In men, studies show that long periods without ejaculation increase semen quantity but reduce quality: sperm mobility declines slightly, and DNA integrity can be affected (World Journal of Men’s Health, 2018). A large study of 30,000 men also found that frequent ejaculation was linked to a slightly lower risk of prostate cancer.
For women, especially after menopause, a lack of sexual activity can worsen natural symptoms like vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse. The absence of stimulation doesn’t cause these changes, but it can make returning to intimacy more difficult.
On the psychological side, chosen abstinence is often experienced calmly, while forced abstinence may lower self-confidence or heighten emotional stress.
More Than a Year: Longer-Term Consequences
After a year or more, effects may become more noticeable. In men, erectile dysfunction can occur more often. Not because abstinence itself causes it, but because regular activity helps maintain function. Major risk factors remain age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and smoking (American Urological Association, 2018).