Benefits of sex expand beyond pleasure. It is pivotal to both your mental and physical health, as per health experts. Prolonged periods without sex or masturbation can be harmful to your overall well-being. Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, a sex expert and professor at the University of California, told a leading media organization that deprivation of intimacy can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and anger, making it harder to enjoy future sexual experiences.Interestingly, there is empirical evidence that links sexual frustration to violent behaviours. A study titled, "A Sexual Frustration Theory Of Aggression, Violence, And Crime" published in the Journal Of Criminal Justice in 2021 substantiated this. Researchers concluded, "Sexual frustration is not only a problem for those who are “involuntarily celibate”, it also affects many people who are sexually active. Frustration arising from unfulfilled desires to have sex, unavailable partners, and unsatisfying sexual activities appears to increase the risks of aggression, violence, and crime associated with relief-seeking, power-seeking, revenge-seeking, and displaced frustration."In extreme cases, prolonged abstinence can cause penile or vaginal atrophy, resulting in slight shrinkage of the genitals. A Harvard study also highlights the benefits of regular ejaculation in men, which may reduce prostate cancer risk. The study titled "Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer," published in 2016 in the journal European Urology suggested that men who ejaculate more frequently throughout their adult lives may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, particularly low-risk forms of the disease. This conclusion is based on data collected from over 31,000 men over nearly two decades. Those who reported ejaculating 21 or more times per month were found to have a reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to men with lower ejaculation frequency. These findings support the idea that regular ejaculation could play a protective role in prostate health.Meanwhile, sex therapists cautioned that dry spells could lead to strained relationships and should be addressed on priority. Couples often struggle with conflict resolution during such times, which can lead to resentment. In some cases, it could trigger infidelity and even extramarital affairs. Seeking professional guidance can help partners reconnect and strengthen their bond for the long term.Physiological Changes That Happen When Do Not Have Sex If you don't have sex for a long period, your chances of contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs) may decrease as well. But this depends on the kind of sex you're having. Health experts warn that sexual intercourse is responsible for potentially increasing the risk of recurrent bladder infections. Sex also helps reduce period cramps. Although it hasn't been studied well, there are various studies that substantiate the same. As per health experts, the uterus is a muscle and many women will actually have a uterine contraction when they orgasm, which will cause the blood to expel more quickly, which will in turn decrease menstrual cramps. Having sex can also boost your cognitive capabilities. While you might not exactly be losing IQ points, sex does affect our cognition. People who engaged in more regular sexual activity scored higher on tests that measured their verbal and spatial skills, according to a study published in The Journals of Gerontology.