What happens to the body if you give up sex forever?

Scientists from the Kinsey Institute together with colleagues from Indiana University have found out how often a person has sex at different periods of life.  

Statistics say: when people are young (18-29 years old), they have sex an average of 112 times a year or about 2 times a week.  

In the period from 30 to 39 years of age, the regularity of sexual activity goes down: on average, about 86 times a year.

At 49, things are even sadder: people have sex an average of 69 times a year - that's almost half as many times as when they were younger. It's worth noting that sex life doesn't end once you turn fifty, it's just that the study took place outside of these age ranges. 

It's understandable why couples start having less sex as they age - and it's not just physiology. Add to everything the responsibility for family, work, children and you get an impressive baggage of reasons why sometimes you turn away from your partner to the wall. "Right now, with three kids, a mortgage, bills and incessant housework, even if my husband turned into Brad Pitt, I'd still prefer a cup of tea," one user rightly pointed out.  

Sexologists claim that some people start to feel sluggish sexually. "Out of sight out of heart," is how it happens. Prolonged abstinence from sex can also cause erectile dysfunction - though it's more common in older men. 

A stellar example is Robbie Williams, who gave up sex at age 49. According to the singer, he lost interest in sex after he stopped taking testosterone, which was prescribed to treat depression. "My body got big, I didn't like the way I looked," the artist recalls. "Lack of sex in marriage is only a problem if one wants it and the other doesn't. If you have different expectations or demands," he explained. That said, Williams and his wife have a great time watching TV shows together. 

Regular sex is believed to reduce stress levels (adrenaline and cortisol) and increase endorphins. Of course, you can reduce cortisol levels in other ways: get plenty of quality sleep, exercise, find a hobby.... But agree that sex is the most pleasurable means. 

Prolonged abstinence from even masturbation increases your chances of developing prostate cancer. What's more, orgasms are incredibly good for your immune system - people who have sex once or twice a week have been shown to have high concentrations of immunoglobulin A antibodies (it helps us fight off colds).  

There's good news - along with protection against STDs, you reduce your chances of contracting a urinary tract infection. All of this is especially important when you're not in a steady relationship.