Touch starvation and the immunity link
Physical contact — sexual or not — triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and wellbeing. When that contact is absent for extended periods, a condition known as touch starvation can develop. Research published in Sage Journals, examining affection deprivation during the COVID-19 pandemic, found that those deprived of physical touch were more likely to fall ill and to experience emotional distress.
Touch starvation is not limited to sexual partners. The absence of hugs or non-sexual physical contact from friends and family can produce the same effect, underlining that the underlying need is for human connection broadly, not intercourse specifically.
The immunity connection extends further. The Cleveland Clinic notes that people who have regular sex tend to have stronger immune systems, an effect attributed in part to oxytocin-driven stress reduction and the improved sleep quality that sex tends to promote.
Erectile dysfunction risk doubles below once a week
For men, the frequency of sexual activity has a documented relationship with erectile function. A study published in the American Journal of Medicine — the Tampere Aging Male Urologic Study — found that men who reported having sex less than once per week had twice the incidence of erectile dysfunction compared to those who had sex once a week or more.
The underlying mechanism involves the brain’s reward chemistry. Regular sexual activity sustains the release of dopamine and other neurochemicals associated with pleasure and motivation. When that cycle is interrupted over time, the physiological pathways involved in sexual response can become less responsive.
Across both sexes, the broader picture that emerges from the research is consistent: regular, safe and consensual sexual activity supports cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing, sleep quality and immune function. Anyone with concerns about their sexual health is advised to consult a healthcare provider or a registered gynecologist.
