How Your Body Transforms After Long-Term Abstinence: Real Changes in Men & Women!

According to the dictionary, abstinence is defined as “the act of refraining from certain pleasures, particularly sexual pleasures”. There are numerous reasons why someone might choose or be forced to abstain from sex, including religious beliefs, illness (such as depression, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis), a lack of energy, or simply being single. The consequences of abstinence can vary depending on these factors. Abstinence might be involuntary, as in cases of illness, enforced singleness, or a lack of opportunities, or voluntary, such as choosing to take a break from sexual activity or waiting to meet the right partner. It is also important to distinguish between complete sexual abstinence and the presence of self-pleasure through masturbation.

“Total abstinence, meaning no sexual activity at all, is possible but extremely rare, and usually temporary. It is generally associated with deep personal taboos or strong religious beliefs,” notes Sandrine Carême, a sexologist and couples therapist. According to our expert, the absence of sexual relations does not physically harm the body, but the consequences are mostly psychological. For instance, if a man masturbates regularly but does not engage in sexual intercourse, there will be no “physical” repercussions. However, “ceasing masturbation and therefore refraining from all forms of sexual activity over a prolonged period could lead to sexual disorders such as a reduction in the frequency of spontaneous erections and ejaculation issues,” she informs us.

This could also affect the quantity and quality of sperm. While sperm production continues regardless of sexual activity, prolonged abstinence (resulting in no ejaculation) can harm sperm motility. A study published in European Urology found that the 4,000 men in the study who developed prostate cancer ejaculated far less frequently than others. In women, abstinence primarily impacts spontaneous vaginal lubrication, particularly if it coincides with a lack of sexual interest or a hormonal decline, such as during menopause. However, abstinence does not affect the menstrual cycle.

From a psychological standpoint, the effects of abstinence heavily depend on the individual’s background. One might not engage in sexual activity for several months, then resume without any impact on biological functions. “If there is pain, it either existed before or might arise after resuming sexual activity, but this would likely be due to psychological apprehension about resuming intercourse. The natural function of arousal will return on its own. If there are difficulties in experiencing pleasure, these too are psychological rather than physiological: one does not simply ‘lose’ the ability to orgasm,” the specialist reassures us to conclude.