Having sex has a strong influence on well-being. During intercourse, human bodies produce a cascade of hormones that reduce pain, lower cancer risk, boost immunity, and even offset menopausal symptoms.
But lots of people avoid sex during their adulthood. It leads to emotional distress, shame, and low self-esteem, both for the person who avoids sex and for the partner who is rejected.
A researcher of human behavior who is fascinated by how sex and gender interact found that sexual avoidance influences multiple aspects of our well-being. He also found that people avoid sex for many reasons.
According to an estimate, 19 percent of adults avoid having sex. This varies by gender and marriage status, with nearly no married men going without sex for a long duration.
Women are more prone to avoid sex. It is merely because of childhood sexual abuse. In the case of pregnant women, they fear miscarriage or harm to the fetus. They also refuse sex because of a lack of interest and fatigue.
Men avoid having sex for the following reasons: erectile dysfunction, chronic medical conditions, and lack of opportunity.
The study suggests that, for both men and women, medical problems are the main reasons for sex avoidance. Generally, heart disease patients often avoid sex because they are afraid of a heart attack.
Personality disorders, addiction, substance abuse, and poor sleep quality all play significant roles in sexual interest and abilities. Taking antidepressants and antianxiety drugs reduces libido and sexual activity. Thus, it increases the risk of sexual avoidance.
Many older adults do not engage in sex because of shame and feelings of guilt or simply because they think they are too old for sex. However, it would be wrong to assume that older adults are not interested in engaging in sex.
Few people talk with their doctors about their sexual problems. However, embarrassment, cultural and religious factors, and lack of time may hold some doctors back from asking about the sex lives of their patients.
According to research, some people seem to hesitate to respond if asked. Meanwhile, their problem remains as it is unless the doctor brings it up.
Journal Reference
- Cahill, S., Singal, R., Grasso, C., King, D., Mayer, K., Baker, K., & Makadon, H. (2014). Do Ask, Do Tell: High Levels of Acceptability by Patients of Routine Collection of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data in Four Diverse American Community Health Centers. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e107104. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107104
