Can a Relationship Survive Without Sex?

Sex is often seen as a vital part of a romantic relationship. However, some couples find themselves in situations where they are unable to be sexually intimate for extended periods of time. This can put a strain on the relationship and may lead some to question whether it can survive without physical intimacy.

In exploring this topic, there are several key factors to consider:

Communication is Crucial

Open and honest communication is essential for any relationship, but even more so for couples navigating long stretches without sex. Partners should discuss their feelings, needs, challenges and solutions. Staying connected emotionally and working together as a team gives the relationship its best shot.

There Are Many Reasons Why Sex May Stop

There are diverse reasons why a couple may stop being sexually active for a time. Health issues, mental health struggles, low libido, side effects of medication, sexual dysfunction, post-childbirth recovery, trauma,infidelity, loss of attraction, career stress, family obligations and more may play a role. Understanding the underlying causes helps map the path forward.

Non-Sexual Intimacy Helps Keep the Bond

While sex may be on hold, couples can stay intimately connected through kissing, cuddling, massage, hand-holding, saying "I love you" and other affectionate gestures. Deep conversations, date nights, shared activities, laughter and emotional intimacy also help nurture closeness.

Seek Medical or Therapeutic Help When Needed

For some couples, lack of sex is related to treatable medical or psychological issues. Consulting a doctor, sex therapist or counselor provides professional support in addressing challenges and reigniting intimacy. Medical solutions, psychotherapy, couples counseling and sex therapy can make a big difference.

Prioritize the Relationship Over Sex

Focusing on the overall health and happiness of the relationship is more constructive than fixating on the lack of sex. Couples do best when they nurture friendship, communication, respect,understanding, fun, shared interests, compromise and emotional bonding as the foundation.

Be Patient and Keep an Open Mind

Ups and downs in sexual frequency are normal in long-term relationships. Having patience, staying positive and keeping an open mind helps weather ebbs in intimacy. Prioritizing the relationship and considering creative solutions can get couples through the challenges.

Explore Non-Penetrative and Creative Intimacy

Just because intercourse is off the table doesn't mean all sex and playfulness must stop. Couples can engage in "outercourse", massage, oral sex, mutual masturbation, role-play, fantasy sharing, sexy texting and other ways to be sensual and maintain connection.

Every Couple Has a Unique Situation

There's no "one size fits all" answer to how long a sexless period a relationship can survive. For some couples, a month without sex puts a strain on the bond while others can weather many months or years without intercourse if they have emotional and physical closeness. Each couple must gauge their unique needs and circumstances to determine what works.

It's Okay to Have Mixed Feelings

It's understandable for the partner with a higher libido to feel frustrated, sad or resentful when sex comes to a halt. But pressuring the other partner often backfires. Accepting mixed feelings - both understanding a partner's challenges around sex while also feeling a sense of loss - is realistic. It's about finding balance.

Take the Pressure Off Pivotal Sex

When sex has been on hold for a while, the stakes often feel high to make the sexual reunion perfect. This pressure can be counterproductive. Taking the pressure off and just enjoying being present together is far more likely to make the experience positive for both partners. Baby steps are OK.

Maintain Hope and Optimism

Even if resuming a fulfilling sex life seems distant or difficult, maintaining hope and optimism that things can improve helps couples persevere. Focusing on shared love, accepting imperfections and believing challenges are temporary can strengthen a relationship. With goodwill, creativity and willingness to seek help, many couples navigate back to physical intimacy.

The bottom line is that every relationship has its own contours. While good sex often goes hand-in-hand with strong bonds, it is certainly possible for couples to stay happy together during periods without intercourse if they nurture intimacy and connection in other ways. Adjusting expectations, communicating openly, getting help when needed, and focusing on all the things that made them fall in love in the first place can see couples through challenging times. Most importantly, maintaining affection, respect and appreciation for one's partner is the key to relationship survival, with or without sex.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexless Relationships

Many people have additional questions about sustaining relationships without sex. Here are some of the most common inquiries:

How long can a relationship last without sex?

There is no set amount of time. It depends on the couple, circumstances, level of intimacy and bonds outside the bedroom. For some couples, going a few weeks or months without sex starts to strain the relationship. Others can go many months or even years without intercourse if they stay emotionally and physically close in other ways.

Is no sex a deal breaker?

For many couples, a total lack of physical intimacy is ultimately unsustainable long term. But for others, sex is not a deal breaker. There are many marriages and committed partnerships that last with little or no sex, because the couple has other forms of connection and intimacy.

Does no sex mean no intimacy?

Absolutely not. While they often go hand-in-hand, it is possible to maintain intimacy without sex through affection, closeness, communication and shared experiences. Emotional intimacy is especially important. Couples can stay intimate through sensual touch, kissing, cuddling and many creative forms of erotic expression that stop short of intercourse.

Can lack of sex cause a divorce?

While not usually the sole cause, mismatched libidos and prolonged periods without sex can strain marriages and partnerships to the breaking point. However, many strong relationships endure extended sexless periods and get back on track with patience, understanding and communication. For some, however, the lack of intimacy severely damages the relationship beyond repair.

What if my partner never wants sex?

A partner who has completely stopped desiring sexual activity often has underlying medical, psychological or emotional issues impacting their libido and sense of intimacy. Honest discussions to understand what they're experiencing, patience and compassion are important. If there are no signs the situation may change, the other partner must reflect on whether a permanently sexless relationship is acceptable to them.

When is no sex normal?

It is fairly normal for long-term couples to experience periodic ebbs in sexual frequency, especially during times of major life stresses like caring for children, work pressures, health issues or loss of loved ones. Periods without sex are only problematic if the situation persists too long for one or both partners to feel content and connected in the relationship.

How do you stay close without sex?

Cuddling, kissing, hand-holding, massage, verbal affection, date nights, thoughtful gestures and many forms of sensual (but non-sexual) touch allow couples to preserve intimacy. Emotional closeness through conversation, fun experiences, trust, friendship and laughter are also essential.

What if it's been years without sex?

Years without intimacy is problematic for most romantic partnerships. At this point, couples must have deep conversations about their needs, feelings, boundaries and the future of the relationship. Seeking help from medical professionals or a sex therapist is wise. If both partners are content with a sexless friendship, it may endure. But for most, the lack of sex erodes the relationship over years.

How can I cope when sex stops?

Frustration, resentment and sadness are normal. Support groups and therapy provide coping outlets. Ultimately, it requires reflection about priorities, open communication about needs, and compromise. If the situation persists too long with no resolution in sight, one partner may need to make the difficult decision about whether or not to remain in the relationship as is, or exit.

How can we stay happy when sex stops?

It takes effort, but focusing on your friendship, quality time together, affection, caretaking, household harmony, communication, shared pursuits and laughter keeps couples content. Getting help addressing underlying issues around sex and health, avoiding blame, and being patient also helps. If both partners are getting their core emotional needs met outside the bedroom, many couples maintain happiness.

In summary, yes it is possible for strong relationships to hold together without intercourse, but it depends on the unique circumstances of the couple. With compassion, creativity, compromise and commitment to overall connection, relationships can absolutely survive periods without sex. But it does require active effort to stay intimately bonded in alternative ways.

What exactly constitutes a sexless relationship?

There is no definitive agreed upon timeframe, but generally experts define a sexless marriage or relationship as one in which the couple has sex 10 or fewer times per year. This severe lack of physical intimacy causes distress to one or both partners.

What are some common causes of a sexless relationship?

There are diverse potential causes:

• Physical health problems
• Mental health issues like depression or anxiety
• Side effects of medications
• Emotional disconnect between partners
• Resentment or anger
• Stress and fatigue
• Childbirth and postpartum recovery
• Sexual dysfunction or erectile issues
• Pain during intercourse
• Mismatched libidos
• Prioritizing work or children
• Infidelity
• Pornography and masturbation habits
• Poor body image or self-esteem
• History of sexual trauma
• Lack of attraction
• Poor communication and intimacy skills

How does the lack of sex affect a relationship?

For many couples, the absence of sex over time has a corrosive effect on intimacy and connection. Without physical intimacy, partners may start feeling more like roommates. Emotional detachment, loneliness, resentment and temptation to seek intimacy outside the relationship tend to grow over time. That said, some couples can endure sexless periods and remain content if they stay affectionate and close in other ways.