See what a lack of sex can do to reality show participants

Have you ever noticed how participants in reality shows change their behavior when they are confined? In addition to isolation and coexistence with people, most of the time strangers, another factor that directly interferes with this behavior is sex, or rather, the lack of it.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology monitored the behavior of 100 reality TV participants before entering the programs and after confinement.

The results showed that participants who were sexually active had higher levels of anxiety and stress after two months of confinement and abstinence from sexual relations when compared to those participants who did not have a very active sex life outside the program. In other words, those who had more sex missed it more and were more stressed.

“This happens because the body of the most sexually active person, whether through masturbation or sex itself, is used to that source of pleasure and when that source is removed the body feels this deprivation. It's like with sugar consumption, those who eat more sweets miss it more”, says Michelle Sampaio, sexologist from USP and member of ISSM (International Society for Sexual Medicine).

Although many realities allow sexual relations between participants, not everyone gets involved in the programs. And this lack of sexual involvement affects the entire body.

Sexologist Bárbara Bastos explains that this abstinence for prolonged periods inhibits the production of some hormones considered good, such as dopamine. A lack of this hormone can cause stress, depression and anxiety.

“It is undeniable that the hormones released during sex are excellent for the human body, giving a feeling of well-being and happiness, they are: dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin. And in the absence of these substances, the individual may become irritable, anxious, have an altered mood and have reduced immunity. In addition to being able to cause psychological suffering linked to self-esteem, security and self-confidence”, he says.

Aline Ambrósio, gynecologist and sexologist at USP, emphasizes that the sudden interruption of sexual life can also cause insomnia and inflammation of the prostate, in the case of men.

“When a person goes into a period of sudden withdrawal when confined to a house, they may have more difficulty sleeping because sex can also be beneficial for sleep disorders. For men, if you don’t have at least two ejaculations a week, you may have prostate inflammation.”

To minimize the effects that a lack of sex can cause, experts explain that you must first not think about it and try to distract yourself with other activities.

“Diverting your thoughts is something that can help for some people, but, in addition, within the reality show it is important that participants try to have fun, laugh and do physical activity”, adds Michelle.

See what a lack of sex can cause during confinement:

• Increased stress and irritability: The absence of sex inhibits the release of hormones responsible for the feeling of pleasure, happiness and well-being and also increases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Low self-esteem: Sexual intercourse releases the hormone oxytocin, known as the love hormone. The lack of it can directly affect how a person feels and influence their self-esteem.
• Binge eating: Food often becomes a source of pleasure to replace sexual pleasure for those who are confined.
• Malaise: Lack of sex for a prolonged period of time can cause headaches and nausea due to a drop in the production of serotonin and endorphins.
• Drop in immunity: Sexual intercourse brings partners into contact with each other's antigens, which helps with immunity. Therefore, lack of sex can lead to a drop in immunity.