Fact check: Is it healthy (in the long-term) to keep holding in sexual urges?

1. Summary of the results

The health impacts of suppressing sexual urges appear to be complex and multifaceted. While some research indicates that sexual abstinence is not inherently harmful and people can lead fulfilling lives without sexual activity ^[1], other sources suggest potential negative consequences. These may include psychological effects such as mood swings, depression, and increased anxiety, as well as physiological impacts on erectile function and immune system function ^{[2] [3]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial contextual elements were missing from the original question:

• Relationship Context: The impact significantly differs for people in relationships versus those who are single. Research shows that couples who maintain sexual communication and connection tend to have more satisfying relationships ^[4], and sexless relationships often lead to feelings of frustration and depression ^[5].
• Trauma Consideration: There's an important connection between sexual behavior and psychological trauma. Unresolved sexual experiences can create significant mental health challenges ^[6], suggesting that the decision to suppress sexual urges might be related to deeper psychological issues that need addressing ^[7].
• Individual Variation: The impacts of sexual abstinence vary considerably depending on individual circumstances ^[3]. What might be healthy for one person could be detrimental for another.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question oversimplifies a complex issue by:

• Assuming Universal Impact: The question implies there's a single answer applicable to everyone, when research shows the effects vary significantly between individuals ^[3].
• Binary Framing: The question frames the issue as simply "healthy or unhealthy," when research suggests a more nuanced reality where both physical and psychological factors interact ^[2].
• Relationship Status Bias: The question doesn't acknowledge the significant difference between choosing to suppress sexual urges while single versus doing so within a relationship, where research shows it can have more definitive negative impacts ^{[4] [5]}.

Various groups might benefit from pushing different narratives around this topic, including religious organizations promoting abstinence, relationship counselors and therapists who benefit from treating related issues, and pharmaceutical companies developing treatments for sexual dysfunction.