Can the lack of sex cause psychological problems?

[GodofCider]

If you were deprived of it, then yes. Though that would imply in and of itself, that it was desired in the first place; which is not necessarily how the original question was phrased. So, no. I doubt not engaging in sexual activities would cause psychological problems; though, again, I suppose more so it depends on your state of mind. (shrugs) Word the question better.

 

[Matt_LRR]

If you were deprived of it, then yes. Though that would imply in and of itself, that it was desired in the first place; which is not necessarily how the original question was phrased. So, no. I doubt not engaging in sexual activities would cause psychological problems; though, again, I suppose more so it depends on your state of mind. (shrugs) Word the question better.

Doesn't need better wording.

The default state of the typical human (read: "the norm") is one of sexual desire.

Therefore, in general, people desire sex.

In general, people who don't have sex experience psychological issues from anxiety and depression, to the more serious.

Therefore, in general, lack of sex at least correllates with an array of psychological problems - and the science of the matter has borne out the idea to the extent that we can reasonably assert lack of sex to be the cause.

-m

 

[kouriichi]

Yes, it can. As you go without sexual activities ((intercourse with another human or masturbation with yourself)) your hormones begin to build up. This can cause many strange symptoms ranging from irritability to depression, or even casue sickness.

Some doctors will accually reccomend masturbation or sexual intercourse atleast once a month to males, and once every 2-3 months for a female. ((females have a higher tolerance to the build up of hormones.))

Yes, the lack of sex can lead to psychological problems. But these are easly cured by releaveing the stress.

 

[DanielDeFig]

Eventually, i guess. I'm talking about 30-40 year-old virgins, or pple who don't have sex for YEARS.
Though i suppose masturbation is there to relieve some of the stress (but yes, no actual physical contact with another human being will probably get to you eventually).

 

[helldragonX]

Yes it can, I know this from experience.....

 

[Imperial Avenger]

Academically speaking, I agree completely with Matt_LRR & Archangel357. How can being deprived of a basic need be anything but damaging?

Personally speaking though, I can't completely agree. I haven't had sex since the beginning of August 2002, & I don't have any major psychological problems, at least that I know of...

 

[jamesworkshop]

As the title states, I would like to know from the forum goers here what they think/know about it.
Can the lack of sexual activity cause mental problems? Things like anxiety, frustration, depression even. Please let me know.
Thanks in advance.

(if this topic has already been discussed please redirect me)

Is the lack you are describing solely virginity or a person not obtaining sex with the frequency that they desire.

A lacking can exist in a state other than absolute zero (dry spell)

I think they both have or can manifest as the same result.

 

[_Cake_]

I think lack of relationships can, like just going out and randomly fucking wont help most people. Like you have to be interested in someone, sure wanting to fuck them silly is part of it but most people need more.

 

[ApeShapeDeity]

Well, I majored in psych... The short answer is yes.

More specifically though, is that it CAN but it's all about how you percieve it. If the lack of activity is viewed as a generalised rejection by the individual, there will be an adverse effect. The severity of which will vary depending on individual coping mechanisms.

I've always found Maslow's heirachy to be pretty accurate.

If you're feeling blue for lack of fornication, you might try auto-erotic role playing. (Stop giggling, I'm serious) Imagine a scenario where a desirable sexual parter seduces you, lavishes affection on you et cetera. Just don't make it someone you know/desire. This works pretty well, irrespective of gender and sexuality, make a habit of it. Just not at the expense of seeking a genuine relationship, if that's what you desire.

Hope this helps.

 

[ApeShapeDeity]

P.S. In both sexes achieving orgasm will release a dose of seratonin and... ah, hell, no-one cares about neuro-science... It gives you happy juice in the head.

 

[MassiveGeek]

Well, yeah.

For most people it would be to not fulfill a very basic need, which would probably cause frustration and may become worse.

 

[Lambi]

I wouldn't know. I'm a virgin.

Though, if using your hand counts...

I'm not sure. Let me get back to you when I do finally have sex.

 

[Mr. Google]

well it isnt healthy to go with out sex i guess...

 

[Paksenarrion]

This is a silly question. Of course the lack of sex causes psychological imbalances!

However, it's much like any drug. If you've never had it, it has no effect on you at all.

However, if you've been given a taste of it, you turn into a junkie.

Remember, never have sex. It's bad for you.

Also, burn everything.

Everything.

 

[Wintermute_]

Yes, I'm sure it can. It serves asa good way to relax and worries can be brought up with lack of it. This doesn't happen to everyone, but I am certain it applies to some people.

Just like how lack of relationships causes your standards to be too high if you haven't been brought down to earth since you're 16 and never had a date.

How does that work? I would assume a lack of relationships would decrease ones standards to fugly levels?

OT: It would depend on the person and their preferences.

 

[The_Chief]

I'd say only if it (sex) is equated to something more than sex in the person's mind. If you equate sex to love as many people do, you may think that no sex = no love. This is false, but it can feel real.

There really are people who can live completely celibate lives, but I think those people are ones who also a.) don't live in an overly sexed/sexualized culture as there is in the U.S. and b.) have plenty of other things to distract them from the desire.

I lived an entirely celibate life for a few months once, and that was one of the better times in my existence. Didn't put energy or thought into sex, had more energy to do other things and it was grand!

Exactly.
The sex itself, and lack thereof, would not cause any psychological damage. It would be the things people attach to it that would do harm.

I plan on going the entirety of my life without sex. Admittedly, I'm not the most emotionally healthy person to begin with, but I hardly think something so silly is going to exacerbate things.
Sex, love, and everything of that nature are only as important as you decide they are. Living without them is not going to fuck you up unless you make them.

"oh look at me being angsty and such im so different"

seriously guy. why would you want to do that? that doenst make any sense. a life without sex? im not making it more important then it is by anymeans, or atleast not trying to. but seriously. the F**k

 

[DrScoobs]

yes but also what is equally stressfull about sex is the pressure that society puts on you to have it. Especially in your teenage years, everybody seems to be doing it except you even if may not be true.