In a world where emotional connection and intimacy are vital to marriage, few things can cause more pain and disconnection than a sexless relationship. For many couples, intimacy may quietly fade away due to stress, parenting, unresolved conflict, or physical and emotional distance. While both partners are affected when sex becomes infrequent or disappears altogether, men often experience profound impacts that are rarely talked about.
We believe that open, honest conversations about intimacy are essential for thriving marriages. Sex isn’t just a physical act, it’s a deeply emotional experience that bonds couples and fosters a sense of love, trust, and acceptance. When that element goes missing, it can lead to serious emotional, psychological, and relational consequences—especially for men.
In this article, we explore 10 powerful ways a sexless marriage negatively impacts a man, using real research, including insights from the Gottman Institute, one of the leading relationship research organizations in the world.
1. Loss of Emotional Connection
Sex is often one of the primary ways men express and receive love. Without it, many men feel emotionally disconnected from their spouse. According to Dr. John Gottman, emotional intimacy is directly linked to physical intimacy in men, meaning that when sex disappears, so does the feeling of closeness and emotional safety. This lack of connection can lead to resentment and a deep sense of isolation.
2. Decreased Self-Worth and Confidence
Men often tie their sense of value and self-esteem to how desired they feel by their spouse. In a sexless marriage, the absence of physical affection can lead a man to internalize rejection, interpreting it as “I’m not attractive,” or “I’m not good enough.” This impacts everything from his self-image to his performance at work and interactions with others.
3. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Intimacy is a natural stress reliever. When it’s missing, stress levels can spike. The Gottman Institute emphasizes the importance of emotional and physical touch in reducing cortisol and promoting overall mental health. A lack of sexual intimacy removes one of the body’s key tools for managing emotional overload, often resulting in tension, irritability, or anxiety in men.
4. Heightened Risk of Infidelity
While never justified, sexless marriages can create vulnerability to temptation. Men who feel consistently rejected or emotionally neglected may seek validation elsewhere. According to data from the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 22% of married men have admitted to cheating, with many citing lack of intimacy as a contributing factor. The Gottmans note that marital satisfaction is strongly correlated with sexual fulfillment, making this issue critical to address.
5. Communication Breakdown
When sexual intimacy fades, couples often stop talking about it—leading to even deeper emotional silos. Many men feel embarrassed or ashamed to bring it up, fearing conflict or more rejection. The result? A silent wedge between partners. Dr. Gottman’s research shows that avoiding difficult conversations is one of the strongest predictors of divorce. Left unchecked, poor communication around intimacy can unravel the entire relationship.
6. Erosion of Masculine Identity
Cultural expectations often equate masculinity with sexual capability and desirability. In a sexless marriage, men may question their identity or feel emasculated. This internal struggle can lead to depression, aggression, or withdrawal from their spouse and family.
7. Sleep Disruption and Physical Health Decline
Sex releases endorphins and oxytocin, both of which promote better sleep and relaxation. Men in sexless marriages often report trouble sleeping, which can lead to weakened immune function, increased blood pressure, and weight gain. Studies from the National Institutes of Health also show a clear link between physical intimacy and improved cardiovascular health in men.
8. Decreased Motivation and Drive
Men who feel emotionally or physically disconnected at home may experience a decline in ambition or motivation. Whether it’s in their career, fitness goals, or personal growth, the feeling of being “alone” in their marriage can drain energy and lead to apathy.
9. Increased Risk of Depression
Sexual rejection over time can lead to emotional numbness or depressive symptoms. According to the Gottman Institute, men are more likely to experience depression silently, with signs showing up as withdrawal, anger, or risky behavior. In a sexless marriage, this emotional pain is compounded by the sense that their needs and feelings are not valued or heard.
10. Overall Marital Dissatisfaction
The absence of sexual intimacy is a leading predictor of divorce. Drs. John and Julie Gottman have found that happy couples have sex approximately once a week, and that frequency is more about emotional closeness than performance. When that disappears, so does one of the key emotional connectors that keeps the marriage alive.
So, What Can Couples Do?
If you’re in a sexless marriage, it doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. But it does require action. Start by having honest, compassionate conversations. Avoid blame, focus on emotional needs, and explore what’s at the root of the disconnect.
Here are a few steps couples can take:
- Schedule time to talk about your intimacy without distractions.
- Seek help from a therapist trained in emotionally focused therapy or sex therapy.
- Use tools like the UandI App to reignite conversation, emotional connection, and physical closeness.
- Focus on non-sexual touch (hugs, hand-holding, cuddling) to rebuild comfort and trust.
Final Thoughts
Sexual intimacy is not just about the act—it’s about feeling wanted, valued, and emotionally safe. For many men, going without that for extended periods can deeply damage their sense of self, connection, and purpose within the marriage.
We know that every couple has the potential to build a thriving, fulfilling, and intimate relationship—no matter how disconnected things may feel today. With love, communication, and intentional effort, you can reignite the flame and bring joy back into your marriage.
You’re not alone, and your marriage is worth fighting for.
UandI App
Check out the amazing UandI App to transform your relationship!
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s included:
- Daily Challenges – Emotional and intimate challenges to keep your connection strong.
- Date Night Challenges and Adventures – Ideas and tips for unforgettable date nights.
- Quizzes – Fun ways to learn more about each other.
- Live Polls – Engage in real-time with your spouse.
- Ask an Expert – Get relationship advice from professionals.
- Interactive Games – Including “How Well Do You Know Your Spouse?” and non-graphic sex position games.
- Intimate Conversations – Foster deep, meaningful conversations.
- Secure Chat Feature – A private space for just the two of you.
- Harmony Home – Organize and sync your household chores and schedules.
FREE to Download and Get Started!
We believe this app can be a game-changer for your marriage, helping you build stronger emotional intimacy, stay organized, and even add some extra spice to your relationship. It’s totally free to download, so there’s no reason not to give it a try today!
For more information, visit uandiapp.com and get started on the journey to a more connected, exciting marriage.
We can’t wait to hear how the U&I app helps you and your spouse create the marriage you’ve always dreamed of. Here’s to stronger bonds, more fun, and lots of love!
AMAZING Products To Transform Your Intimacy
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