Sexless marriage, can I save it?

SadSack
Community Member

Hi all,

I'm new to forums, so please be patient if I mess up the etiquette or formatting etc.

I find myself in a situation within my marriage  that I could never have imagined even 5yrs ago. We have been married for 34 yrs (myself M 65yo, her 61 yo)& we had always enjoyed an intimate & sexually satisfying relationship.

Around 5yrs ago everything came to a dead stop, no intimacy & no sex despite frequent attempts on my part & constant rejections. I was aware that menopause symptoms had been fairly noticeable so I tried to be patient & supportive hoping things would return to some sort of normal & switched focus to seeking intimacy rather than physical sex, but I found that even an embrace or touch of any kind (not sexual) caused her to recoil rather than reciprocate. We last had physical sex 3 yrs ago when I reminded her it had been 2 yrs since our previous tryst. She laughed at me at the time & I was genuinely hurt by that. Several weeks later she seduced me totally unexpectedly, but it was obvious to both of us it was done as a guilt trip more than anything.

Now a further 3 yrs down the track I find myself becoming bitter & angry at her dismissive attitude. Around 9 months ago she had a coughing fit that unfortunately resulted in a prolapsed bladder which she is waiting to have surgery on (hopefully soon). I suggested maybe we could engage in some mutual non-penetrative activity but she blankly refused. This medical condition has now become the excuse she needs to justify her position, even though the rot had set in 5 yrs earlier.

I'm sorry for the long winded post but I'm at my wits end. I'm even considering visiting a sex worker or finding a casual hookup, but I know this is only postponing the problem & I still love my wife despite all this & don't want a divorce although that is starting to look like the only final resolution.

Hoping someone on here might have some similar experience & clear headed advice as my head is all over the place right now. 

Thanks for listening.

Sad:-(

10 Replies 10

Dear slightly less Sad Sack,

 

well, there's some progress? 

But there does seem to be a need for counselling, as you are still not happy.

My ex wouldn't go to counselling and then I knew nothing was ever going to get any better so left and I was no longer in love with him. I did a lot of therapy and brought a vibrator and then found happiness!  

Financially, it's been tough.

 

I hope you get this sorted.

 

Cheers,

Red Gum.