Life has its ups and downs, and so does your sex life. Sometimes weeks — or even months — can pass without intimacy.But what many don’t realize is that going too long without sex isn’t just frustrating — it could actually be harmful to your health.Why it matterNew research from NapLab reveals that the average American only has sex once a week. And according to one expert, not getting intimate often enough could have a serious impact on your life.You might be skeptical about why it matters what you do in the bedroom, but there’s more to it than you think. In fact, abstaining from sex isn’t just physically harmful — it can take a serious toll on your mental well-being too.

Studies show that people who live in celibacy are at a higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and mood swings, according to experts.Scottish researchers discovered that individuals who refrained from sex had a harder time handling stressful situations, such as public speaking, compared to those who had engaged in intercourse at least once within a two-week span.Sexual health specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Sham Singh explains: “Suppressing sexual urges without alternative stress-relieving outlets can build up frustration and also aggravate anxiety or irritability.Having less sex might mean fewer germs, but it also means missing out on its immune-boosting benefits.