a month ago

    Soooo THAT'S why I can't remember anything! :P

    Reply
  • agoodsoul

    agoodsoul

    More than a month ago

    You forgot !
    Losing all confidence.
    Depression.
    And even thoughts of suicide.

    • trusted8

      trusted8

      More than a month ago

      Negative thoughts won't fix anything...believe in yourself and don't lose hope. Your hand is your best friend. Good luck

    • FriendlyGuy1965

      FriendlyGuy1965

      More than a month ago

      Yes, I agree that when you are not in a relationship or lucky enough to have friend with benefits, your confidence is mentally impacted. So yes ,like Trusted 8 suggests to keep sexually active in the meantime is to self pleasure ourselves, even though that it self can sometimes feel depressing as you get reminded that you are alone without a partner. But what can you do?....Cheers.

    • allinmymind

      allinmymind

      More than a month ago

      Sex and depression don't mix. Some self love seems like it will fix your mood, find some inspiration that works for you.

    • Photos in private gallery

      Emm222

      More than a month ago

      Guys, just rely on Mrs Palmer and her five daughters until you get to meet one of them in the flesh.

    Reply
Copyright © 2024 Adult Match Maker It is illegal to use any or all of this article without the expressed, written permission from Adult Match Maker and the author. If you wish to use it you must publish the article in its entirety and include the original author, plus links, so that it is clear where the content originated. Failure to do so will result in legal action being taken.
The content posted on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and the opinions or views within each article are not intended to replace professional advice. If you require professional relationship or sexual health advice you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist.