Lent, the solemn season leading up to Easter, prompts many to relinquish pleasures like chocolate, alcohol, or even sex as a test of self-discipline. While the health perks of skipping sweets or spirits are well-documented, the decision to abstain from sexual activity raises intriguing questions. What happens to our bodies and minds when we forgo intimacy and self-pleasure? A recent exploration by The Handy, in collaboration with Dr Singh, sheds light on this curious choice and its unexpected ripple effects.

The Handy’s survey revealed that nearly 1 in 5 adults over 18, or 18.4%, lead sexually inactive lives year-round. For those opting into abstinence during Lent, the impacts can be as varied as they are surprising. Dr Singh explains, “These effects may be varied depending on the person and their vanity disposition; prolonged abstinence from both sex and masturbation could seem to have mixed effects on physical and emotional health.” Far from a one-size-fits-all experience, the outcomes hinge on individual circumstances and coping strategies.

For some, swearing off sex and masturbation stirs up emotional turbulence. “For some people, increased levels of stress, irritability, or frustration come from the absence of sexual release, for the reason that sexual activity may help in alleviating stress through the release of endorphins and oxytocin,” Dr Singh notes. These natural mood-lifters, often sparked by intimacy, can leave a void when absent. Yet others sail through unscathed, buoyed by exercise, deep friendships, or alternative stress-busters. The difference often lies in intent. Involuntary abstinence, perhaps driven by shame or loss, can tip the scales towards anxiety or even depression, especially without a healthy outlet for that pent-up energy.

Physical effects creep in too, sometimes in unexpected ways. Hormonal shifts, involving testosterone, oestrogen, and cortisol, can toy with energy, appetite, and sleep. “Some people may feel more fatigued due to sex being a good way to relax and sleep better, for example, through the release of prolactin and oxytocin,” Dr Singh observes. Without this natural sedative, restlessness might take hold, fragmenting sleep patterns. Others turn to food, craving sugary or carb-heavy treats to chase the dopamine hit once supplied by sexual pleasure. It’s a subtle swap, but one that could nudge waistlines over Lent’s 40 days.

Then there’s the restless undercurrent abstinence can stir. In men, a build-up of testosterone might spark “wet dreams” – spontaneous nocturnal emissions that signal the body’s way of venting sexual tension. Both men and women may notice heightened sensitivity, muscle tightness, or a wandering mind as unspent energy seeks an escape. “The absence of sex release may result in a heightened level of restlessness or tension that may find its way into physical manifestations like muscle tightness, trouble concentrating, or hypersensitivity to touch,” Dr Singh says. Libido, too, can swing either way, surging with anticipation or settling into a quieter rhythm over time.

The psychological lens matters here. For those who view abstinence as a meaningful sacrifice, redirecting that energy into creative or physical pursuits can soften the blow. But suppress those urges without a safety valve, and frustration might simmer into irritability or unease. Dr Singh underscores this balance, suggesting that mental health hinges on belief, perception, and substitution. A brisk run or a gripping novel might just keep the scales steady.

So, as Lent unfolds, those shunning sex might find more than their willpower tested. From restless nights to sudden biscuit binges, the body and mind weave a complex response to this age-old practice. Whether it’s a fleeting 40-day challenge or a longer celibate stretch, the effects ripple beyond the bedroom, nudging us to rethink how deeply intimacy shapes our daily lives.