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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH & sex…

137 replies

BetterWithPockets · 01/10/2023 16:14

So, I’m menopausal and my sex drive has hit rock bottom. I’m JUST NOT INTERESTED. DH is still keen and unless we have sex twice a week, he gets grumpy. To be fair to him, he’s brilliant in so many other ways. And the way he looks at it is that he does a lot for me/us/the family (which he does) and this — sex — is one of the ways in which I can reciprocate. And I get that. I really do. And I do try. But sometimes I’m tired or the timings just don’t work or — well, a thousand different things. I guess the issue is that he wants it; I don’t. I do try but I hate feeling under pressure. Similarly he tries to mask his disappointment/annoyance if it doesn’t happen. (He’s not very good at masking it tbh, but I do think he tries.) I just don’t know what the answer is. I’ve even considered suggesting an open marriage but I think I’d find that too difficult to navigate if it really came to it. The thing is it’s only twice a week — how difficult can that be? (That’s certainly how he regards it.) But I HATE feeling compelled to do something I really don’t want to do and honestly think I’d be more amenable if if I didn’t feel under pressure. He, on the other hand, doesn’t feel loved/valued etc if he’s not getting it. And neither of us want this to be the thing that ends our marriage — we both love each other — but neither of us know where to go from here. I’ve just realised this isn’t really AIBU, so apologies. It’s more DYHAA (do you have any advice)…?

OP posts:
Pumpkinpie1 · 01/10/2023 16:25

Please think about going back to your doctor to revisit your HRT medication. It can take time but it definitely helps

Pigeonqueen · 01/10/2023 16:24

jeaux90 · 01/10/2023 16:21

Testosterone as part of HRT massively helps but this doesn't seem to be the issue.

I don't think the transactional view of this is healthy at all.

In some ways though I think long term relationships are transactional. Not just sex but everything. It’s all compromise and doing things you perhaps wouldn’t choose to do to make things comfortable to live together. You’ll probably get a load of replies telling you that I’m wrong for saying that and surely your dh knows you don’t fancy it blah blah but I don’t think they do, not if you’re good at feigning interest. And to be fair when I get into it I don’t mind it, I just wouldn’t really be bothered if we just had a cup of tea instead!

WhateverMate · 01/10/2023 16:24

And the way he looks at it is that he does a lot for me/us/the family (which he does) and this — sex — is one of the ways in which I can reciprocate. And I get that. I really do.

WTF have I just read?! 🙈🙈

Is it not his duty as a husband and father to do a lot for his wife and family?

Christ.

BetterWithPockets · 01/10/2023 16:21

I’m on HRT. Hasn’t helped, sadly.

OP posts:
jeaux90 · 01/10/2023 16:21

Testosterone as part of HRT massively helps but this doesn't seem to be the issue.

I don't think the transactional view of this is healthy at all.

BetterWithPockets · 01/10/2023 16:20

No, although I have been about HRT, which I thought would help, and it hasn’t.

OP posts:
Pigeonqueen · 01/10/2023 16:19

No idea because we’re in exactly the same boat. I’m on HRT too and done all the usual checks etc. I do think for a lot of women we just completely lose interest. It’s difficult.

CurlewKate · 01/10/2023 16:18

Sex should NEVER be a transaction!!!!

AlwaysFreezing · 01/10/2023 16:18

Hang on. So it's a list of chores and sex is on that list. He does the dishes and you do the blow jobs?

Nanny0gg · 01/10/2023 16:16

How does he enjoy it when you're clearly not interested?

Would you be more interested if it were less frequent?

DustyLee123 · 01/10/2023 16:16

Does he know that it’s not a turn on to be expected to perform twice a week ?
You can try HRT, and testosterone is said to help

00100001 · 01/10/2023 16:15

Have you been to the doctor's about your libodo?

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