Life

7 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Haven't Had Sex In A While

by Jill Di Donato

Whether you're on strike, not in the mood, or you keep swiping left, sometimes you're just not getting it on. Maybe that's OK with you, or maybe you're pulling your hair out. Regardless, there are physical things that happen to your body when you haven't had sex in a while. Some of them are cool, and some of them reasons to swipe right stat.

But never underestimate the mind-body connection, or so says my yoga teacher. If you're not feeling horny, listen to your body. I don't know what it's trying to tell you, but I bet it's worth finding out. On the other hand, if you totally want to bone and it's not happening for you, well, maybe the scent of desperation is, like, a real aroma. Either way, your mind can get in the way of your sex life, especially if you overanalyze why you are or are not getting laid. If I need to convince you to get freaky, maybe there is something going on with you that you want to explore with a therapist. Or maybe it's just a passing phase of being a sexual being and you have a really compelling Netflix cue. Nevertheless, it's worth noting some of the things that can happen to your body in periods of abstinence.

1

You Might Feel More Anxious

Sex is a great stress reliever, according to Everyday Health. Why? When you're doing it, the neural pathways in your brain "open up." But, according to the same article, comfort foods can produce the same physical effect.

2

Your Risk For Getting A UTI Decreases

According to Mayo Clinic, having a lot of sex increases your risk for getting a UTI. Because you're not introducing as much foreign bacteria into your vagina as you do when you're sexually active, you are less likely to develop a urinary tract infection. However, you can still get a UTI if you transfer fecal matter into your urinary tract without having sex. Always wipe front to back, ladies!

3

Your Immune System May Not Be As On Point

Newsweek reported that when you have sex, you give your immune system a boost. The publication shared a study that suggested sex increases the number of antibodies to ward off infection. On the other hand, if you're not having regular sex, maybe you're not going out as much, but rather spending some QT with your bed, resting up.

4

Your Risk For STDs Decreases

Well, duh. But, notice how I say "decreases." You are still at risk for some STDs even without being sexually active, according to Huffington Post. So be sure you stay educated.

5

It Might Take You Longer To Get Wet

According to the Kinsey Connection, vaginal lubrication is regulated by hormones. However, according to research noted by Bustle, having regular sex helps get a gal's juices flowing faster. So after it's been a while, it might take longer for your vulva to start producing happy juice.

6

Your Vagina Isn't Going To Tighten Up

The Debrief noted that your vaginal muscles aren't going to shrink from lack of sex. If you really want to tighten up down there, the only thing proven effective is Kegels, which involves specific exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor.