How Long Can You Go Without Sex?

Although you’re probably familiar with the terms "sex drive" and "libido," how much about your own sexual clock do you understand?

For example, can you list your sexual "need" signs?

How long can you go without sex before it starts to negatively affect you?

Are your needs generally assuaged by "affection" or does it take full intercourse to make you feel satisfied?

Because most people never ask themselves these questions, relationship problems often occur due to misunderstandings regarding the differing sexual needs of the partners. One of the best ways to preempt these common predicaments is to know the sexual needs of your own body and to be able to communicate those needs to your partner in a non-threatening manner.

Why is Sex a "Need"?

The same way your body sends out signals to let you know when you’re hungry or thirsty, it also sends out signals to notify you when it’s time to have sex – or to engage in some kind of physically intimate contact with another human being. These needs have two biologically-based reasons to exist, though both reasons are heavily debated within the scientific community. 

The first reason is, of course, reproduction. We have a sex drive so that "mating" happens relatively frequently and we can continue the species.

The second reason is a little more complex and has to do with our survival-of-the-fittest need to live in social groups and act cooperatively.

As the theory goes, we are too physically weak as individuals to protect ourselves from the dangers of our environment, and have survived mainly because we stick together. It’s the "united we stand, divided we fall" philosophy of biological survival. One of the ways to promote this kind of banding together is by making the act of socializing with other members of our species an enjoyable and rewarding experience. In monkeys this is reflected in the importance of social grooming, and in the case of bonobo monkeys, sex. 

Now I’m not saying you’re a monkey, but I am saying that like monkeys, humans have an innate desire to physically connect with others of our kind because it has helped us to survive as a species. That’s one of the main reasons we long to be with others – to hold and to be held, to kiss and to be kissed. Rather than just superfluous "wants" these are, in fact, "needs" and should be given the attention they deserve. After all, you eat when you’re really really hungry don’t you?

What are Your Sexual "Need" Signs?

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  • pasiphae
    speaking as a Woman I find your take enlightening as for myself a healthy sex drive is in gear just finding a man that wii be there for more than 15 minutes............ahhhhhhh that's the problem
  • peace hope
    i'm a victim of reliong and sex,2day i'm 29 and not in a relationship coz i thougthi was not necessary a such.however much i want to be in ano 2day,its hard,the fact that my biological watch is tickling scares me most.Besides that ave gone thru' Fgm.I believe that i will one day get married,my challeng is,having gone thru' fgm how will i boast my orgasm.Many are the time fgm has been critisized,what do you tell those ladies who were exposed to it without their knowledge,any hope 4 them?i have not had sex 4 more than 10yrs 2day,can that affect my attitude toward sex?i believe in abstenance.when one has sexual desires and don't fullfil them for such a long period of time,are there any side effect?
  • jeniminx
    LOL

    Well, I find that the 15 minute man problem is solved by either being a bit more selective or having more than one man involved. ;-) Of course, I find that the longer I have gone without a satisfying sexual experience, the lower my own standards go. At that point I become a bit predatory.

    Overall, I'm pleased with the quality of sex I have experienced with the various men in my life. However, it is nice to have a boyfriend/lover since my needs (at least 3 times a week) are met regularly. Otherwise, it's just a matter of being able to line up enough "friends" every week. Masturbation is helpful but doesn't quite do the trick for me.
  • Well, me and my fiancee discuss this a lot since we have found in each other not only some to love, but a person with a matching sex drive! No small feat given we are both on the high side- 7 or 8 times a week. fyi: we have been together 20 months and are in our mid-forties. People's sex drives really do differ. He and I have been like this our whole lives (i have been masturbating to orgasm since i was 7). It is divine to have someone who is as horny as me all the time and who likes the same things sexual-that's another biggie, liking to do the same stuff. We plan to spend the next 40 years doing many wonderful things, including lots and lots more sex. Sometimes you just get lucky in life. To love and have a man like him - i am very, very lucky.
  • Well like the article says, "sex is a need". And what a need! 3 times a week, every 15 minutes, whatever it be, sex is a craving and a desire that will totally drive you crazy! I definitely agree with that...

    Well one thing people can try, and I know like Jeniminx said, it's not for everyone, is good ol' masturbation. Shameless self satisfaction. Whatever you call it, it is a great way of reliving yourself of sexual tension due to a lack of sex.

    Whether it is a need to orgasm, or simply to feel really good for 20 minutes, masturbation can give you that much. And the very best way to please yourself sexual is by using sex toys. Adult toys can be big or small, or however you like them. So if you are nervous and shy, get a smaller discreet toy, and if you like em' big and bulky, go that way.. Whatever you choose, definitely try it! This way you won't have to bother your partner if you want sex twice a day and they don't, or risk getting an STD by multiple partners.

    Just a thought. As natural as sex itself, the need to add some spice to sex or masturbation is most always on peoples minds, really, it all come down to acting on it! Give it a go and see if it helps control those itching "needs".
  • Girls, so many men do not know what a woman wants in the bedroom, why not tell them?
    If you just lay there and expect something magical you maybe lucky, chances are you will not be. Find out your own pleasure spots and tech him where they are.
    If you are going online dating ask him to describe your first intimate encounter. See how romantic a lover he is......
    If he is good then expect something like this:-

    Our first intimate encounter would be where we could set aside two hours where we would not be interuppted. We stand and hold hands and allow our lips to make contact, our mouths moving together in unison. My hands gently masaging your back, stroking your hair and back of your neck. My hand would venture closer to the side of your breast and I would see if your arms came down to stop me or whether you are ready for me to move on.

    Ok, better stop there, think you get the picture.

    Guys if you are reading this then you will get far better results being a romantic lover.......I know!!!!!!
  • katelynn
    barnschop, that doesn't describe a good lover to me. it would actually creep me out.
  • I think people can go without sex many years, because for the moment in the world it is a various sex toys which have sexual life more intensive.
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