You’d think that in a world where sex is all around us, no one would be left high and dry in the bedroom department. But the reality is, sexless marriages are more common than you might think. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 20% of all marriages are considered sexless. That’s a whole lot of people who are missing out on the physical and emotional intimacy that sex can bring to a relationship.

The Surprising Statistics on Sexless Marriages

Defining a Sexless Marriage

A sexless marriage is typically defined as a marriage where the couple has sex less than 10 times per year. But don’t worry, there’s a spectrum - some couples may only do the deed a handful of times, while others can go years without any action at all. It’s a sensitive topic, but one that’s important to discuss.

The Prevalence of Sexless Marriages

It may surprise you to learn that sexless marriages are actually more common than you’d think. In the US alone, it’s estimated that around 15-20% of married couples are in a sexless marriage. That’s millions of people who are struggling with a lack of intimacy in their relationship.

The Impact on Marriages

When the physical spark fades in a marriage, it can have a devastating impact on the overall relationship. Couples in sexless marriages often report feeling disconnected, resentful, and even depressed. It’s a vicious cycle that can be hard to break out of.

Top Reasons Why Marriages Become Sexless

Underlying Medical Issues

Sometimes, the reason behind a sexless marriage can be traced back to a physical or medical problem. Things like hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, or even certain medications can all contribute to a decreased sex drive.

Emotional and Psychological Factors

But it’s not just physical issues that can lead to a sexless marriage. Emotional and psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and past trauma can also play a major role in dampening a couple’s sex life.

Changing Priorities and Life Stages

As couples move through different stages of life, their priorities can shift. Things like the demands of work, the arrival of children, or the onset of menopause can all take a toll on a couple’s sex life.

Strategies for Reigniting the Spark

Communication is Key

The first step in addressing a sexless marriage is to open up the lines of communication with your partner. It’s a sensitive topic, but having honest and non-judgmental conversations can be the key to getting your sex life back on track.

Seeking Professional Help

For some couples, the issues underlying a sexless marriage may be too deep-seated to tackle on their own. In these cases, seeking the guidance of a sex therapist or couples counselor can be incredibly helpful.

Incorporating Intimacy-Building Activities

Physical intimacy isn’t just about sex. Couples in sexless marriages can also work on building emotional and physical closeness through activities like cuddling, massage, and date nights.

The Surprising Upsides of a Sexless Marriage

Focusing on Other Aspects of the Relationship

While a lack of sex can certainly put a strain on a marriage, it can also provide an opportunity to focus on other important aspects of the relationship, like communication, emotional intimacy, and shared interests.

Redefining What “Intimacy” Means

For some couples, a sexless marriage may simply mean that they have to get creative and redefine what intimacy means to them. It’s not always about the physical act, but the deeper connection.

Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity of Sexless Marriages

At the end of the day, sexless marriages are a complex and nuanced issue. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the path to reigniting the spark can look different for every couple. But by approaching the issue with empathy, communication, and a willingness to work together, it’s possible for couples to overcome the challenges and find a way to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 5 FAQs related to the topic of “how many sexless marriages”:

What is a sexless marriage?

A sexless marriage is typically defined as a marriage where there is little or no sexual activity between the partners. This can mean having sex less than 10 times per year, though the exact definition may vary. Sexless marriages can occur for a variety of reasons, including low libido, medical issues, emotional disconnection, or differences in sexual desires between partners.

How common are sexless marriages?

Studies suggest that around 15-20% of married couples have not had sex with their partner in the past year. The incidence of sexless marriages tends to increase with the length of the marriage, with around 4% of married couples between the ages of 18-49 reporting to be in a sexless marriage, compared to 20% of those married for 10 years or more.

What are the causes of sexless marriages?

The causes of sexless marriages can be complex and multifactorial. Some common contributing factors include:

• Differences in sexual drives or desires between partners
• Relationship issues such as poor communication, trust, or emotional intimacy
• Mental health problems like depression or anxiety
• Physical health problems that impact sexual function
• Stress, fatigue, or life transitions that reduce sexual activity
• Resentment, anger, or lack of affection between partners

How can couples address a sexless marriage?

Couples in a sexless marriage can try various strategies to improve their sexual intimacy, such as:

• Communicating openly and honestly about the issue
• Seeking couples or sex therapy to address underlying relationship problems
• Making time for intimacy and romance, even if sex is not the initial goal
• Addressing any physical or emotional barriers to sexual activity
• Experimenting with new activities or techniques to reignite sexual interest
• Focusing on non-sexual forms of physical intimacy and affection

What are the potential consequences of a long-term sexless marriage?

A prolonged sexless marriage can have significant consequences for the partners and the overall health of the relationship. Some potential consequences include:

• Feelings of rejection, resentment, and emotional distance between partners
• Decreased relationship satisfaction and an increased risk of infidelity or divorce
• Negative impacts on self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being
• Difficulties in maintaining physical and emotional intimacy
• Challenges in conceiving children or maintaining a healthy sexual life