From spontaneous erections to vaginal dryness: How celibacy impacts your body

There are a range of psychological and physical changes over time (Picture: Getty Images) Sex can reap a host of benefits, from reducing stress levels to boosting your immune system. But with nearly a quarter of women and one in six men saying they’re sexually inactive, we’re not all reaping these rewards. A-listers are talking more candidly about abstaining, too. Earlier this year, Reality TV star Maura Higgins revealed that she’s been ‘celibate for a year and a half.’ Actress Julia Fox has also regularly discussed her decision to embrace celibacy, previously sharing that it’s become a ‘way for [her] to take back control.’ Clearly, we don’t all need to be going at it 24/7 to feel satisfied. There’s no shame in taking a break, but what impact does it have on your body if you choose to take a prolonged dry spell? What does ‘sex’ actually mean? Sex can be defined in whatever way works best for you. ‘As a society, we tend to equate sex with penetration, but definitions of celibacy may mean that all sexual contact with a partner is being avoided,’ Dr Angela Wright, clinical sexologist at The Portland Hospital, explains. ‘Equally, it may not mean a break from all sensuality or intimacy with a partner, or from our own solo sex habits. ‘Being mindful and conscious about what kind of touch you want – and don’t want, both within relationships and on your own, is an important part of defining and holding your physical and emotional boundaries.’ Improved emotional wellbeing First up, it is possible that celibacy can bring about a positive new era of personal growth. Annabelle Knight, psychosexual therapist and Lovehoney sex and relationships expert, is a big advocate for these ’emotional benefits.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. She tells Metro: ‘Celibacy can give you the space to reconnect with your body and your boundaries, and to understand what you actually want from intimacy. ‘For many people, it’s a time of rediscovery — focusing on self-care, confidence, and pleasure in other forms, from solo exploration to emotional connection. ‘Everyone’s needs and timelines are different, and periods of celibacy can be really positive for some people.’ Vaginal dryness It’s not all roses, though. Dr Bhavini Shah from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor tells Metro that women can end up experiencing vaginal dryness tied to abstaining from intimacy, which can make penetration more uncomfortable if and when you do return to sex after some time away. ‘This can lead to a condition known as dyspareunia, where women can feel pain just before, during, or after sex,’ Dr Bhavini explains. Dr Bhavini adds: ‘Dyspareunia can also be caused by several other conditions, from hormonal changes and menopause to infections from STIs and UTIs.’ In 2023, 22% of women aged between 16 and 74 were sexually inactive (Picture: Getty Images) Spontaneous erections ‘Spontaneous or nocturnal erections are completely normal, and they happen whether you’re sexually active or not,’ says Annabelle. ‘They’re your body’s natural maintenance system, keeping blood flow healthy and tissue responsive.’ She adds: ‘During celibacy, they can actually be a reassuring sign that everything’s functioning as it should. They’re not necessarily linked to sexual frustration or unmet desire; they’re just a physiological process, much like stretching your muscles after a long day.’ Men may find that ‘spontaneous erections’ occur less frequently owing to a reduction in sexual activity, but she adds: ‘These effects are temporary and can return once sexual activity resumes.’ Changes in your libido You might assume that if you haven’t had sex for a while, you’re going to be horny at all times. But actually, the opposite can be true. ‘You might notice a lower libido if you’re not sexually active, or you may find your desire fluctuates in waves,’ says Annabelle. But she explains that the act of having sex isn’t what kickstarts (or satisfies) your libido. Factors like ‘mood, body image, relationship satisfaction, and even how safe or relaxed you feel can impact your libido levels – often more than the last time you had sex. Celibacy can lower libido over time, says one expert (Picture: Getty Images) ‘For some people, periods of celibacy can actually bring greater awareness of what triggers or suppresses their desire, because they’re tuning into those emotional and physical cues more consciously, Annabelle continues. ‘You could be celibate for years and still feel sudden surges of desire because your brain and body are wired to respond to stimulation, fantasy, and emotional cues.’ Giving your immune system a break While the same can be true of having frequent sex, taking a little break from it can also give your immune system a breather. As psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist Silva Neves previously told Metro, sex is thought to boost our immune system, referencing one study which showed that people who had more frequent sex had more immunoglobulin, a blood protein that forms part of the immune system. He further explained: ‘We also know that for men, a higher frequency of ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer and having sex helps lower blood pressure, so [it] is good for the heart.‘ Celibacy can give you space to ‘reconnect with your boundaries’ (Picture: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF) But when the tables are turned, Annabelle says that ‘without the regular exposure’ to partnered sex that comes with sexual activity, your body has more chance to recover and stay healthy.’ This is because taking a pause from sex ‘allows your body and mind to rebalance,’ which in turn can lower ‘stimulation levels, support deeper rest, and free up mental and emotional energy that can be redirected elsewhere.’ Annabelle likens it to a ‘simple reset that can leave you feeling more focused and refreshed overall.’ ‘On top of that, giving yourself this break can boost your energy, improve sleep quality, and make it easier to focus on other parts of your life, from work to hobbies.‘ Deals of the Day 14,500 five-star reviews later, this cult sleep spray is discounted for Black Friday The Orlando holiday deal Disney fans shouldn't miss We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday This article was first published on November 15, 2025. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: The divisive erogenous zone that some people ‘absolutely hate’ Arrow MORE: My wife’s a MILF — I seduce her with my sexy see-through underwear Arrow MORE: The ‘marinating’ post-sex habit that 72% of Brits are guilty of The Hook Up Metro's hottest newsletter, with juicy stories and tips for spicing things up in the bedroom. 18+