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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Low sex drive

32 replies

stepmummamumma · 28/08/2018 19:38

So I am currently lying on my bed having a cry because my husband has made me feel like shit but AIBU?

I am about 4 months pregnant with my first child. I have suffered regularly from UTIs since I was about 18 (I am now in my mid-30's). I have struggled this pregnancy because things down below haven't felt exactly 'right'. It doesn't hurt when I pee but I don't feel 100% down there after I pee. I am peeing more frequently but I think this is normal? Some days I feel fine and others less so (more urination and more weirdness in my urinary tract). I have seen the doctor and my urine test was normal. They are going to check again at my next visit in a few weeks but the doc says that if I wasn't pregnant she would give me antibiotics but as I am she doesn't want to without a definite diagnosis.

As a result of all this I am nervous about sex. I know that after sex it sometimes feels worse etc. I thought that my husband understood but he has just had a conversation with me about how I don't really fancy him anymore and how I don't take care of him like I used to. I have offered to do other things for him (use your imagination), he just has to let me know when he's in the mood but he says that I should be the one to come to him to make him feel wanted. He also said he is too scared to come to me because the last time we had sex I freaked out. I didn't, it's just that he licked his hand (sorry TMI) and decided to rub my fanny with his hand when I specifically told him to avoid my UT area. So I pushed his hand away and said hat are you doing? We then continued and all was fine but clearly this has stuck in his head.

The last time we had sex was about a month and a half ago, but he was away for 2 weeks of that time. He is working all the time and when we get to Bed it is often late at night and I am more tired than usual, so I don't initiate things. I told him that and he said that I am making excuses and then says it's fine we can have sex again in 2 years (because I will be breastfeeding). I said comments like that aren't helpful and he said, well it's the reality.

He then said that he had discussed it with friends at work. He said told them that I was too nervous to have sex (didn't mention the infection issue), and they all said that their wives had increased libidos during pregnancy. I said I couldn't believe he discussed that with people from work and started to cry and he can't understand why I am upset. He said that he was gossiping with them just showing that he cared about me and was concerned. Asked why I was being dramatic by crying.

So I am now in the bedroom crying and writing this (sorry, I don't even know if it makes sense and it is sooo long), and he has texted me saying that he will keep it inside from now on and not say anything because he can't talk to me about anything without me getting upset or angry with him.

So AIBU by being upset? Should I be initiating sex more? Am I a bad wife for being off sex when pregnant and not doing more about it? He also says I have been less tactile in general which might be true, but is this normal for pregnancy or am I ignoring him without realising?

If you manage to read all this, thank you...

OP posts:
LadyRussell · 28/08/2018 19:51

I went totally off sex all threatens so was PG.

Your DH is an immature twat for discussing it with colleagues, telling you about it and then trying to make you feel bad by telling their “response” which is probably made up bullshit.

You are growing his baby, he should be worshipping the ground you walk on, not making you feel like shit- if you don’t want to do anything sexual for 9 months tell him to suck it up and go and sort himself out like a grown adult.

Do NOT feel obliged to “service” him if you don’t want to.

He’s being a selfish, immature twat.

LadyRussell · 28/08/2018 19:51

*all three times sorry

HavelockVetinari · 28/08/2018 19:55

Fucking hell, what a manipulative piece of work! ShockSad

He sounds like an absolute gaslighting knobber.

FASH84 · 28/08/2018 19:57

YANBU and what the hell is 'a good wife'? Lots of women go off sex in pregnancy, I really have and that's not like me at all, add to that your recurrent UTIs and I'd think you were mad for being up for it all the time! Also no offence but he doesn't sound like a hugely considerate sexual partner either, so what's in it for you. He either hasn't discussed this at work but is trying to convince you by saying he has, or he has but hasn't had the response he told you, either way it's emotional blackmail and that's not how 'a good husband' behaves.

stepmummamumma · 28/08/2018 20:04

He definitely had the conversation with people he works with. And I believe that maybe their wives' sex drives did increase but am I being unreasonable for not wanting him to mention the fact mine has decreased to them? I am going to be so embarrassed when I next see them?

He also says that I should be having orgasms because they are good for the baby, but it is just so hard when I don't feel 100%. He says that the problem is never going to get solved but I don't know what to do about that.

He says that he just wanted to have a conversation with me about it but clearly can't because I get upset. But I am upset because of the way he phrases things? Because he puts everything on me? If he is horny all he has to do is let me know but instead it should be me kissing him more and getting him in the mood? I just feel so small right now...that he doesn't understand me at all?

OP posts:
Wishiwasa · 28/08/2018 20:06

Sex is one of the most personal things you can do. Personally once i found out i was pregnant i didn't have sex. Not because i knew there was a baby there, though could have played its part, but because. I didn't want it. Husband had to cope. Husband still has to cope 2 years after last one that he can't pay with my breasts. And sex drive has plummeted. One of those things. Not the same for everyone but it's how things are. What's the alternative? Non consensual or unwanted sex? Unfortunately my husband has to wait. He's not always patient, but he does realise such is life

LadyRussell · 28/08/2018 20:08

He said orgasms are good for the baby - is he for real?

stepmummamumma · 28/08/2018 20:43

He did...maybe they are? I honestly don't know..

OP posts:
Bluelady · 28/08/2018 20:53

When I was pregnant my body became a sacred vessel. I've never felt less like sex. I feel so sorry for you, he sounds like a complete tosser.

stepmummamumma · 28/08/2018 20:59

Does anyone think I am over reacting by crying because he discussed it with his work friends? I'm normally so chilled by this kind of thing but I just don't feel comfortable with them knowing about my sex life in a less than positive way?

OP posts:
stepmummamumma · 28/08/2018 21:01

And thank you all for reading and being supportive...I just feel like so worthless because I can't get my body to react the way it used to or that I can't make my UT feel better. Should I be knocking down the door of my doctors?

OP posts:
formerbabe · 28/08/2018 21:04

He sounds awful...you poor thing. Horrible to treat you like this and discuss it with people...yanbu.

BuntyII · 28/08/2018 21:07

No you aren't BU for being upset at him discussing your sex life with his colleagues. I would be too.
Maybe see your midwife about what you're feeling down below and discuss with her what your husband has said too.
He is BU and I think quite a lot of it is immature jealousy that the baby is now the main person in your life. Well he will have to get used to it because your child will always be your top priority and his dick is now down there somewhere behind taking the bins out and buying fabric softener.

Tofffeee · 28/08/2018 21:11

How old are you both? Orgasms good for the baby?! Where's he heard that?!

I've never been pregnant (yet!), but 3 of my close friends are atm. None of them have had sex since finding out they were pregnant, cos they don't want to/don't feel like it/are worried etc. So I think it's fairly common to go off sex.

Does your partner usually make everything about him?

Seniorschoolmum · 28/08/2018 21:11

He’s living in cloud cuckoo land.

During pregnancy women feel sick, tired, fat, headachey, they suffer displaced pelvis, sore boobs, dryness, hormone swings and any number of other problems.
Maybe there are women whose libidos rise, but I’ve never heard of one.
Your OH is a selfish immature, ignorant creep.

And a “bad wife” !! What century is he living in for heavens sake ?

Perhaps you should show him this thread.

MaryandMichael · 28/08/2018 21:14

From your description, I'd say he's a cunt.

No, he shouldn't be discussing your sex life with other people.
He shouldn't pressure you for sex.
You don't have to initiate and 'make him feel wanted' - it's quite enough to be pregnant.
He's already complaining about breastfeeding and suggesting you won't want sex, or he won't?
See the gp again about the UT, when convenient, for your own sake not for your DH.

You aren't wrong, OP, he is.

stepmummamumma · 28/08/2018 21:16

I was wondering if I should show him this thread or if that would just make everything worse? I'm still sitting in the bedroom alone...I'm guessing I will be perceived as sulking but honestly I'm just hurt. I'm carrying our baby and he is complaining that I haven't made him feel wanted when he hasn't made me feel wanted either! Why is it always my role to do the chasing? And when I don't it is my fault too? I just don't understand what I have done wrong?

OP posts:
BananasAreTheSourceOfEvil · 28/08/2018 21:19

He sounds like a petulant child that cant have what he wants when he wants it.

Stop blaming yourself- everyone is different in pregnancy. This whole 'but all my friends got to do it when their wives were pregnant' is crap. I'd be pissed off if my OH were discussing it with his colleagues, but if he ever says anything to that effect again, just say 'I thought you discussing our sex life with other people was a really shit thing to do, but I took your lead and asked all the girls about the way you feel that I'm not doing enough for you in the bedroom these days and for what its worth they think you're a dick'.

You're being very kind to him- 4/5 months of my pregnancies was the time I felt the least sexy (not a bump, just bloated and felt like a beached whale). Putting aside the UTI thing, sex is a two way street and when you're not feeling great its up to him to put the effort in to make you want to have sex with him as a mutual thing, not just for his wants.

He's in for a shock when you have the baby if that is his attitude now.

Kittykat93 · 28/08/2018 21:22

Op sorry but you need to toughen up a bit. Don't be treated like shit by him or he'll continue to do it. Go downstairs and have a serious conversation with him, explain that you will not stand for your sex life being discussed with his work colleagues, and you will also not be seen as a play thing to serve him sexually whenever he feels like it. You are busy growing his CHILD for fucks sake. He should be doting on you, not behaving like a twat and pressuring you into sex. Hope you feel better soon Thanks

Bluelady · 28/08/2018 21:22

You've done nothing wrong. He's betrayed you by discussing your sex life with his colleagues and he's treating you like shit. I'd really like ten minutes in a room with him, he'd leave with his tail between his legs.

stepmummamumma · 28/08/2018 21:27

He said that he was discussing it with his friends out of concern for me. He isn't a member of any forums to ask these questions about sex drive and so asked them. Insisted he wasn't gossiping, just coming from a place where he cares????

But I'm going to feel so stupid if I see them. I don't want them knowing that I have been 'nervous' about having sex! Is that me being too sensitive?

Sorry if I keep going on and on...I just can't see how he thinks that is ok when I have said I am upset about it.

I promise I am not a walkover...I just feel pathetic right now..

All these replies really help though so thank you..

OP posts:
edwinbear · 28/08/2018 21:27

I’d go off sex if I was married to your DH too OP. It’s not your pregnancy, it’s him. How DARE he pester you for sex when things don’t feel quite right, you’re absolutely shattered and generally a bit anxious about it all.

And yes, I’d be embarrassed and upset if I thought DH was discussing our sex life at work. YADNBU.

Oysterbabe · 28/08/2018 21:27

What an arsehole AngryAngry
Honestly my sex drive went through the floor during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I'm sure my husband was frustrated but he didn't say as much and certainly didn't whine to his fucking friends about it Angry

Oneintheoven2 · 28/08/2018 21:32

@stepmumma
YANBU
I am 6m pregnant and almost crying for you, having this selfish bastard treat you like that.
If he is anything like a similar man i know (intimately), this is going to be a difficult time for you. It starts with whinging that sex isnt frequent or varied enough (not that they will try it on... all up to us). Then they "feel hurt and rejected" because we didnt want it a few times, for good reasons. Then they withold attention from you as punishment because they are a fucking child.

My only piece of advice is this. No-one can make you feel anything unless you allow it. I want you to dig deep and understand that you are a superwoman, bringing a wonderful new life into this world. With that knowledge, you can handle this crappy situation and keep your self esteem.

Oneintheoven2 · 28/08/2018 21:34

@edwinbear
"I’d go off sex if I was married to your DH too OP"
... it's not me, it's you!

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