MentalHealth.com
Answers

What should I do if I’ve lost interest in sex?

Published
Updated
Reviewed

Summary

Two empty chairs and a picnic basket beside a lake.

A person married for five years lost interest in sex about a year earlier, and medication has not helped. Their husband is understanding, but they worry about how long that patience will last.

The response acknowledges limited clinical knowledge of the cause and encourages reducing pressure around the change in desire.

It suggests seeing a therapist together to explore the difficulty and finding other mutually comfortable ways to express affection.

Shared time away from everyday demands is offered as one possible way to support closeness, without guaranteeing renewed interest.

Question

Reader · Identity withheld

My husband and I have been married for 5 yrs. We had a good sex life until about a year ago, when I just all of a sudden lost interest.

My doctor put me on some medication but so far it hasn't helped me.

My husband is being very understanding but for how long?

Answer

Ann Landers

I happen to feel that if you and your husband truly love each other and your intimacy spans more than just sexual intercourse, you should both be able to get through this lull in your sex drive. Clinically, I am not well-versed in the reasons for your loss of interest, however, I can suggest that you not stress yourself out about it. The concern you are placing on your situation could actually be a cause for your behavior.

You might also discuss seeking professional help through a therapist that you and your husband would agree upon seeing. He or she may be able suggest new approaches to love-making or help you explore the reasons for your loss of interest. In the meantime, try to be sensitive to your husbands needs.

If you are completely disinterested in sexual intercourse, there are other ways to express your love. Think about giving your husband a relaxing massage, or plan a romantic getaway or an evening out on the town to possibly spark some interest. Quite possibly, you may need a break from the rigors, stresses, and time constraints of everyday life. Let yourself relax and let things happen as they come.

Hope this helps,
– Anne

Subject matter expert

Ondina Nandine Hatvany

Relationships and sexual identity

View experience
Author

Ann Landers

Ann Landers was the leading advice columnist for 47 years, with her widely syndicated columns reaching 90 million readers worldwide.

View experience
Medical reviewer

Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.

Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…

View experience

Related communities

Sexual Health

A respectful space to explore sexuality, intimacy, identity, and their connection to well-being.

Explore community