14 February 2024 , 15:38
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Giving up sex could be bad for your health.
Today (February 14) might be Valentine's Day, but it's also Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. The annual religious celebration sees Christians fast or give something up for around 40 days up until Easter, and while most people will choose to ditch something unhealthy like chocolate or fast food, some people try to go cold turkey in other areas of their lives by giving up things they deem to be bad habits.
If you're thinking about giving up sex until the end of next month, however, you might want to reconsider.
Sexual wellness experts Kalila Bolton and Holly Jackson have claimed quitting sex could actually be bad for your health, both mentally and physically, and it could even put unnecessary strain on your relationship.
Why giving up sex could be bad for you
Kalila and Holly, who are co-founders of sexual wellness retailer SheSpot, explained to the Daily Star that multiple studies have shown sex to be very beneficial to our health, both by boosting our mood and giving us a form of exercise. Sex can be considered light exercise as it burns calories and lowers blood pressure, so giving it up could mean you have to get physically active in other ways to make up for the loss in activity.
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Studies have also shown that sex can help relieve headaches and migraines, while an orgasm makes the body release endorphins and hormones, including oxytocin, known as the "love hormone". Not only does the release make you feel good, but it also acts as a sedation, aiding in a better night's sleep.
And it's not just your health that could be impacted by your decision to give up sex for Lent. The health of your romance could also suffer, as Kalila and Holly stated that if your partner isn't fond of your new plans, "it can put a strain on your relationship".
When giving up sex can be beneficial
Just because the experts don't recommend giving up sex for Lent doesn't mean you can't enter periods of celibacy if you feel it could be the right decision for you. Taking a break from sex can help stop you from becoming reliant on the feel-good reaction you get from having an orgasm, and in some circumstances, "sex fasting" could be good for your relationship.
As long as both parties are in agreement with pressing pause and boundaries have been discussed, giving up sex can help you get out of "autopilot mode" in bed and can make you better at sex when you decide to start again. Kalila and Holly stated that time away from sex should give you "the opportunity to reflect on what you enjoy and what you'd like to explore" so that you can shake things up in the bedroom.