In long-term relationships, it is extremely common for sexuality to lose its quality or frequency. Sex may no longer occupy as much space in your relationship as it used to, or it may have gone from being enjoyable to a monotonous or compulsive activity. Here are the facts about sex in long-term relationships:
Sexual Satisfaction Increases Relationship Stability and Welfare
Sex often improves relationships, but its importance in the relationship depends on the individual couple.
However, research shows that there is a strong link between a good sex life and a happy relationship. Other research reveals that sexual satisfaction can even offset the negative effects of communication problems in the relationship. According to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, having less sex than you want can make your relationship less stable, making it more likely to break up.
In addition to all this, how often sex is satisfying depends entirely on the individual. Some people aren’t that interested in sex and don’t particularly need it to have a happy relationship. The important thing is that you and your partner can talk about what you want out of your sex life, accept any inconsistencies, and find ways to make sure both parties’ needs are met.
Why Does Sex Decrease in Long-Term Relationships?
Sex gradually decreases in long-term relationships. There is a lot of sexual energy in the relationship at first because it is new and you are discovering physical intimacy with that person for the first time. The novelty and influx of feel-good and bonding chemicals that we experience when we’re in love explains why sex happens so much early in a relationship. As the influx of these chemicals wears off, couples often become accustomed to a lower, more regular flow of desire.
Sometimes It’s Normal For Our Partner Not To Want Sex
People’s interest in sex comes and goes depending on a variety of factors. These factors are stress level, lack of sleep, hormonal fluctuations, side effects of anti-depressants or certain other drugs, mental health problems, our thoughts about our body (body image) and relationship problems.
Life changes as the relationship continues, a new baby may come to the family, a partner may be starting a new job or going through a stressful period.
It’s also normal to sometimes not want to have sex in a relationship. Don’t judge yourself or your partner for this.
Low sexual desire is sometimes a sign of further problems in the relationship.
Studies have found a bidirectional relationship between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction; this means that if you are not satisfied with your partner, you will probably not be very satisfied with your sex life either. If one or both partners are not interested in sex, there may be talk of a relationship issue that is undercover and needs to be addressed. To understand what’s going on, you need to open up and talk about how you both feel about the state of your relationship. Focus on a good relationship, and good sex often follows.
Men can also suffer from low libido
The assumption that all men always want sex is a cultural stereotype. Many men experience a decrease in their sex drive from time to time.
Sometimes You Have To Start
People experience desire differently. While many may desire sex without any physical arousal, for others, sexual desire only occurs after physical arousal begins. This is known as responsive desire. Sensitive people only want to have sex when they are physically aroused.
In short, just because you don’t feel cravings throughout the day doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy sex.
But of course, no one has to have sex when they don’t want to, even in long-term relationships. Doing it when you don’t want to can break your bond with your partner and make you feel angry towards him. This can cause bigger problems in the future.
Sex Gets Better as the Relationship Develops
A long-term relationship doesn’t have to mean diminished desire and sex. Many couples who have been together for years enjoy a satisfying sex life. In fact, the more couples get to know each other, the better their sex life will be. They feel more comfortable exploring new experiences together.
