WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PARTNER HAS LOST INTEREST IN SEX

According to research, sexual satisfaction plays a vital role in healthy relationships. However, there are a number of factors that influence the quality of a couple’s sex life as well as individual sexual desire over the course of a relationship. Every relationship can go through dry spells when your partner is suddenly less interested in sex than you.

While it may be short-term problems related to stress at work or other issues that may have driven your partner to distraction. Even more prevalent, a sudden, hectic schedule – ranging from end-of-year exams to a do-or-die work deadline – can leave your partner feeling exhausted and uninterested in anything more than sleep or a night in front of the TV.

While dry spells are common and usually resolve on their own once things return to normal, a prolonged and unexplained lack of sex in a relationship can be harmful to the general well-being of both partners.

Not only can this stir up feelings of frustration and self-doubt, but it may also leave you to wonder whether this may be your first step toward a sexless marriage. It is not an entirely unfounded concern; research suggests that the amount of sex people are having is on the decline.

IS IT NORMAL TO NOT WANT TO BE INTIMATE?

There are no rules as to when a dry spell is “too long.” Much of it depends on the couple’s age, how long they have been together, and what their usual pattern of sex has been. It is important not to confuse “average” estimates of how often couples have sex with what is normal for you and your relationship. Every individual and couple is different, and sexual desire is bound to fluctuate naturally over time. The important thing is that both of you are satisfied with the amount and quality of the sex that you have.

Ultimately, if a dry spell is causing palpable tension in your relationship or is undermining the confidence of one or both partners, action needs to be taken. And that can be tricky. To this end, there are steps you can take to address the problem together. It would require, first and foremost, that you not make any assumptions about your partner’s lack of sexual interest, no matter how much it may be causing you distress.

WHY YOUR PARTNER MAY BE LESS INTERESTED IN SEX

Decreased sex drive and intimacy tend to be common as people age. Research shows that sexual intimacy begins to decline at around age 45 and continues as people age. There are many factors that contribute to decreased interest in sex. So while you may assume your partner is having an affair, is gay, or has lost interest in you, you need to be open to all possibilities.

It is crucial to distinguish between low libido (the loss of sexual desire), hypoactive sexual desire (the absence of sexual fantasies), and sexual dysfunction. Each can have physical and psychological causes but the therapeutic interventions are different. By understanding the difference, you can approach the problem more objectively and avoid many of the emotional repercussions.

LOW LIBIDO

Low libido is a decrease in sex drive that can lead to a decreased sexual activity. It can be treated if the underlying causes can be identified. The cause for the loss of sexual interest can be many, including:

·         Stress

·         Depression

·         Erectile dysfunction

·         Hormone imbalances (spurred by menopause and hypogonadism)

·         Genital pain (such as vaginismus or balanitis)

·         Chronic illness

·          Medications

·         Low self-esteem

·         Relationship problems

This list can go on and on. Other emotional challenges can also play a role in how much a person desires sex.

HYPOACTIVE SEXUAL DESIRE DISORDER

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is defined as the absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. It is the most common type of sexual dysfunction among women, affecting 8.9% of women between the ages of 18 and 44, 12.3% between the ages of 45 and 64, and 7.4% over the age of 65. Research suggests that HSDD is linked to a number of negative outcomes including worse health-related quality of life, more frequent negative emotions, lower happiness, and less satisfaction with partners.

SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Sexual dysfunction involves any problems that occur at any point during the sexual response cycle that prevents an individual or a couple from having satisfying sexual experiences. This can include problems with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain. Types of sexual dysfunction in men include erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, and premature ejaculation. In women, types of sexual dysfunction can include inadequate lubrication during intercourse, the inability to relax the vaginal muscles to allow intercourse.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PARTNER HAS LOST DESIRE

When approaching your spouse about sexual problems, the worse place to so is in the bedroom, where you are both exposed and vulnerable. Instead, find neutral territory where you can be alone, private, and undisturbed. Make every effort to express yourself with sensitivity and without any suggestion of blame. While it is important to share worries, do so within the context of the relationship rather than asserting how “you” are causing “me” to worry. That is where worry turns to blame.

·         If your partner doesn’t know what is causing the problem but acknowledges its existence, suggest a physical exam with the family doctor. Low libido is often the result of an undiagnosed medical condition (such as low testosterone, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, or diabetes) or the side effect of certain medications (such as antidepressants, birth control pills, and some prostate medications).

·         If your partner shuts down or is reluctant to discuss the issue, you need to take charge and not take things personally. In the end, this is not about you failing your partner or your partner failing you. It is simply that you both need to take ownership of the problem as a couple. By taking the lead – and suggesting couples counseling from a sex therapist – you can bring the issue into light and use the process to strengthen, rather than hurt, the relationship.

·         If your partner is able to pinpoint a problem (such as stress at work or feeling tired all the time), work together to find a solution. Focus on incremental change, and seek medical help if needed. And don’t be shy about suggesting therapy.

CAN A RELATIONSHIP SURVIVE WITHOUT DESIRE?

It is important to remember that solving any relationship problem – whether it be sexual, financial, or emotional – is a process and not an event. Take your time, be patient, and, if needed, seek counseling to ensure your self-esteem and confidence remain intact. If you are struggling with lack of intimacy within your relationship, know that it is possible to get help and get your relationship back on track.