Is Celibacy Healthy?

People have sex at certain times in their lives more than they have at other times, and that`s okay. There are no right times to have sex, and there`s also no problem with choosing to abstain from sex for a while. Age, sex drive, and relationship status are usually determinants of sexual engagement. And contrary to popular opinion, people enjoy satisfying lives without sex.  So what are the physical and psychological effects of abstaining from sex? Let`s get talking!

3 Benefits of Celibacy

Reduced Risk of Unplanned Pregnancy

Among all the birth control measures, abstaining from sex remains the surest. If you don`t plan for a pregnancy, then you may choose celibacy if it works for you. Choosing a reliable birth control method also helps you prevent the emotional outcomes of having an unplanned pregnancy.

Reduced Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstaining from sex is one of the most reliable ways of avoiding STIs. You can rest assured that your reproductive health is safe, and you are generally free from infections transmitted via sexual activities.

Speeds up Healing

It`s not uncommon to find people engage in sex so they can heal from emotional trauma. Well, they actually don`t heal that way, they only succeed in masking the trauma. Abstaining from sex will help you focus on the issue and go through a proper healing process rather than merely trying to forget it every now and then. There are times that you may have to abstain from sex to enable a medical procedure to take its due course. Whether it`s emotional or physical, abstinence will help you heal faster.

Abstaining from sex has its benefits as well as its side effects. So what are the likely risks of abstaining from sex? Keep reading!

4 Side Effects of Celibacy

Risk of Reduced Immunity

Regular sex boosts immune health and releases endorphins that enable the body to fight off illness. People who have sex less often are at a higher risk of frequent illnesses.

Risk of Poor Cardiovascular Health

People who don`t have sex regularly are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Apart from being a form of exercise, sexual keeps the estrogen and progesterone levels in balance, and this is great at reducing the risk of heart disease.

Increased Risk of Stress and Anxiety Levels

When you have sex, the hormones, oxytocin, and endorphins are released and help manage the effects of anxiety or stress. Oxytocin will particularly help you sleep better. Abstaining from sex is having less of these neurochemicals released, and may result in higher stress and anxiety levels.

Poor Relationship Health

Regular sexual intercourse is one of the ways to enhance the bond in your relationship.  Couples who have sex often feel more emotionally attached and connected than those who doit less or abstain from it.

Some persons would rather choose celibacy, despite its side effects, and that`s fine. If you fall in that category, here`s how to do better at celibacy.

9 Tips for Successful Celibacy

Do Some Research

Here`s not a practice to jump into without careful consideration. Decide what can kind of celibacy you`re opting for and how long you intend to practice it. You might also want to check out other forms of celibacy and know what they mental, so you`re sure that your decision is informed and you can prepare for it.

Make the Commitment

Whether it`s a vow of celibacy to a religious body or yourself, take this commitment seriously and follow measure to bring it to its actualization.

Define your Boundaries

You will understand your boundaries better along with your practice. Outline these boundaries as you identify them. These boundaries may also evolve over time.

Have a Support System

Surround yourself with friends or family that support your decision to abstain from sex. Because abstaining from sex is a controversial matter, a number of people may want to debate bit with you. As much as possible, avoid such arguments. Instead, talk to people in your support group about your struggles draw some encouragement from them. People who have practiced celibacy longer would be reliably helpful in your support group. You may also join online forums where you can discuss abstinence.

Be Transparent About your Decision and Boundaries

If you ever have an interest in a partner or decide to have a close friend that may cause become sexually attractive, be sure to tell them clearly that you have decided to be celibate. Let them know your reasons and communicate your boundaries clearly.

Avoid Compromising Situations

As much as possible, avoid situations that may make it difficult for you to stick to your commitment. So you probably want to avoid night parties, wild gathering, excessive alcohol drinking, or being alone with people you`re sexually attracted to.

Remind yourself of your Commitment

Choosing to be celibate is not easy, so you need to be proactive in committing to it. Tough times will come, and you will almost renege on your commitment.  You may periodically journal the reasons you chose to abstain from sex, and constantly remind yourself that you made the right choice for you. Read your journal sometimes, especially when you feel like breaking your commitment.

Masturbate

Masturbation is great for mental and physical health. It can help you deal with sexual desires and also understand your body without sex. It will help you relieve stress and get over the thoughts of sex.

Rechannel your Sexual Energy

It`s only natural for sexual energy to build up. The duty is on you to channel it into other activities. You may take up blogging, vlogging, photography, dance, or exercise often.

6 Tips on Teaching Children Sexual Abstinence

Be Honest

It’s okay to be honest about sex when discussing with children. Lying to them is never a way to protect them. You never know what they already know or what they will find out later. This may affect their trust and confidence in you.

Be Specific

What exactly do you want them to abstain from? Kissing? Sexual touch? Intercourse? By all means, don`t leave them assuming. Be specific about what you`d have them abstain from and why.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions

This is almost unavoidable. If you discuss abstinence with children, they will ask you questions about sex and relationships. So brace yourself! Be prepared to answer these questions to protect them from misinformation from unhealthy sources.

Identify Teachable Moments

Certain moments are just perfect to speak with children about sex. One of those times is after watching a movie on heartbreak as a result of premature sex, or diseases due to careless sex.

Start Talking Early

Some parents start talking late about sex. At this time, some children have already had sex, and may not be comfortable opening up to their parents who are coming from a preventive angle, whereas, the children may need curative measures. Start talking to them even before they become teenagers, and also while they`re dating. They need your guidance more than you think.

Be Open About HIV, STDs, and Pregnancy

Give children accurate information about the possible outcomes of premature and casual sex, however, don’t scare them. Make them see the cause-effect factors, so they understand that you are not merely attempting to deprive them of enjoyment.