Health Magazine published a list of reasons why some people are not having sex. It estimated the number of sexless couples -- those having sex less than 10 times a year -- at 40 million in the U.S. alone. Many studies have shown the benefits of sexual intercourse, both physically and emotionally, as certain hormones are secreted during sex.

Here are some of the reasons why people may suffer from a lack of sex.

1. Invasion of third parties into the bed

Technology such as laptops, personal digital assistants, TVs and smartphones are the main distractions that can induce insomnia and hinder peoples’ sex lives.

2. Medications that sap the sex drive

Oral contraceptives contain estrogen, which increases sex-hormone binding globulin, Michael Krychman, medical director of sexual medicine at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach told Health magazine. He added that SHBG can trap testosterone and affect the sex drive. Medications that reduce blood pressure, anxiety, acid reflux and antidepressants may lower the libido.

3. Hectic lifestyles and high stress levels

The chronic stresses of today’s hectic lifestyles can bring on hormonal changes that can affect the sexual response cycle. The hyper-connected technology in modern society is also a contributing factor.

4. Low self-esteem about body shape

Anita Clayton, a psychiatry professor at the University of Virginia, told Health magazine that many women find themselves withdrawing or not willing to experiment sexually if they are overweight or have a change in shape due to pregnancy. Also, a survey conducted by Health.com showed that 37 percent of participants answered that losing weight made them feel sexy.

5. Pre-menopause

The decrease in estrogen prior to menopause also brings about physiological changes that make sex seem less desirable. Sensitive vaginal tissues become less lubricated leading to painful intercourse due to dryness. This may prompt a “no to sex.”

6. Emotional disconnections

Partners may withdraw emotionally, leading to a lowered desire to have sex, Bob Berkowitz, a journalist, told Health magazine.

7. Depression

Dr. Clayton said that feelings largely contribute to peoples’ sex lives, especially for women, as they tend to isolate themselves even in the strongest of romantic relationships. Anti-depressants may relieve depression but they can also affect the ability to have an orgasm.

8. Viagra

Both younger and older men tend to lean on erectile-dysfunction drugs to enhance performance. However, this may cause the partner to feel physically and emotionally disconnected as a “woman needs more time to get aroused,” according to Dr. Clayton.

9. Being sick and tired

Women with chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, anemia, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may suffer from fatigue or body pain, and thus have no interest in sex. Some women with low sex drives are found to have depression, fertility problems or exhaustion due to endocrine problems such as undiagnosed thyroid diseases.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)