The modern workplace is filled with young people striving to make their mark. Many are working hard alone in unfamiliar places, often without the time or energy to consider finding a partner and getting married for several years after graduation. This leads to many individuals lacking a steady partner, remaining single for extended periods, and being unable to engage in sexual activity. Over time, this can cause them to become "uninterested" in sex. So, what are the risks for men who go without sex for long periods?
Under normal circumstances, prolonged abstinence from sexual activity does not directly impact a man's physical health. However, prolonged suppression of sexual urges can be detrimental to one's well-being.
Under the influence of sex hormones, a healthy man's reproductive organs naturally produce semen. When sexual desire arises and the penis becomes engorged, suppressing this urge can cause physical harm. Therefore, even during extended periods without sexual activity, masturbation can be used to release sexual tension.
How should one approach sexual activity?
First, avoid excessive sexual activity.
Sexual desire in both men and women is a natural bodily response. Mutual affection between partners harmonizes yin and yang, benefiting both physically. Even the ancient text "Eight Treatises on Preserving Life" advocates for moderate sexual activity: the union of yin and yang is the natural way. An imbalance—whether excessively yin or yang—is abnormal, akin to having only spring without autumn, or winter without summer. Thus, the union of men and women is a normal phenomenon.
Second, one should not engage in sexual activity too early.
Laozi once stated: "In youth, when blood and energy are vigorous but the mind is unstable, one must abstain from sexual indulgence." Other ancient texts also note that adolescence is a critical period for physiological and kidney development. In boys, kidney energy begins to accumulate around age 8 and peaks at 16. Since kidney essence is the source of vital energy, sexual union at this stage enables procreation.
Therefore, from a health perspective, men are advised against initiating sexual activity too early to prevent the depletion of kidney energy, which could impair sexual function in adulthood.
Extension: What happens to women who go long periods without sexual activity?
For men, even prolonged abstinence can be mitigated by masturbation, minimizing physical harm. But what about women who go extended periods without sexual activity?
Prolonged absence of sexual activity in women can lead to diminished sexual function, reduced vaginal secretions, and excessive vaginal dryness. This creates an environment susceptible to bacterial invasion, potentially causing gynecological issues such as vaginal infections and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Recent studies suggest that breast diseases may also be linked to women going without sexual activity for extended periods.Prolonged abstinence not only impacts physical health but also tends to place women in a state of tension and repression, affecting mental well-being. The above covers the effects of prolonged sexual inactivity in men. Men should engage in sexual activity moderately—neither too early nor excessively. We've expanded this discussion to include the physical and psychological impacts of prolonged abstinence in women. Therefore, whether male or female, engaging in appropriate sexual activity is recommended.