Can a marriage survive without sex? This is a question many couples face as they navigate through life's challenges together. Sex can bring pleasure and intimacy to our relationships，and when it goes missing，marriages can suffer. While it is not impossible for a marriage to survive without sex, it requires both partners to be willing to talk openly about the issues, be committed to working on them，and seek guidance if necessary.

There are various causes of a sexless marriage which, if not addressed, can lead to significant distress in the relationship. Physical health conditions，aging, and caregiving responsibilities can all lower libido and reduce the level of intimacy between partners. In some cases, unresolved conflict or resentment can also lead to a lack of physical connection in the marriage. 

For example, chronic illnesses or medications can affect one's libido and reduce their interest in intercourse or other forms of sexual touch. Similarly, as people get older their hormones shift and libido levels may decline. In addition, caring for young children or elderly parents is often time consuming and leaves less time or energy for intimate connection. 

Lastly，resentment or unresolved arguments often interrupt intimacy between partners and make it difficult to enjoy any form of physical closeness.

Sexless marriages can exist but often require extra effort from both partners in order to thrive. Many couples are reluctant to talk about sexual issues in their marriage but seeking help can improve overall happiness and satisfaction. 

A sex therapist specializes in addressing these types of issues and can provide guidance on how best to reconnect with one's partner. Talking openly about the underlying issues in a marriage can help both partners gain insight into why the disconnection occurred in the first place, start on steps towards improving communication, and re-ignite the romance between them.

What is a Sexless Marriage?

What is a sexless marriage？A sexless marriage is when the couple has little to no physical intimacy in their relationship，either through intercourse or other forms of sexual touch. Many couples experience this type of relationship at some point in their lives，and it can be caused by a variety of factors. 

Physical health conditions such as chronic illnesses or medications can affect one's libido and cause a decrease in the frequency of intimate connection. Aging can also lead to shifts in hormones that can reduce a partner's sexual appetite. 

Caregiving responsibilities for young children or elderly parents can also often be time-consuming and leave little room for physical intimacy within the marriage. In some cases, a lack of sex reflects deeper underlying issues, such as resentment or unresolved arguments. 

No matter what the cause may be, sexless marriages can exist, but they require effort from both partners to be successful. This means that each person must be willing to open up and communicate honestly about their feelings and needs in order to make any progress. 

While some couples choose to work through these issues on their own, seeking support from an experienced sex therapist can provide helpful guidance on how best to reconnect with one's partner. 

Talking openly with a specialist might help both parties gain insight into why the disconnect occurred in the first place, start taking steps towards improving communication within the marriage, and re-ignite the romance between them when appropriate.

What Causes a Sexless Marriage?

What causes a sexless marriage? While the reasons can vary from couple to couple，some of the most common causes include physical health conditions, mental health issues，lack of communication, and lack of emotional intimacy. 

Tips for reconnecting intimacy in a sexless marriage can include taking part in counseling sessions，creating physical and emotional rituals, setting aside dedicated time for activities, showing gratitude and appreciation，and being honest with each other. 

The pros and cons of talking to a sex therapist should also be considered. A sex therapist can provide an objective perspective on the root causes of a sexless marriage and offer strategic solutions. They can help provide the skills needed to communicate effectively and broach difficult topics without fear or judgment. 

In a supportive environment, both partners can work through difficult feelings and help bridge the gap between them. The therapist can offer reassurance and validation to both partners，creating an atmosphere of closeness and trust. 

However，some couples may struggle to open up or be vulnerable in a therapy session due to the intimate nature of the subject, and the process of improving one’s sex life may require significant investment of time, energy，and money. There is also no guarantee that the sessions will lead to a resolution or a restoration of intimacy.

It is important to note that each marriage is unique and therefore there is no single answer for why a sexless marriage might come about. However, understanding the potential causes combined with talking to a sex therapist could help create an environment where couples feel comfortable talking about their feelings around physical intimacy and lessen feelings of isolation or anger.

Tips for Reconnecting Intimacy in a Sexless Marriage

No matter the underlying cause, rebuilding intimacy in a sexless marriage can be difficult and complicated. But with patience，honesty，and effort，it is possible for couples to reconnect and re-establish closeness. Here are some tips that can help couples revive their physical connection.

First and foremost，it is essential for both parties to make an appointment with their primary care doctor if they have not already done so. This will allow them to rule out any medical issues that might be contributing to the lack of sexual drive or performance. 

It is also important to remember that sex does not have to be the only form of intimacy in a marriage! Touching，flirting, laughing together — all of these activities can help rebuild a bond between partners without involving intercourse or other forms of physical contact. 

When attempting to slowly increase the physical aspect of their marriage，couples may choose to start with something as simple as more kissing, hugs，or cuddling — gradually escalating as they feel more comfortable with each other's touch again. Taking some time away from work obligations and daily distractions, such as children or pets, may also help create an intimate atmosphere so that communication can take place without interruption.

Although it may feel daunting at first, individuals must strive to address this issue head-on rather than putting it off or avoiding conversation about it altogether. Listening without judgment is key when discussing feelings related to intimacy in marriage, as well as understanding that sometimes one person may have a higher appetite for physical connection than the other, which could create feelings of dissatisfaction in either partner, depending on its fulfillment.

Furthermore，spicing up bedroom play by introducing toys, lubricants, and other products could help keep things interesting. Both partners should communicate openly about what activities they'd like to engage in and set boundaries regarding what feels comfortable for each person while still maintaining safety precautions at all times during physical contact，such as using protective barriers when needed.

Finally, couples who are struggling with this issue mustn't be afraid to seek professional advice if needed. Consulting a sex therapist would be able to provide guidance on how both individuals can improve their own communication around this topic while still respecting each other's needs for privacy and vulnerability during an intimate moment. 

With time and dedication, intimate connection can again become a cornerstone of any successful relationship，reminding partners why they fell in love with each other in the first place!

When to Walk Away from a Sexless Marriage

Sexless marriages can be challenging, and it is not unheard of for a couple to reach the point where leaving the marriage might be the best option for finding personal fulfillment. This decision should not be made lightly, as it could have serious repercussions for both involved. 

When deciding when to leave a sexless marriage, it is essential to evaluate the situation honestly and make an informed decision. Factors to consider include personal feelings and values，as well as any issues that may have caused the lack of physical intimacy. 

If both parties are willing to communicate openly about their problems and try to work through them, such as by attempting different activities or engaging in couples' therapy sessions, then there may still be hope to revive the marriage.

However，if neither partner is willing to try，or their attempts to reconnect have failed，it may be time for one or both individuals to walk away in order to better satisfy their needs. It is also important to assess how long the dynamic has gone on for and whether feelings of loneliness, resentment, or anger have arisen due to an emotional disconnect that stemmed from the lack of physical contact.

Being truthful with oneself about when such a marriage becomes untenable can prevent further suffering and provide clarity on what steps to take next. Ultimately，leaving a sexless marriage requires careful thought and should only be done after a thorough consideration of possible outcomes.

Talking to a Sex Therapist

Talking to a sex therapist can be an invaluable resource for couples trying to navigate a sexless marriage. While the issues that are causing a couple's sex life to stagnate may seem insurmountable, with proper guidance it is possible to re-ignite the romantic connection and intimacy of the relationship. 

A certified and experienced sex therapist is trained in helping couples identify their needs and desires，create a safe and comfortable environment for sexual exploration, and develop strategies for self-expression within the relationship. 

When looking for a sex therapist，it is important to make sure they meet the standards set by the American Association of Sexuality Educators，Counselors，and Therapists (AASECT). It is also important to find someone who you feel will connect with you as a couple，so that they can provide tailored advice. When talking to a sex therapist, it is essential to be open and honest about desires and challenges，while still being patient with your partner. 

In addition to speaking with professionals，there are general tips about physical touch that can benefit every couple. Showing physical affection even when not feeling particularly intimate or passionate can help reduce tensions in the relationship and improve communication between partners. 

Taking time out of busy schedules for each other increases empathy and understanding as well. Incorporating fantasy into role play or even conversations can lead to more exciting experiences without having overly explicit discussions that may make one or both parties uncomfortable.

Getting help from professionals or incorporating new activities into your routine can go a long way in reviving a stagnant marriage without sacrificing either person's wants or needs. With effort from both sides, even extreme cases like sexless marriages can enjoy improved connections，free from resentment or anger towards each other due to physical disconnection.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Marriage

Coming to terms with a sexless marriage can be an incredibly difficult situation to confront. Feeling like the relationship itself is at risk and that there is no way out can be a daunting obstacle for many couples. It is important to remember that it is possible to get through this and make the most of your marriage，even without physical intimacy. 

To do so, couples must listen to each other and respect both parties' needs and desires. If communication continues to fail，it can be invaluable to seek help from professionals such as a certified sex therapist, as this may help to rebuild the bridges on which the couple can revamp their intimate bond. 

With open communication, empathy，patience, understanding，and possibly some new activities to explore together，couples can move forward and restore the passion in their relationship, reigniting lost intimacy.

FAQ

What is a sexless marriage?

A sexless marriage is one in which a couple has not had sex for at least a year or more. It could be for a variety of reasons such as low libido，health issues, aging, taking care of responsibilities，and more. A lack of physical intimacy can adversely affect the relationship, making people feel isolated，frustrated, angry and resentful. 

The key to saving the marriage is good communication, which includes talking openly and honestly about physical intimacy. Without this, it is difficult for couples to reconnect. Talking about needs and wants with regard to sexual touch and physical intimacy is essential for people in a sexless marriage if they are to salvage their relationship.

What causes a sexless marriage?

A sexless marriage can be caused by a variety of things, with its impact being hard to ignore. Physical health issues such as certain cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, and bodily changes related to childbirth can affect a person's desire or ability to have sex. 

Similarly，mental health issues such as depression，anxiety，PTSD, and stress can disrupt a couple's sexual relationship. Additionally，if couples are not communicating their needs openly about physical intimacy, it can lead to a disconnection and feelings of loneliness or anger. 

Furthermore，having different libidos within a marriage can also be a factor in creating an unsupported sexual relationship between partners. Ultimately，it is important for couples to understand what has caused the lack of passion in their relationship，so they can start taking steps to fix it. 

A great way to reconnect and work through a sexless marriage is by exploring the emotional intimacy within the marriage before attempting any physical touch; that way，both parties will feel safe together again.

How can a couple reconnect intimacy in a sexless marriage?

Although a sexless marriage can be tough to navigate, couples can still reconnect emotionally and physically. Making time for each other and engaging in meaningful conversations is essential to build trust and understanding. Here are some tips to help strengthen the relationship: 

• Make time for yourselves and each other 
• Engage in meaningful conversations 
• Participate in activities together 
• Create new rituals for your relationship 
• Make an effort to connect sexually & emotionally.

Lightly touching each other throughout the day，going out for dinner, or taking short vacations are all ways to keep the connection alive，even when passion isn't present. Intimate rituals, such as a weekly date night，or discussing your hopes and fears, can also help keep things fresh. Additionally, it's important to make an effort to connect both sexually and emotionally with your partner every day，such as through massages，sharing fantasies, and talking about the world. 

By taking these steps，couples can foster greater intimacy in their relationship and have a more fulfilling relationship overall. Don't lose hope – with dedication and hard work, it is possible to rekindle that passion you once had!

When is it time to walk away from a sexless marriage?

Deciding when to walk away from a sexless marriage is not an easy decision. While there may be physical and emotional consequences，it does not always mean the end of the relationship. 

Seeking professional help to re-establish a healthy connection between partners may be necessary，as it is important to be open about communication and explore any underlying issues that are preventing intimacy. 

When attempting to reconnect，both partners should get on the same page in terms of expectations and understand they each have unique needs which must be separately addressed. If both parties are willing to put in effort but still feel unable to restore their original connection，seeking therapy with a certified sex therapist could be beneficial.

On the other hand，if one party is unwilling or unable to work on the relationship or even discuss it openly, it may be time to consider walking away. Talking with a third party professional can help both partners recognize when it is time to part ways. 

Ultimately，couples must make their own judgement about whether their marriage can continue without sex or if it is time for separation.

How can talking to a sex therapist help a couple in a sexless marriage?

Couples in a sexless marriage may benefit from talking to a professional sex therapist，which can provide a non-judgemental and emotionally safe environment to discuss their issues. An outside perspective can help identify the root cause of their lack of physical intimacy and suggest tailored exercises to meet the needs and desires of each partner. 

Couples can also learn how to build emotional intimacy in their relationship. The benefits of consulting a sex therapist are obvious, as it can provide objective information about sexual health and a judgment-free zone. 

However，it can be expensive and uncomfortable talking about intimate matters with a stranger. Despite this，it can help both parties better understand each other and take constructive steps to improve their relationship.