How to Cope With a Lack of Sex in a Relationship
All relationships can go through dry spells, where the amount of sex you and your partner have dropped dramatically or becomes non-existent. If your sex life with your partner is on a hiatus, you might be wondering if a lack of sex in a relationship is something to worry about.
Rest assured, a lack of sex in a relationship is a lot more common than you’d think. “According to research, 30-40% of long-term couples are in a sexless relationship, defined as making love less than six times a year,” says Dr. Cheryl Fraser, a sex therapist and clinical psychologist. “About half of those couples are not making love at all, and have not for a year or longer.”
A lack of sex in a relationship isn’t always a cause for concern, though. It only becomes an issue if sexual activity plays an important role in your relationship.
“Sex is important in a relationship if it is important for the people in the relationship,” says Silva Neves, a UKCP and COSRT-accredited psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist.
“Some people aren’t very sexual or don't consider sex to be a central focus of their relationship. They prefer to prioritize other things such as cuddles, other forms of intimacy, companionship, and shared activities,” he explains.
“There are other people who love sex, feel their well-being is enhanced with regular sex and is one of the central parts of their lives. Problems start to arise if one partner in the relationship has vastly different values or interests in sex. The discrepancy in the importance of sex can cause problems in a relationship.”
How often should a couple have sex?
How often a couple should have sex is completely arbitrary. There’s no hard and fast rule about how much sex you should have in a relationship, it all comes down to how much sex you and your partner feel you need and want.
Some research linked sexual satisfaction to overall relationship satisfaction, but that doesn't mean makes for a better bond. One study found that the benefits of having more sex stopped after a certain point (once a week, to be precise).
Many people think the amount of sex they’re having is a litmus test of how happy their relationship is, but sex isn’t the be-all and end-all of healthy relationships.
“Many people live very happy lives and fulfilling relationships without that much sex,” says Neves. “The thought we ‘should’ have more sex often comes from misinformation perpetuated by society.”
Every couple and every relationship is different, so it’s hard to calculate an average of how much sex you “should” be having. Furthermore, it’s completely normal for sexual desire to wax and wane throughout your relationship.
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Can a relationship last without sex?
“Absolutely. Lack of sex only becomes an issue if one or more of the partners in the relationship are unhappy with their sex lives,” says Neves.
“Sometimes, they’re unhappy because they feel their sexual needs aren't being met. But sometimes, they might feel bad because they believe they ‘should’ have more sex, and if they don't it means that the relationship is in trouble,” he adds.
“If the people in the relationship have the same values about sex, if they are on the same page about the lack of sex, if they prioritize other forms of intimacy, and if they trust each other to be honest, then, there is no problem and relationships can last and be very fulfilling without sex,” adds Neves.
What are the emotional effects of a sexless relationship?
“For those whose sex life is very important and who are in a relationship with a discrepancy in sexual desire, it can definitely erode their well-being,” says Neves.
“Some feel unloved or undesired by the lack of sexual desire from their partner. Some worry that their partner doesn't love them or that they are no longer sexually attracted to them, or even that they might have an affair. Some people feel rejected if their partner keeps saying 'no' to sex. Over time, resentment and/or sadness can build up, and the people in the relationship might start to feel distant from each other to the point of thinking about separation.”
What causes a sexless relationship?
There are myriad reasons why your sex life may be dwindling, and it’s not always a sign that your relationship is in trouble. Dr. Fraser explains that some of the most common causes of a lack of sex in a relationship are:
Physical factors — everything from hormones, to fatigue, to back pain, to depression, to erection issues, to pelvic pain, and much more.
Emotional factors — feeling disconnected from your partner, feeling insecure, lacking attraction.
Relationship factors — bickering, feeling unappreciated or undesired, affair recovery.
Sexual factors between partners — finding sex boring, uncomfortable, or not being able to orgasm.
Individual sexual factors — low libido, a lack of desire after having a child, after an affair, or after menopause.
Lifestyle factors — feeling stressed, or worrying about finances.
How do you deal with lack of sex in a relationship?
Sex isn’t everything in a relationship, but it can help foster connection, excitement, and intimacy. If you and your partner both want to rekindle your sexual spark, there are different things you can do to get back to business.
“The first thing to do is to not ignore it,” says Neves. “It can be a daunting subject and many couples choose to ignore 'the elephant in the room'. This is simply because people are unequipped to talk about sex. It’s a very emotive subject. A sex and relationship therapist can help with facilitating those difficult conversations.”
If you want to rekindle the flame, Neves recommends the following:
Start with the small things, such as noticing each other (for example when your partner gets naked), and expressing your attraction to them.
Read erotica to each other.
When you both feel comfortable doing so, start to touch each other's bodies, with no expectations of penetration or any particular position, or even orgasm.
Focus on the pleasurable moment of the here and now.
Make a habit of being in that sensual space on a regular basis.
Try to avoid criticisms and focus on what you enjoy about your partner.
“Quite simply, you need to make your sex life a priority,” adds Dr. Fraser. “Don’t wait around for what is called spontaneous desire — ‘Hey baby I’m so hot for you, let’s go!’,” she says.
“When spontaneous desire happens, enjoy the hell out of it. But spontaneous desire wanes rapidly after the first year or so of a new relationship. Research shows that longer-term couples need to cultivate responsive desire and create the circumstances that lead to making love. In other words, put the ‘make’ back in making love.”
Dr. Fraser explains that finding your way back to being sexual after a dry spell can feel vulnerable, so take it easy on both you and your partner.
“Some underlying relationship issues will likely surface,” she explains. “That’s okay! Relationships are complex, dynamic things. Don’t give up just because it’s tough. Instead, take this as an opportunity to strengthen your love, both in and out of the bedroom.”
