What Are the Benefits of Abstaining From Sex?
CONTENT WARNING: This article contains dialogue on partner abuse and physical and sexual assault under the subheading “It can improve your mental health.”
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We talk a lot about the health benefits of sex and offer tips on how to seduce your partner on our blog, but we’ve not yet discussed how abstaining from sex is also totally normal! In fact, there are plenty of celibacy benefits that folks can enjoy, whether they are a virgin or just seeking a break from sex. Regardless of the reasoning behind your decision for celibacy, the choice is entirely yours to make and must be consensual.
Curious about how abstaining from sex can better your life? Look no further.
Abstinence can help rebuild your libido
One of the incredible celibacy benefits is that it allows you the time to pinpoint the source(s) of why you have little or no sex drive. You should never feel obligated to have sex — for reasons including but not limited to not feeling desire. However, for those who want to determine the causes, this is the time to begin your discovery, stress-free.
In the meantime, couples can build intimacy without sex, attend couples therapy to work through any hiccups they may be experiencing or simply to have a better relationship, and continue talking openly about sex with one another.
The definition of ‘celibacy’ can be flexible
Abstinence refers to not engaging in sex, but the definition of “sex” can differ from person to person, depending on what they’re comfortable with. Some folks may be okay with ‘outercourse’ like dry humping, masturbation, or even oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus). Those who are not comfortable engaging in physical interactions may opt to enjoy the benefits of watching porn for a taste of others engaging with each other sexually. Some may even want to sext or send nudes to either romantic partners or people they’ve been talking to recently.
It can improve your mental health
Your mental health can play a significant role in your desire to be sexually active or remain abstinent. In addition to mental illnesses often causing a lowered or absent sex drive, certain medications that treat mental illness can also cause this. People who have recently left an abusive relationship or who have survived rape or sexual violence may also elect to take a break from sexual activities.
In this time of elected celibacy, it’s important to focus on yourself and to continue performing even the smallest acts of self-love and self-care.
You have religious reasons
Not uncommon, there are folks across the world who remain abstinent for cultural or religious reasons. This typically refers to refraining from premarital sex (this can be in varying degrees, depending on the person and their personal beliefs); in religions where religious leaders cannot marry, this often means a lifetime of abstinence.
However, it’s critical to remember that just as you are choosing celibacy for yourself, others are free to choose their levels of sexual activity for themselves, at their discretion. Neither their nor your decisions should be perceived as morally or socially ‘wrong.’
The “right” person hasn’t come along
For some folks, it’s essential to only have sex with someone they feel connected to on an emotional level. When the right person has yet to come along, sometimes, a self-induced dry spell is necessary; that’s okay, though, because you can survive a dry spell like a champion! Until that person comes into your life, it’s important to remember to continue practicing self-love exercises, being mindful of the boundaries you have set for yourself, and respecting yourself and those around you always.
This is one of the many celibacy benefits!
You don’t yet feel ready to have sex
You don’t need any other reason not to have sex, other than the simple fact that you don’t want to. Whether you’re single, flirting and going on dates, or in a long-term relationship, there is never any obligation for you to have sex with anyone — any sexual encounter. This includes acts of foreplay, anal sex, erotic massages, and even kissing.
Just sit back, relax, love yourself as you are, continue developing a sex-positive attitude, and don’t do anything that you don’t want to.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve chosen abstinence for mental health or religious reasons, waiting for someone who feels like the right partner, or simply because you don’t want to or are not ready —anything! Remember: the decision to choose celibacy is yours to make for yourself, just as it’s solely up to you when you decide you’re ready to have sex.
Have you ever chosen celibacy for yourself? What are some additional benefits of abstaining from sex, aside from religious reasons? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
