While many needs can be met outside of the marriage relationship, sex is the one need that can only be legitimately fulfilled by one’s spouse. When one partner longs for more physical closeness and sexual intimacy than their spouse, it can start to color every aspect of the marriage. Being consistently rejected sexually is both painful and humiliating. Over time, the denied spouse starts to feel uncared for and undesired which leads to an acute sense of disconnection and isolation.
- Relationship Conflict
- Stress
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Power Struggles
- Hypo-Sexual Desire Disorder (Low Sex Drive)
- Negative Feelings Toward Your Partner Like Anger or Resentment
- Punitive or Passive-Aggressive Withholding of Sex
- Excessive Stress
- Boredom
- Tiredness
- Infidelity
- Childbirth
- Depression or Other Mental Health Issues
- History of Sexual Abuse
- Pornography Addiction
- Medication Side Effects
Furthermore, most couples have different sex drives and different arousal levels. The sex drive refers to the desired frequency for sexual activity. Whereas, sexual arousal refers to the intensity of feelings of sexual excitation. Both have a broad low-to-high range, and are primarily biological while also being influenced by personal history and physical and emotional states.
Diminished sexual intimacy is an issue with which most couples struggle at one time or another in their marriage. But, you don’t have to settle in this area. We can help you and your spouse work through the underlying issues related to your sexual intimacy and help you find your spark.