There are a number of factors that contribute to sexual satisfaction in marriage. “Doing it right” is just one of them. A good sexual relationship has a lot to do with how the two of you are doing outside the bedroom. If you’re having sexual difficulties, you probably need to work on your relationship in other areas as well.
Another factor may be the “gender gap.” A man’s physical response is often “hot linked” with visual stimulation, and his body can be ready for intercourse far more quickly than his wife’s. By contrast, a woman’s sexual response usually takes more time and is tied to feelings of romance and emotional intimacy. In fact, a woman’s arousal cycle can take as long as thirty to forty-five minutes to reach completion. If a couple’s entire sex act only lasts ten or fifteen minutes, she won’t even have a chance to get going. This is a common reason why some women come away from sex feeling “used” or “cheapened.”
There are, of course, many other reasons why a spouse may develop a negative reaction to their partner’s sexual advances. A history of sexual trauma, abuse, addiction, abortion, and disease, as well as menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for infants and children, can have profound effects on our sexuality. Some women avoid sex because they fear becoming pregnant (again). In every case, the important thing is for the two of you to sit down and talk about what each of you are feeling and what each of you wants. Take time to listen and understand one another. Here, as in every other area of marriage, good communication is the key to a healthy and mutually fulfilling relationship.
Establishing a solid sexual relationship in your marriage should be a goal the two of you share. To attain that goal, your sexual experiences need to be satisfying for both of you. Here are a few keys to finding that satisfaction:
Take care of your body.
During your dating days you probably presented your best self to each other – showered, shaved, powdered, and perfumed. Married couples often get lazy about these things. Remember that regular exercise, good nutrition, and good hygiene are just as important now as they were when you were single.
Be upfront.
Take responsibility for your sex life. Tell your spouse what feels good to you and what you need. Don’t assume that they will “just know.”
Plan ahead.
Make your sexual relationship a priority. Take time to make it happen. Scheduling sex may seem contrived and unnatural, but it may become a necessity as your lives get busier. You may also find that it leads to better sexual experiences, thereby improving the quality of your marriage.
Give yourselves a break.
Your sexual times together need to be free of the demand for having an orgasm, and from any anxiety associated with that. Replace those stressors with closeness, warmth, pleasure, and fun.
Deal with scars and habits.
Real intimacy can be difficult to achieve if you’re carrying around the baggage of sexual abuse, premarital sexual relations, or pornography use. If one of these is an issue for either of you, it’s an issue for both.
Keep in mind that the sexual aspect of your marriage is important. It’s not something that you can afford to let go by the wayside – not if you want to build a relationship that will last a lifetime. If you’re having problems, talk them out and start looking for solutions. You owe it to each other – as the Bible says, “The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (I Corinthians 7:3-5). Guilt feelings and “shoulds” are by no means the best motivation for meeting your mate’s needs in the bedroom, but you may need to begin there and work on bettering your attitude.
If you’re having difficulty in this area of your marriage, don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling. Call us. Our staff would be happy to provide you with referrals to qualified marriage and family therapists in your area who specialize in sexual issues.
Resources
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No More Headaches: Enjoying Sex and Intimacy in Marriage
Red-Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle
Intimate Issues: Twenty-One Questions Christian Women Ask about Sex
Referrals
Marriage Alive
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Sex and Intimacy
