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Is Long Term Abstinence From Sex Harmful To Health?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014
Question: can long term abstinence be harmful to health?
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Abstinence is good

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM

You are concerned that long term abstinence from sex is a bad thing. The short answer is no. There is no physiological damage from not engaging in sex. What I am concerned here is that you and your girlfriend have not been engaging in sex and this maybe putting a strain on the relationship. If she is about your age then she may be having problems with sex due to menopause. During menopause her sex drive will greatly diminish and the vaginal area may also become atrophic. This means the tissues in her vaginal area are no longer mature and become dry. If or when she does engage in sex, vaginal penetration maybe very uncomfortable and actually hurt. I would recommend that you both use a lubricant to help with the dryness and pain.

The other matter I observe here is that your relationship must reach a different level of intimacy. Intimacy does not always require sex. In fact most women would prefer some cuddling, holding and talking as being more intimate than sex. A relationship built on this type of intimacy is better balanced and more satisfying for both parties. I recommend that you discuss your questions and concern with her and truly talk about these issues. Therefore throughout this you must be patient and understanding.


Hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your health care concerns and questions.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Is Long Term Abstinence From Sex Harmful To Health?

Brief Answer: Abstinence is good Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM You are concerned that long term abstinence from sex is a bad thing. The short answer is no. There is no physiological damage from not engaging in sex. What I am concerned here is that you and your girlfriend have not been engaging in sex and this maybe putting a strain on the relationship. If she is about your age then she may be having problems with sex due to menopause. During menopause her sex drive will greatly diminish and the vaginal area may also become atrophic. This means the tissues in her vaginal area are no longer mature and become dry. If or when she does engage in sex, vaginal penetration maybe very uncomfortable and actually hurt. I would recommend that you both use a lubricant to help with the dryness and pain. The other matter I observe here is that your relationship must reach a different level of intimacy. Intimacy does not always require sex. In fact most women would prefer some cuddling, holding and talking as being more intimate than sex. A relationship built on this type of intimacy is better balanced and more satisfying for both parties. I recommend that you discuss your questions and concern with her and truly talk about these issues. Therefore throughout this you must be patient and understanding. Hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your health care concerns and questions.