If you thought a sexless marriage was just an inconvenience, think again. The psychological and physical consequences for men can be truly eye-opening - and not in a good way. From wounded egos to intimacy issues, the fallout is real. But don’t worry, we’re here to shine a light on the shocking truths about what what a sexless marriage does to a man. Strap in, fellas, because this is going to get a little…kinky.

1. It Can Crush His Self-Esteem

A healthy sex life is a crucial part of most men’s self-worth and identity. When that’s taken away, it can feel like a personal failure - even if it’s not his fault. A sexless marriage can make a man question his desirability, his performance, and his very manhood. The resulting blow to his confidence can seep into other areas of his life, making him feel inadequate as a partner, a provider, and even a person.

2. It May Lead to Intimacy Issues

Without the physical intimacy of sex, a man in a sexless marriage can start to feel disconnected from his partner on an emotional level too. The lack of closeness and vulnerability can make it harder for him to open up and be vulnerable in other ways. This can create a vicious cycle, where the intimacy issues fuel the sexlessness, and vice versa. Suddenly, even non-sexual physical contact like cuddling or hand-holding may become uncomfortable or awkward.

Trouble Getting Close

For some men, the drought of physical affection in a sexless marriage can make them wary of any kind of closeness, even non-sexual intimacy. They may subconsciously pull away from their partner, worried that it will only lead to more rejection or disappointment.

Difficulty Being Vulnerable

Men in sexless marriages can also struggle to be emotionally vulnerable with their partners. Without that physical connection, they may feel exposed and unsafe opening up on a deeper level. This can create distance and resentment in the relationship.

3. It Can Damage His Mental Health

The psychological toll of a sexless marriage should not be underestimated. Men in these situations are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. The combination of rejection, low self-esteem, and feeling disconnected from their partner can be utterly devastating. And for some men, the shame and embarrassment of the situation makes them reluctant to seek help.

Increased Stress and Anxiety

The constant worry and insecurity of a sexless marriage can wreak havoc on a man’s mental well-being. He may find himself consumed by anxious thoughts, stressed about pleasing his partner or “measuring up.” This can lead to a vicious cycle of stress and anxiety that’s tough to break.

Risk of Depression

In extreme cases, the emotional pain of a sexless marriage can trigger clinical depression in men. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and a lack of joy or motivation are all-too-common. And the depression can make the sexual issues even worse, creating a downward spiral.

4. It May Spark Feelings of Resentment

Unsurprisingly, the lack of physical intimacy in a sexless marriage can breed resentment in men. They may feel angry at their partner for withholding sex, or bitter about the unfulfilled needs and desires. This resentment can poison the entire relationship, leading to constant arguments, passive-aggressive behavior, or a total emotional shutdown.

Bitterness Towards Their Partner

When a man feels rejected and deprived of sexual intimacy, he may start to resent his partner - even if the lack of sex isn’t their fault. This bitterness can make it hard for him to be affectionate, understanding, or emotionally available.

Resentment Towards the Relationship

In some cases, the resentment a man feels in a sexless marriage can extend beyond just his partner. He may start to resent the relationship itself, feeling trapped and unfulfilled. This can make him withdraw emotionally, or even contemplate leaving the marriage altogether.

5. It Can Drive Him to Infidelity

For some men in sexless marriages, the lack of physical intimacy becomes too much to bear. In a desperate attempt to fulfil their sexual needs, they may turn to infidelity. The temptation to seek out sexual satisfaction elsewhere can be incredibly strong, even for men who never thought they’d cheat. And the guilt and shame of the affair can further complicate an already fraught situation.

The Temptation of Extramarital Affairs

When a man’s sexual needs are consistently unmet in his marriage, the allure of an affair can become irresistible. He may rationalize it as a “necessary evil” to get his needs met, or convince himself that his partner “doesn’t mind.” Of course, the reality is often much more complicated and painful.

The Guilt and Shame of Cheating

Even for men who do stray, the aftermath of an affair can be incredibly damaging. The guilt and shame they feel can further erode their self-esteem and mental health, creating an even bigger rift in the relationship. Some may even try to overcompensate by becoming hyper-attentive partners, but the trust is often irreparably broken.

6. It May Lead to Increased Porn Consumption

When a man’s sex life with his partner dries up, he may turn to porn as a way to fulfil his sexual urges. Excessive porn consumption can become a harmful coping mechanism, providing temporary relief but ultimately distancing him further from his partner. It can also skew his expectations of sex and intimacy, making real-life interactions even more difficult.

Porn as a Substitute for Intimacy

For men in sexless marriages, porn can become a poor substitute for the physical and emotional connection they crave. The instant gratification of online adult content may provide a momentary fix, but it doesn’t address the underlying issues in the relationship.

Unrealistic Expectations from Porn

Frequent porn use can also give men unrealistic expectations about sex, body types, and sexual performance. When they try to apply those porn-induced standards to their real-life partner, it can lead to disappointment, frustration, and even sexual dysfunction.

7. It Can Negatively Impact His Physical Health

The physical and mental toll of a sexless marriage can have tangible effects on a man’s overall health. From increased risk of heart disease to lower immunity, the lack of intimacy can wreak havoc on his body. And the unhealthy coping mechanisms he may turn to, like overeating or substance abuse, can compound the problem.

Increased Risk of Health Issues

Studies have shown that men in sexless marriages are more prone to a host of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer. The stress and lack of physical activity associated with a sexless relationship can weaken the immune system and make them more susceptible to illness.

Potential Weight Gain and Lethargy

When a man’s self-esteem and mental health suffer in a sexless marriage, he may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or substance abuse. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and a general sense of physical malaise that only compounds the issues in the relationship.

8. It May Harm His Relationships with Others

The negative impact of a sexless marriage can extend beyond just the man and his partner. His strained mental health, low self-esteem, and inability to be vulnerable may spill over into his other relationships, making him withdrawn, irritable, or emotionally distant. Friends and family members may not understand what he’s going through, further isolating him.

Damaged Friendships and Family Ties

A man in a sexless marriage may find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships with friends and family. His preoccupation with the problems in his marriage, as well as his tendency to withdraw emotionally, can strain those important connections and leave him feeling even more alone.

Difficulty Making New Connections

For some men, the shame and insecurity of a sexless marriage can make it hard for them to form new relationships, romantic or otherwise. They may subconsciously sabotage their chances of making new connections, fearing further rejection or intimacy issues.

9. It Can Lead to Sexual Dysfunction

The psychological toll of a sexless marriage can have very real, physical consequences for a man’s sexual function. Issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and even a complete loss of libido are common. And the more he struggles with these problems, the more his self-esteem and confidence in the bedroom can plummet.

Erectile Dysfunction

The stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy that come with a sexless marriage can cause or exacerbate erectile dysfunction in men. This only compounds the problem, as the inability to perform sexually can further damage his self-worth and emotional connection with his partner.

Loss of Libido

For some men in sexless marriages, the lack of intimacy can completely extinguish their sex drive. With no desire for physical closeness, the thought of initiating sex becomes a source of dread rather than excitement. This can create a vicious cycle, where the lack of sex leads to a diminished libido, which in turn perpetuates the sexlessness.

10. It May Jeopardize the Entire Relationship

Ultimately, the multitude of issues that can arise from a sexless marriage may put the entire relationship at risk. The combination of wounded egos, intimacy problems, resentment, and potential infidelity can create a powder keg of tension and conflict. And if the underlying issues aren’t addressed, the marriage may be doomed to fail.

The Risk of Divorce or Separation

When a sexless marriage becomes too much for a man to bear, he may start to seriously consider leaving the relationship. The desire for intimacy, both physical and emotional, can become a deal-breaker, leading to divorce or separation. And the hurt, anger, and trust issues that have built up over time can make it incredibly difficult to salvage the relationship.

The Importance of Addressing the Problem

To avoid such a tragic outcome, it’s crucial for men in sexless marriages to address the problem head-on, whether through open communication with their partner, seeking professional help, or even considering separation as a last resort. The long-term consequences of ignoring the issue can be truly devastating, both for the individual and the relationship as a whole.