According to reports, the longest-living monk in the world is currently 120 years old, and he discloses that the secret to his longevity is avoiding women, not eating spicy foods, leading a disciplined life, and practicing yoga every day. The saying “abstinence can prolong life” has long been circulated; can abstinence truly increase one’s lifespan?
Clearly, there is no absolute yes or no to this question; moderation is necessary, as excess can be detrimental to health and longevity. So what are the dangers of abstinence in real life? Here are three significant drawbacks.
1. Mental Illness
As the saying goes, “food and sex are basic human needs.” Sexual desire is a basic instinct; long-term suppression of this instinct, without the release of desires, can affect mental health, leading to a loss of confidence and a gloomy disposition, especially in women. Depression is a major culprit behind breast cancer in women, with psychological issues triggering physical ailments, and in extreme cases, even resulting in abnormal psychological disorders.
2. Physical Illness
Scientific experiments have demonstrated that men who abstain from sexual activity are more likely to suffer from prostatitis than those who engage in sexual activity. When men abstain for extended periods, the prostate continues to secrete a large amount of prostatic fluid which, if not released, leads to congestion, swelling, and inflammation over time.
Moreover, abstinence also significantly impacts women; prolonged abstinence can disrupt the secretion of female hormones, making it **easier for bacteria to grow. The secretion of hormones benefits women by enhancing** their antibacterial capabilities and improving **self-cleaning abilities; otherwise, it can lead to a series of gynecological diseases such as** inflammation, uterine inflammation, cervical erosion, and cervical cancer.
In addition, prolonged abstinence can reduce physiological function and immune capacity, leading to overall poor health, not to mention issues of longevity.
3. Adverse Effects on Family Harmony
Marital intimacy is a crucial factor for family harmony and also has a certain impact on social stability. Long-term abstinence not only hinders the conception of new life but can also easily lead to marital disputes, causing many family conflicts. Excessive domestic issues can affect both partners’ attitudes and efficiency at work, thereby impacting their chances for promotion. A harmonious marital life significantly influences individuals, families, and even society as a whole.
Normal people generally experience various emotions and desires; sexual desire is part of human nature. A moderate sexual life is more beneficial for one’s health and longevity, while simply stating that “abstinence leads to longevity” seems overly simplistic and blunt. Appropriate abstinence can benefit health, but prolonged abstinence, which prevents the release of desires and leads to repressed emotions, will inevitably harm physical health. Therefore, the notion that “abstinence prolongs life” is one-sided and should not be fully trusted.
[This article is an exclusive original production by “Panda Medicine” new media, authored by Bai Ying. Unauthorized reproduction or copying is prohibited.]
