Many couples view intimacy as a way to rekindle affection, considering it a "spring opening" for their marriage. However, some are wary of the traditional belief that "abstaining from intimacy at the beginning of the year prevents bad luck" or deem such acts "unclean" during ancestral worship.
Doctor Tra Anh Duy, of the Men's Health Center, states that scientifically, there is no concept of "good luck" or "bad luck" linked to the timing of sexual intercourse. Medicine focuses solely on health factors such as safety, mutual consent, and physical condition. The relevant question is not about misfortune, but whether the act is appropriate and safe for both partners.
When both spouses are willing, comfortable, and healthy, sexual activity is a normal physiological function that helps reduce stress and enhance connection through the release of endorphins and oxytocin. However, Doctor Duy advises three specific groups to consider postponing intimacy at the start of the year to prevent potential issues.
The first group includes individuals who have consumed alcohol. While alcohol might temporarily heighten arousal, it depresses the central nervous system, impairing reflexes and behavioral control. For men, alcohol can easily lead to temporary erectile dysfunction by inhibiting blood vessel function.
Those who are overly full, excessively tired, or sleep-deprived after New Year preparations should also exercise caution. According to the American Heart Association, sexual activity expends energy comparable to strenuous exertion. When the body is exhausted, forcing intimacy can cause discomfort and shortness of breath, turning a joyful experience into a strain on the heart.
Individuals with uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions, such as chest pain or hypertension, need to be particularly careful. They should consult a doctor rather than acting on impulse when emotions are high, as this could pose health risks.
Instead of abstaining due to spiritual beliefs, doctors emphasize that couples should avoid behaviors that genuinely harm their health. This includes refraining from coercion when a partner is tired, avoiding unsafe sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and absolutely avoiding unverified "sexual enhancement" drugs. Furthermore, combining PDE5 inhibitors with nitrate heart medications is extremely dangerous, as it can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.
Clinical observations show that the very expectation of a "perfect new year" often causes problems for many men. Doctor Duy cited the case of a 31-year-old office worker who sought treatment after the New Year period. He was experiencing extreme anxiety due to erectile dysfunction on New Year's Eve. Despite having normal health indicators, the combination of alcohol consumption and psychological stress led to his difficulty, subsequently fostering a fear of "bad luck for the entire year."
"A single instance of difficulty in a state of intoxication, fatigue, or sleep deprivation is a normal physiological reaction and not sufficient to diagnose a male health condition", Doctor Duy explained. To ensure a fulfilling experience, couples should prioritize sobriety and comfort. If they have had too much to drink or are too tired, a good night's sleep and a warm embrace can be wonderful ways to welcome the new year, rather than attempting intimacy and then succumbing to worry.
Le Phuong
