It’s been coined the biggest collective cold turkey we have ever experienced in modern times and with no certainty on when the nationwide lockdown will be lifted, people have bemoaned the side effects that come with surviving without vices like alcohol and sex.
COVID-19 latest: What’s new in this lockdown?
South Africa is on its way to experiencing a peak in the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the government has been cautious in dealing with the pandemic.
Thus far, the country has recorded 4 996 cases of COVID-19 and 93 deaths. At the greatest threat to contracting the virus are the brave essential workers who have held the frontlines of our defence and kept normalcy in an infected society.
However, according to health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, there are 328 healthcare workers infected with COVID-19.
“From the private sector there are 19 doctors,123 nurses, other allied workers 57 and the total is 195. In the public sector there are 25 doctors,50 nurses, Port Hesketh workers 8, other allied workers 50 and the total is 133,” he said.
The scale of the growth of COVID-19 infections in South Africa sure does cause concern, especially at a time when the government has begun with its plan to reactivate the economy.
South Africans are feeling the pinch of not having sex
However, this is not something that has preoccupied South Africans. Thousands took to social media, on Wednesday, to vent out their frustrations with the inconveniences that come with the extended lockdown period.
Those who don’t live with their significant others took to social media to launch the #WhoCanSurviveWithoutSex topic that has been trending all day.
This trend has been used to encourage people to stay strong and avoid flouting lockdown regulations for some action.
To bring a bit of science and research into the topic, we delved into the side effects of not having sex for an extended period of time. This is more of an educational approach to informing people about other forms of relief, such as masturbation, that can help in these stressful times.
What are the side effects of not having sex?
According to Healthline, there is more to life than seeking pleasure and relief from having sex.
“Not having sex can be a time to let go of social pressures and engage in nonsexual activities that bring you pleasure and soothe you, just like sexual activities offer others. Not having sex can be a time to create a deeper relationship — but instead of doing that with another person, you’re prioritizing you,” they write.
These are the effects you may experience if you abstain from having sex:
- lose your libido;
- vaginal walls may weaken;
- experience a loss of lubrication;
- your period pain may get worse;
- men are more likely to have erectile dysfunction; and
- you may find you’re more stressed
Everything listed above is dependant on individual medical history and our unique genetic makeup. However, we strongly discourage anyone from breaking the laws for some action.
The Temporary relief sex offers may not be worth the consequences if you’re caught.
