One sex and relationship expert has lifted the lid on exactly what changes your body undergoes when you stop having sex.
Cuffing season may be well and truly upon us, but not everyone is going to be keeping warm under the covers with their partner this winter.
Now, you've all heard of a dry spell - and I'm sure most of you have even experienced it yourself - but other than a blow to your self-esteem, what actual changes does the body go through when Netflix and chill really means just that - albeit solo?
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Fear not as sexpert for Womanizer, Christine Rafe, has kindly broken down and revealed the science behind the changes your body does, and doesn't, go through during a dry spell.
What happens to the body when you stop having sex?
While you may expect certain changes to occur, the actual science behind it suggests not much is changing at all.
Rafe explained: "While there are recognized physical, emotional and psychological benefits to engaging in solo or partnered sexual activity (including outercourse or non-penetrative sex), this does not mean that there are negative consequences associated with not being sexually active."
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However, experts have explained how our body does go through a process known as 'deconditioning' during a time when sex is not on the cards.
What is deconditioning?
Well, deconditioning basically means becoming less primed for intercourse.
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Rafe explained: "In the same way we might experience a reduced confidence, muscle tightness and overall deconditioning from not exercising, people who haven’t had sex, or who stop having sex for prolonged periods may experience deconditioning to sexual activities and find that they have muscle tightness or soreness, difficulties in ejaculatory control and a loss of confidence in sexual activity."
The sex and relationships expert did make it clear that 'these are not long-term biological changes', however.
Thank God for that.
What are the benefits of having sex?
We've long been told the benefits of having a sexually active lifestyle, and Rafe has certainly backed up those claims.
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However, don't worry if you're not getting any this cuffing season as there are no health downsides to not having sex either.
“There is no substantive research or evidence concluding that there are negative health impacts for someone who chooses to not have sex, or to stop having sex,” Rafe explained.
The benefits you ask, though?
Well, the expert explained that when it comes to hormones, 'the chemicals released during sexual pleasure, whether solo or with others, include oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin and dopamine'.
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She added: "These are our happy/feel-good chemicals, and they can improve mood and energy levels [and] increase motivation."
On top of that, we've heard all about the benefits of sex reducing stress, which can therefore impact mood and the immune system.
Happy humping everyone, or not... either is fine.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Science
Saskia Calliste