People refer to not having s3x for a long time as celibacy or abstinence. When someone does not have sex for months or years, they are unlikely to notice any negative physical side effects on their health.

However, research shows that having regular sex can result in certain health benefits, including improved immune system function, reduced blood pressure, lower stress levels, and less risk of cardiovascular events.

Below are nine ways irregular intercourse could adversely affect your body;

Higher risk of heart disease

A scientific study has found having sex just twice a week halves a man’s chances of getting clogged arteries compared to those who indulge less than once a month.

It found having sex slashed men’s levels of homocysteine, a harmful chemical that can trigger cardiac problems.

It is believed men getting regular sex often have better circulation and healthier blood vessels

But the benefits are less pronounced for women because their arousal is less dependent on healthy blood flow – a key factor in keeping homocysteine under control.

More stress/anxiety

You might be feeling sexually frustrated for a good reason, as research shows a session beneath the sheets is good for relieving stress.

Sex increases the levels of endorphins and the hormone oxytocin produced by the brain. Studies show oxytocin can offset the effects of the stress-causing hormone cortisol.

Not having sex when in a relationship can make a person feel insecure or anxious. Talking about these emotions can help remove any sense of discomfort.

Sex helps people blow off steam. Abstaining from sex could increase your to cope with stressful situations like public speaking, compared with those who had intercourse at regular intervals.

Immune system becomes weaker

It’s true that less sex may reduce your exposure to germs, but unfortunately, you’ll also skip the immune-boosting benefits of a weekly roll in the hay.

In one 2004 study, researchers found that people who had sex once or twice a week enjoyed a 30 percent boost in immunoglobulin A (IgA), compared with those who had sex seldom or never.

IgA is an infection-fighting protein and one of the body’s first lines of defense against viruses, such as those associated with the common cold.

The risk of prostate cancer rises

Guys who stop having sex may miss out on the prostate-protecting perks of frequent trysts.

A 2016 study found that men who ejaculated at least 21 times per month significantly reduced their prostate cancer risk.

One reason? Frequent ejaculations may remove potentially harmful substances from the prostate, which may prevent the formation of cancerous tumors.

The risk of erectile dysfunction rises

Men who have sex infrequently are twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction as men who do it frequently, according to a study.

Since the penis is a muscle, frequent sex may help preserve potency in a similar way that physical exercise helps maintain strength.

Libido level drops

One of the most effective ways to boost a low libido (sex drive) is to genuinely try and have more coitus.

Experiencing more physical and emotional intimacy can help you feel more connected to your partner, so when you stop having sex, your desire to start back up again may stall.

Irregular sex decreases the pelvic blood flow and natural vaginal moisture

You may become less intelligent

Sex does affect our cognition. People who engaged in more regular sexual activity scored higher on tests that measured their verbal and spatial skills, according to a study.

In addition, people who reported having sex scored higher on cognitive tests than those who had not had sex recently.

The researchers think the brain boost may have to do with the hormones released during sex.

Vaginal walls could thin out

Once you hit menopause, your body won’t pump out as much estrogen.

This can lead to vaginal atrophy, a condition in which your vaginal walls become thin, dry, and more prone to tearing.

Not having sex might exacerbate the problem, since the extra lubrication and blood flow you experience during sex can help keep the tissues in your vagina healthy.

You’ll be less stimulated

Alongside losing lubrication, women’s bodies can also react adversely to a lack of action.

No sex for a long time can lead to problems getting aroused or reaching an orgasm.