Life has its ups and downs, and so does intimacy. Sometimes, weeks or even months can pass without physical connection.
But what many don’t realize is that going too long without it isn’t just frustrating—it could actually affect your health.
Why It Matters
New research from NapLab shows that the average American has intimate moments only once a week. According to experts, not engaging in these interactions often enough could have a bigger impact than expected.
It might not seem important, but there’s more to it than just physical contact. Avoiding intimacy for long periods isn’t just about missing out—it can also affect mental well-being.
Studies suggest that people who remain celibate for extended periods may experience higher levels of stress, mood swings, and anxiety.
Scottish researchers found that individuals who went without intimacy struggled more with stressful situations, such as public speaking, compared to those who had engaged in such activities at least once in two weeks.
The Health Connection
Sexual health expert Dr. Sham Singh explains: “Suppressing natural urges without other ways to relieve stress can lead to frustration and increased anxiety or irritability.”
While fewer encounters may reduce exposure to germs, they also mean missing out on the immune-boosting benefits.
Researchers at Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania found that individuals who were intimate once or twice a week had 30% higher levels of an antibody that helps fight viruses compared to those who rarely engaged in such activities.
Going Long Periods Without Intimacy
The link between well-being and intimacy became clearer during the COVID-19 pandemic when researchers studied the effects of a lack of physical connection.
A 2021 study of 4,000 people found that those who remained active reported lower levels of anxiety compared to those who abstained completely.
This may be due to endorphins, chemicals in the brain that help reduce stress. During intimacy, endorphin levels can rise by up to 200%.
However, avoiding intimacy for too long can also lead to physical changes.
Dr. Sham Singh states, “In both men and women, not having physical release may result in higher restlessness or tension, which can show up as muscle tightness, difficulty focusing, or increased sensitivity to touch.”
Long-term abstinence can also affect energy levels, appetite, and sleep due to shifts in hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.
“Some people may feel more tired, as intimacy is a natural way to relax and improve sleep, partly due to the release of oxytocin,” Dr. Singh adds.
A Shift in Interest
A decrease in intimacy isn’t only happening in older generations. It’s becoming more common among younger adults, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
Government research shows that Americans are losing interest in intimacy, with one age group standing out. The National Survey of Family Growth reports that rates of sexlessness are increasing nationwide among adults aged 22 to 34. The study found that 10% of young men and 7% of young women in this group have never engaged in such activities.
“In short, for young adult males, lack of intimacy has roughly doubled over the past decade. For young adult females, it has increased by around 50%,” according to the Institute of Family Studies (IFS), which analyzed the data.
A separate Pew Research study revealed that 25% of Americans under 40 have never been married, and many in this age group are also living alone.