The Celibacy Shift: Why Are More People Choosing Abstinence?

Hookups might dominate the dating app scene, but celibacy is quietly on the rise. Flure’s research reveals why people are pressing pause on intimacy for self-growth and well-being.

There are currently millions of people desperately trying to ignore the urge to pleasure themselves—and with each passing year, many more join them in participating in No Nut November, a month-long abstinence from sex and masturbation. Destroy Dick December is just around the corner, but for some, their celibacy doesn’t end when November reaches its climax.

Why? Because many believe this show of willpower works wonders for the body and mind. Improved sperm count, sleep quality, focus, and mood are among the claimed benefits of abstaining from ejaculation.

Flure surveyed 2,000 adults on their attitudes towards celibacy. While the health benefits are widely debated and the risks well documented, the results show that many are open to resisting their sexual urges in the hopes of improving their health, careers, and relationships.

In the age of dating apps, where having a fling is as simple as swiping right and popping the question, it seems everyone is letting loose and hooking up. If that’s what you’re looking for, why not? Sexual freedom should be celebrated, not criticized.

Yet, celibacy statistics show that abstaining from sex and masturbation is actually on the rise rather than the decline. Whether due to religious beliefs, dating fatigue, or self-empowerment, 43% of adults admit they have tried it, and another 16% are open to the idea.

If it feels good, why wouldn’t you?

For 51% of people interested in celibacy, self-improvement is their driving force. It makes sense—we all have urges, and ignoring them requires a huge amount of self-control and self-discipline that can be applied in other areas of our lives.

Other top reasons for celibacy include prioritizing mental well-being (36%), focusing on personal goals (26%), and improving their future relationships (18%).

Plus, there’s no time for sexual pleasure when you’re focused on learning, training, and reaching the top. While the health benefits of abstaining from sex and masturbation are widely debated, at the very least, 49% of people believe it can help them stay set on achieving their personal goals.

What about the disadvantages of abstinence until marriage or beyond? Experts warn that it could lead to anxiety and insomnia and even impact mood and relationship satisfaction. Likewise, healthcare professionals even link celibacy with an increased risk of heart disease, given sex is a great source of exercise.

But it isn’t necessarily health concerns holding people back. In fact, 34% of people say there are no significant obstacles—they just enjoy sex and have no interest in stopping.

However, there is a genuine concern for many: the desire not to be alone. For 28% and 22% of people, respectively, it's the fear of loneliness and the impact celibacy might have on their relationship that fuels their sex life.

Yet, despite this fear, 70% of people agree that a happy and healthy relationship doesn’t require physical intimacy. You may even find it helps you to feel closer to your partner with tighter bonds and greater satisfaction said to be benefits of abstinence in a relationship.

Whether you need it or not, what matters is that you’re both on the same page. While 27% say celibacy isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, a lack of open communication will bring the relationship to a rocky end.

But aren’t we supposed to be hooking up at every opportunity and to make your body count more impressive? What will society think?!

Let’s be real... nobody cares about your love life. While 40% of people say their friends would be at least somewhat supportive if they chose to commit to celibacy, most believe they would be entirely indifferent.

If sex is important to you, enjoy it. If you’d rather not, do you—your body, your choice.