When people join together and have sex, there are a number of ways it can go. From the most beautiful rush of excitement to the longest burst of pure awkwardness, every new adventure is a toss-up.
But there comes a time, either through choice or luck, where the sex just stops. Either way, you're going to start feeling different. You might crave it more than ever or you may lose all interest for a while, but there are more changes going on you in you than just your libido.
When sexual activity slows down, the body takes notice. And you may not realize how many ways your sex life was affecting you until this happens.
But we're here to help with these 11 ways your body reacts to taking things slow.
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1. Drops in vaginal lubrication.
This isn't a direct result of a dry spell, but it can crop up if you start up again after a long one. The anxiety that can come with feeling "out of practice" can scare your body into not producing enough moisture.
Unfortunately, this can make sex painful.
2. Erectile dysfunction.
For now, doctors can't agree on whether a lack of sex causes erectile dysfunction or vice versa, but the two seem to be linked. If you're worried about it, there's no harm in masturbating.
3. A weakened immune system.
It turns out regular sex helps build up your antibodies, so you might find yourself getting sick more often without it.
4. Changes in bladder control.
Sex helps women work out their pelvic floor muscles, which is important to bladder control. Flexing your pelvic muscles can do the same job, but it's a good idea to ask your doctor first.
5. Frustration and self-doubt.
If you're not stopping sex by choice, these feelings can sometimes flare up if you have to do without it. These can also be symptoms of depression, so be sure to contact a professional if they get worse.
6. Higher blood pressure.
You may not realize it, but regular sex helps keep your blood pressure down. It's a good idea to check yours out if you're not sexually active anymore.
7. Higher stress levels.
A study showed that people were better at dealing with high-stress situations if they had regular sex. But if you're not, you can also try exercising more or meditating instead.
8. Increased risk of a heart attack.
Sex raises your heart rate and balances out your testosterone and estrogen levels. One study found that regular sex can cut your risk of heart disease in half.
9. Trouble sleeping.
After sex, your body releases a hormone called prolactin, which brings about a relaxing rest. If your body gets used to it, you may find it hard to drift off.
10. Memory problems.
Sex helps produce new cells in the brain's memory centers. But the good news is you can get the same effect by exercising often.
11. Lower risk of urinary tract infections.
Finally, some good news. But yes, sex can increase a woman's risk of UTIs because it pushes bacteria into the tract. So stopping can take away a major risk factor.
