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There is often a complex interplay between relationship factors and sexual response. Problems may occur because of individual factors or difficulties in the relationship. Many people recognize their right to feel good about their sexuality and to be valued as sexual beings, and they expect sexual fulfilment in their relationship. Sex does not reflect the total of any marriage or relationship, but few marriages or committed relationships can exist as effective, complete, ongoing entities without a comfortable component of their sexual interactions. It is the tone of the relationship rather than the quality or frequency of sex acts that determines how most couples perceive the quality of their sexual relationship. Three quarters of all couples who complain of sexual dysfunction also have marital disharmony,and vice versa [1]. 

When the sexual aspect of a marriage is functioning well it constitutes only 10% of the relationship situation, but when it is faulty, it may constitute 90% of the relationship, and can cause distress, anger, feelings of rejection, and tremendous unhappiness, and this has been shown to be so, as  50% of divorces are based on sexual problems [2].

Poor sexual response may be a symptom of a deteriorating relationship when affection is replaced by hostility, or lack of respect and trust. On the other hand, a loving relationship can lose its lustre due to the stress of persistent sexual dysfunction.

Couples who have a sexual or relationship problem and are committed to one another, can usually be helped to resolve their difficulties and enjoy their sexuality to their maximum potential if they seek help from a professional therapist – psychologist, social worker, marital or sex therapist.

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