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Summary
How Relationship Problems Can Cause Sexual Dysfunction
How Sexual Problems Can Impact a Relationship
Reasons For Having Sex
References
RELATIONSHIPS AND
SEXUAL PROBLEMS
RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS
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How relationship problems can cause sexual dysfunction:
Discord within relationships is the most frequent cause of sexual dysfunction, and resentment underlies reluctance for sexual contact in many cases. Disturbed relationships were found to be present in the majority of couples who presented at a sexual dysfunction clinic in UK [1]. For success, a relationship requires intellectual, emotional and sexual harmony, and mutuality of interests, and depends on both partners working positively to strengthen their bonds, and all this requires many adjustments. These include arrangements about accommodation, work, sharing tasks, learning to live with both families and mutual friends. It involves becoming a single unit, yet learning to give each other space. It is important that trivial and major decision-making be shared (from choosing furniture, to when or whether to have children etc.) by learning to be aware of how the other feels.
Difficulties commonly arise from failure of communication and mixed messages (saying one thing and meaning another). It is really important to express what you feel, openly and honestly and give your partner clear messages of what you feel and need, like and dislike, and be open to your partner’s needs in the same way.
Self-esteem and mutual respect are fundamental to a successful relationship, and together with affection and mutual desire for intimacy are the basis for satisfying sexual function.
Affection, trust and feeling safe are essential ingredients for an intimate relationship [2].
The relationship must have priority if it is to survive, and this means doing fewer of less urgent things and making time to talk, listen, have fun together and make love without distractions.
There is a whole spectrum of emotions to be expressed, and you should not be doubtful or feel anxious about the quality of your relationship if your lovemaking is not always passionate, as that does not mean that there is a dysfunction, because feelings and responses will fluctuate depending on many factors that can affect sexual function [ see section on “Factors that Affect Sexual Function].
