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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Sexless Marriage

129 replies

rosesandkisses · 04/07/2025 20:37

AIBU to be utterly misreable (I am 38) - I got married last September, with hopes to start a family. My husband has had sex with me 4 times since then.

Amazingly, I did manage to fall pregnant in May but that resulted in an early miscarriage.

I started to track ovulation as a way to help conceive in April and asked him if he could make sure he has viagra in the house to aid his ED. I explained about the ovulation kit and how we should have intercourse at the time if shows a ‘peak’. I got a smile face on the test kit and was so excited! I messaged to let him know, he had not bothered to get viagra so we missed that month to try. I was very upset, less about not actually have sex, more about the lack of planning from his side.

I feel myself slipping into a depression, I see pictures of myself from last summer full of life and here I am in bed on a Friday on Mumsnet asking if I am unreasonable in floods of tears.

I feel like a fraud making an appointment at the fertility clinic when I know the route cause could be a lack of intercourse and intimacy rather than a medical issue. I want to support him and be kind. I feel this ‘secret’ about our sex lives is eating me up.

We were at an event two weeks ago where I became tearful and went outside, he came and found me. I started to tell him how I felt and he accused me of ‘using him’ (I have no idea where that came from) and that I was speaking to him like dirt. I was basically saying all of the above to him whilst crying, I was not speaking to him like dirt, I was letting out my fears about the future.

Our plan was to get married and try for a family and I feel I could have been sold a lie - surely if he wanted a baby he would be trying to get support and input by now. It is all me researching and making appointments. He has known me since I was 34 and I am now 38. I explained to him I felt he has already had years of my fertility and he will not be wasting a month longer going forward. I cry about the situation now most days.

I have researched all the fertility clinics (paid for the appt in July) and ideas such as home insemination (paid for a kit). I have been to the GP and organised some basic tests. I got and paid for some vitamins for him, he forgets to take them. You get the picture. I feel like I am pushing everything forward. I suggested adoption, he is not interested as ‘he doesn’t want some randoms genes in his house’. I then said what does he think about sperm donation / egg donation if it transpires there is an issue there - again he was reluctant as he wants his own off- spring. I kindly pointed out the reality of situation and that it maybe something we need to think about given the trajectory of things and this recent miscarriage. I discussed IUI as an option and explained how it worked and he seemed open to that. He seemed reluctant to use an egg donor or sperm donation. I spoke about getting a dog - he does not want a dog either. All of these suggestions are speculative as neither of us know at this point if there are any fertility issues. I seen myself with 2-3 kids but now I am slowly grieving a life without children.

What on earth am I meant to do? And most importantly, AIBU to be going out of mind about this? I have been as kind and patient as possible towards him, but I feel resentment and the instinct / possibility that he is actually quite content childfree with not having kids and has led me down the garden path creeping in. Although I would never say that to him and that is speculative. He is 51 - so a bit older than me.

He seems to continue his life as it was before he married me, golf - ski trips etc. He was away for four weeks in February time; combination of work trips and skiing (I do not ski), I think it was around that time that my depression about the situation really ramped up. All I think about is starting a family and what I can do about it, but he is off on another holiday or conference.

During the MC I was not only upset about the loss but also the reality of having to find a way around his ED / have sex with me in order to ‘try again’ and I felt that pit in my stomach that this could realistically be the reality for a long time going forward.

AIBU to be upset about this?

OP posts:
Louoby · 05/07/2025 06:51

It sounds as if he is dragging his heals! You are 38 and don’t have a lot of time on your side. If a family is what you want, give him an ultimatum and if he cannot even be bothered to “try” then end the marriage. Your biological clock is ticking and you could leave it another 2 years and be too late. Do not let this man ruin your chances of a family. Go it alone and you’ll be a lot happier it seems!

aroundcircle · 05/07/2025 06:55

rosesandkisses · 05/07/2025 06:36

Have I waited too long though to be a SMBC
I honestly wish I had not bothered getting married and just done it in my mid thirties (if I had known this relatio ship would end up like this)

The reason why I married him was as he was keen to have children; ironically. I had met many idiots and time wasters OLD who were just horrific, this one came along and on paper he was cut and above the rest. He had a good job, nice house, would message and not play games etc - so it was a welcolm relief. Little did I know it was all smoke and mirrors and there was a reason a guy of his age, who had it all good on paper, had never had a relationship. Hindsights a great thing.

Do you actually like him OP? It sounds a little like you married him just so you could have a stable relationship in which to raise children? If so, he’s probably not wrong for feeling like he’s being ‘used’. But at the same time, it sounds as though he’s using you too, to bolster his income and to have someone to organise his home/life. Unless I’m reading it wrong, it sounds like a marriage of convenience with not much love and affection.

I wouldn’t want to live like that and I can understand why you would feel lonely, especially if he’s away a lot and not paying you or the relationship much attention. I think bringing a child into that is a very bad idea. What if he’s similarly dismissive of his child? Growing up with an emotionally unavailable dad can be really awful.

rosesandkisses · 05/07/2025 07:07

@aroundcircleHe told me initially that is what he wanted too - a family life and children, I was so happy I found someone on the same page as me and yes I liked him. So initally both of what we wanted was aligned and we appeared to have had a great time. As time has pushed on the situation as turned as described. If I had known my husband would barely touch me, comfort or hold me during my miscarriage, not so much as kiss me - then of course I would have thought twice about marrying him.

I tried to find ways to increase intimacy originally, and be as kind and patient as possible but its worn thin, especially with the TTC issue. I used to try and arrange ‘date nights’ for the evenings, but he would have his lunch at three so he wouldnt be hungry by the time he came home so the food would be left and I would just go to bed. He was more interested in other things that coming to bed with me - so I just gave up, it was better than feeling rejected. Last night I suggested we went out for something to eat, he was not bothered and did not want to so obviously we did not go for food. I feel he does the ‘bare minimum’ in order to appease me intermittently.

This weekend he will be playing golf all weekend, when he comes home later afternoon he will say hi then nap on the sofa, I will go to bed at 8pm depressed and he will come to bed at 10/11pm. Rinse, repeat.

OP posts:
MyCyanReader · 05/07/2025 07:12

@rosesandkisses firstly take your salary out of the joint account. He is using you as a cash cow! £10k since Nov?? He's taking the piss!!

You're clearly not happy in this relationship and he clearly isn't interested.

If a baby is your priority then you need to go down the speem donor route and the wheels in motion with this.

PonyPatter44 · 05/07/2025 07:17

You're not on the mortgage, are you? And I bet you have no joint finances beyond the joint account that only you pay into. At this point, wouldn't it be better to cut your losses and walk away from this fake unpleasant "marriage "? He doesn't love you, he's not into you physically or mentally, and he won't even give you a baby. He never will, btw, because then he'd have to put his hand in his pocket occasionally and pay for things.

MayaPinion · 05/07/2025 07:46

simsbustinoutmimi · 04/07/2025 22:42

Would you say the same to her husband if he wanted children and OP didn’t?

I would definitely say it to anyone who wanted a child when their partner didn’t. OP, your DH doesn’t want children, and he doesn’t want to have sex with you. He wants the companionship, the nice life, and the money. Apart from anything else what do you get? In your shoes I would start divorce proceedings and get yourself down to the sperm clinic. You don’t have time to be messing around with new relationships or trying to turn your husband into something he’s not. It sounds like everything is on his terms and you’re getting nothing out of it.

aroundcircle · 05/07/2025 08:13

rosesandkisses · 05/07/2025 07:07

@aroundcircleHe told me initially that is what he wanted too - a family life and children, I was so happy I found someone on the same page as me and yes I liked him. So initally both of what we wanted was aligned and we appeared to have had a great time. As time has pushed on the situation as turned as described. If I had known my husband would barely touch me, comfort or hold me during my miscarriage, not so much as kiss me - then of course I would have thought twice about marrying him.

I tried to find ways to increase intimacy originally, and be as kind and patient as possible but its worn thin, especially with the TTC issue. I used to try and arrange ‘date nights’ for the evenings, but he would have his lunch at three so he wouldnt be hungry by the time he came home so the food would be left and I would just go to bed. He was more interested in other things that coming to bed with me - so I just gave up, it was better than feeling rejected. Last night I suggested we went out for something to eat, he was not bothered and did not want to so obviously we did not go for food. I feel he does the ‘bare minimum’ in order to appease me intermittently.

This weekend he will be playing golf all weekend, when he comes home later afternoon he will say hi then nap on the sofa, I will go to bed at 8pm depressed and he will come to bed at 10/11pm. Rinse, repeat.

Ah OP, this is about so much more than a sexless marriage. He’s checked out of the relationship and regardless of what he says, it would be truly awful to bring a child into that. If he can’t even comfort you during a miscarriage and spends his days playing golf or going skiing, how is he going to be a co-parent to your child? Having a baby and raising a child is hard enough, even worse if you’re doing it in a one-sided lonely marriage.

rosesandkisses · 05/07/2025 08:14

MayaPinion · 05/07/2025 07:46

I would definitely say it to anyone who wanted a child when their partner didn’t. OP, your DH doesn’t want children, and he doesn’t want to have sex with you. He wants the companionship, the nice life, and the money. Apart from anything else what do you get? In your shoes I would start divorce proceedings and get yourself down to the sperm clinic. You don’t have time to be messing around with new relationships or trying to turn your husband into something he’s not. It sounds like everything is on his terms and you’re getting nothing out of it.

the dawning realisation that I have no time to meet someone else is sobering but I accept the reality of where I am at

it would honestly have been easier to have gone through the TTC process alongside the pregnancy loss myself - I have essentially done it all myself anyway

As I got married in September I started to realise something was really not right January / February time and thats when the depression started

I suppose I came to Mumsnet for validation that this relationship is abnormal and I am not asking for something that is outwith norms

OP posts:
Evaka · 05/07/2025 08:19

Oh you poor thing OP. Ive been there and I just left him. Zero sex, cold, wouldn't engage on anything emotional. Please walk away x

TwistedWonder · 05/07/2025 08:22

Please leave this horrible abusive man immediately.

He's love bombed and future faked you, steals your money to bankroll him continuing his bachelor lifestyle and thinks you’re his housemaid

He is abusing you emotionally and financially - there are absolutely no reasons at all to contrive with this farce of a marriage.

Going it alone is far better than staying

rosesandkisses · 05/07/2025 08:54

Thanks everyone for replies to this
I actually feel so much better this morning - have managed the gym and going to have some breakfast, something I have not managed for months

I think I just needed validation for my reality check - now I know what I am dealing with and thoughts of how to move forward and hopefully get my little familu, however I doubt it will look conventional

interestingly clearly he knows something is very wrong, he made a performance of taking his multivitamin for sperm infront of me this morning 🤣 he knows full well I am completely despairing and the marriage is coming to a conclusion

will ask for my money back today 🤣

OP posts:
Imbusytodaysorry · 05/07/2025 09:09

@rosesandkisses he has lied he doesn’t want kids . Sorry op he has trapped you and wether he has ed or it’s one of those MN stories the wife thinks he has and he’s off elsewhere doing it.
He gaslights you when you have feelings about it.

If you stay with this man you will have no children. He will have changed who you are . You will be sad and alone while he is off doing what he likes. .

Im older than you. .Id leave and find someone younger. Who is interested in all that you are. .You also have the option to have a baby alone .
I think it’s best to admit early it’s not working then waste your best years. .

SquishyGloopyBum · 05/07/2025 09:12

Could you take yourself off for the night? I think you could do with the space.

glad you are asking for the money back too!

goody2shooz · 05/07/2025 09:25

@rosesandkisses i hope you e sorted out your bank account so he can’t access it, and see a solicitor asap. Try and recoup some of your money so you can start afresh! Create a little family by yourself - he’s a fake on the make.

Dodeedoo · 05/07/2025 10:47

Chiseltip · 04/07/2025 21:35

Having a baby by sperm donor is utterly selfish and cruel to the child.

It's a horrible thing to do to someone.

Deliberately depriving them of a father.

You just want to be the opposite and goady voice here, don’t you? Little ms judgy pants

Aoppley · 05/07/2025 12:18

rosesandkisses · 05/07/2025 08:54

Thanks everyone for replies to this
I actually feel so much better this morning - have managed the gym and going to have some breakfast, something I have not managed for months

I think I just needed validation for my reality check - now I know what I am dealing with and thoughts of how to move forward and hopefully get my little familu, however I doubt it will look conventional

interestingly clearly he knows something is very wrong, he made a performance of taking his multivitamin for sperm infront of me this morning 🤣 he knows full well I am completely despairing and the marriage is coming to a conclusion

will ask for my money back today 🤣

Well done you! Hope he gives you your money back without making a fuss!

MuckFusk · 05/07/2025 21:32

rosesandkisses · 05/07/2025 08:54

Thanks everyone for replies to this
I actually feel so much better this morning - have managed the gym and going to have some breakfast, something I have not managed for months

I think I just needed validation for my reality check - now I know what I am dealing with and thoughts of how to move forward and hopefully get my little familu, however I doubt it will look conventional

interestingly clearly he knows something is very wrong, he made a performance of taking his multivitamin for sperm infront of me this morning 🤣 he knows full well I am completely despairing and the marriage is coming to a conclusion

will ask for my money back today 🤣

👏👏👏

0ctavia · 05/07/2025 23:29

Dodeedoo · 05/07/2025 10:47

You just want to be the opposite and goady voice here, don’t you? Little ms judgy pants

I think you’ll find it’s Mr Judgy Pants.

0ctavia · 07/07/2025 09:57

@rosesandkisses how was your weekend ? Did you manage to speak to your husband about your money that he took for the “ joint “ account ?

DonnaBanana · 07/07/2025 10:16

Does a 51 year old man really marry a 38 year old with the hopes of starting a whole new family? I find that a bit of a stretch especially with how he is acting. I think he probably loves you very much and wants a long term relationship with you but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was talking the talk about making a family.

CreationNat1on · 07/07/2025 10:32

Never having any previous relationships is something of a red flag as well, why not?!

Justwaits · 10/07/2025 17:25

What was your sex life like before you married OP?

Justwaits · 10/07/2025 17:26

DonnaBanana · 07/07/2025 10:16

Does a 51 year old man really marry a 38 year old with the hopes of starting a whole new family? I find that a bit of a stretch especially with how he is acting. I think he probably loves you very much and wants a long term relationship with you but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was talking the talk about making a family.

Does a 38 year old really marry a 51 year old with hopes of starting a family??!

W0tnow · 10/07/2025 17:34

He’s a 50 year old man who has never been in a relationship, can’t keep a clean house, has ED, spends his weekends playing golf, and is taking your money. You deserve better. Cut your losses, he’ll be an awful father.

PapaPerspective · 10/07/2025 17:35

Alright, let’s have it straight. You’re not being unreasonable for wanting more out of life than just plodding along in a marriage that’s lost its spark. You deserve to feel wanted, excited, and actually alive—not just like you’re sharing a house with a flatmate.

Look, there’s nothing wrong with wanting passion and a bit of fire. You should be with someone who makes you feel like the best thing since sliced bread, not just someone who barely notices you’re there. That’s not asking for too much, it’s just knowing your worth.

I’ve seen it happen—people settle, thinking it’s just what marriage is. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You’ve got every right to want more, to want someone who actually fancies you and shows it. If your partner can’t be bothered to meet you halfway, that’s on them, not you.

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting to feel alive again. You’ve got one shot at this, so why waste it feeling miserable? Stand up for yourself, have the tough conversation, and don’t be afraid to put yourself first for once. You’ve got a lot to give, and you deserve someone who sees that and matches your energy.

Bottom line: don’t settle for less than you deserve. Life’s too short for regrets. Go after what makes you happy—you’re worth it.