This is something that’s puzzled me for quite a while. Recently a doper asserted that sex “cannot be abstained from without adverse effects”. There’s no need to single out that particular statement, since similar claims are made all the time.
This is one of those issues where I feel that somebody must be off their rocker, and I just need to figure out whether it’s me or those other people. As I see it, it is possible and not particularly difficult to abstain from having sex, and there are no negative results of doing so. Why then all these claims to the contrary?
I think we need to establish more clearly what exactly the OP means by “sex”. It’s perfectly possible to have orgasms even if one totally abstains from sex with a partner.
Well, the physical effects of sex can be had without sex itself. That is, masturbation results in orgasm. So is it really sex we’re talking about or orgasms?
Adverse effects? None. Sexual organs do not fall off, atrophy, or become gangrenous if they’re not used. The psychological effects for those who “just can’t live without it” might be stressful, but physiologically, nothing bad happens.
I assumed that no one believed in bad physical effects striking those who abstain, so they would have to mean bad psychological effects. I was just wondering what those psychological effects were supposed to be. I’ve never seen anyone name them specifically or give evidence for them.
I’ve heard this claim made about unspayed cats, but never about humans. I don’t seem to be doing too badly. I have read somewhere that regular sex helps ward against prostate cancer.
I have read that men can have prostate problems if they don’t ejaculate, but I don’t think it matters whether it’s masturbation or intercourse. Of course I remember getting blueballs when I was a teenager and, not knowing the simple remedy, thinking I was bloody dying.
People with active sex lives (especially in a devoted relationship) tend to live longer. I think much of this is the human interaction however. Sex isn’t that great as exercise after all- better than being totally sedentary but nothing like regular cardio in its benefits.
If oral sex and mutual masturbation were included in the OP’s definition of sex, I’d agree with this. But they’re not. So unless gay couples can’t achieve the level of intimacy of straight couples, this doesn’t cut it.
Not having sex is one thing. Being in love with someone with a strong sex drive and wanting to spend your life with them– but still not having sex? Yeah, I can see that creating some psychological difficulties.