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Repulsed by sex

27 replies

SharpTurtle · 07/09/2025 04:48

Hello! Just looking for some advice as I am really struggling in the bedroom!

My partner and I have a 2 year old together, and since our baby has been born I have really struggled with my sex drive, I just don’t want to have sex. When we have done it since, I’ve mostly really enjoyed it in the end, but I just have no desire to actually do it! It’s getting to the point now where I feel repulsed even by the thought of it, and I don’t know why!

Before having the baby we had an incredible and very active sex life. I know it’s bothering my partner, he is very open with telling me, but I find him quite pushy, always wanting to touch or grope me. I never feel safe just giving a kiss or cuddle as I know he will expect more.

I really want to fix this but have no idea where to start! Like I say, we used to have a great sex life, but now I never want it and I know my relationship won’t survive like this. Help!

OP posts:
ThatDaringEagle · 07/09/2025 06:18

I dunno OP, there seems to be a drop in your general libido which isn't all that unusual at all after kids arrive for women, but that probably takes time & effort (& more?) to rebuild tbh. E.g. toddlers tend to be all consuming & tiring until their bedtime, when 'there's peace again on the western flanks', so it might be a case of just really prioritising getting into a nice relaxed state of mind & body after child's bed time. That may mean DH doing bed time & more of the clean up after dinner say, while you go for a walk, bath, shower, or simply have some 'me time' on your tablet or whatever. Also pay attention to how much sleep you're getting, or not getting as the case may be? With a young toddler it's so easy to prioritise their sleep completely, to the detriment of your own e.g. nightly wake ups, intrusive baby monitors, etc. So late nights & early ams, etc. I notice the timestamp on your OP for instance, that's an ungodly hour to be posting on an Internet forum. No better way to reduce your libido, than having a bit of sleep deprivation imho. Poor sleep could be an indicator of other things also such as post natal depression, which will totally dull your libido tbh. There may be other tips too that female posters can give you.

However, the second issue from your OP is far more straightforward. You're clearly struggling with your libido currently, and trying getting back into a more active love life. The last thing you need is a partner who you feel is a bit too pushy about getting sexually intimate. There's nothing less attractive when you're not feeling totally 'into it', than a partner who is over eager imho. So you're going to have to ask him for a bit of space & patience here. You want to feel you can cosy up to your partner, hug & spoon them in bed, or whatever, without necessarily feeling that it has to lead to sex. What you want is more intimacy, emotional , backed up by physical. But that means he'll have to reduce his expectations a little when you seek some physical intimacy, in that you may just want & need a hug or to spoon or whatever, but may not want full intercourse. I think you should speak with your DH about this specifically, and maybe set out outline guidelines about it, or even agree how to communicate about it, as currently while you may just be seeking some low level physical intimacy or whatever, he's then seeking 'the full 9 yards', and could easily make you retract from seeking any intimacy, &/or it could give you the total ick. So it's vital you carve out a nice intermediate 'space' where ye can both be more physically & emotionally intimate with each other, without anyone feeling ye necessarily have to have full on intercourse, as a definite.

Normally, when you increase your intimacy in your relationship, your sex life will improve anyways e.g. ye might just spoon in bed one night, but when ye do it again another night it will lead to sex then, or the following am, or when ye're both next in the mood, etc etc. All intimacy is a virtuous circle really imho.

Good luck OP 👍

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 07:00

I would also feel repulsed by a man being pushy and groping me. It’s not you it’s him. I think you need to have a very serious frank discussion with him and personally I would take sex off the table completely for 6 months or whatever so that you are feeling NO pressure. Your libido will naturally start to return when you have more sleep and a little time to yourself again. But unless your OH changes there’s a risk you won’t want sex with him again even when it does

ThatDaringEagle · 07/09/2025 07:29

Sorry @Gymbunny2025 , but trying to do dumb things like trying to ' sex off the table for 6 months or whatever..' would be the exact kind of thing the OP would be mad to discuss with her DP imho.

She is trying to restore their love life, not to freeze it. She does need him to back off a little in seeking sex but instituting freeze bans on their sex life right now could be the end of their relationship tbh.

P.s. also you say with such certainty in your post that in your opinion it's a 'him problem' & not hers?

How do you know that exactly !?

Firstly, sex lives take 2 to tango. Secondly, she's not the first or last post partum mum to struggle to get back to enjoying her sex life again. And most importantly she told you in her OP, that she herself considers it more to do with her own sex drive

"since our baby has been born I have really struggled with my sex drive, I just don’t want to have sex. When we have done it since, I’ve mostly really enjoyed it in the end, but I just have no desire to actually do it! "

Perhaps next time read the OP before suggesting such radical, relationship affecting advice perhaps!?

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 07:44

What an odd post- I am going to assume that you are not a woman that has had the experience OP has had 😂

ThatDaringEagle · 07/09/2025 07:49

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 07:44

What an odd post- I am going to assume that you are not a woman that has had the experience OP has had 😂

I suppose it's only odd if you consider me suggesting actually reading an OP, before suggesting something silly like issuing 6 months without sex advice to an OP who is trying to restore her sex life rather than freeze it!?

Oh but shur it must be cos I'm a man that I can't understand the OP !?

I can read & comprehend, I suggest you try the same here perhaps, that's all!!

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 08:09

You sound very angry? Maybe go for a run!

I think our posts were pretty identical? I agree it’s a drop in libido, that tiredness plays a part, that toddlers are all consuming and the mum can feel touched out. You also said there’s nothing less sexy than a partner being pushy and it can end up with the ick.
We also agree the OP started with a great sex life and should work towards getting that back by increasing non sexual intimacy.
so the only thing we disagree on is how she does that. For me taking sex off the table when I was in this situation worked very well. And I think it’s even more important for her as her OH needs to know in no uncertain terms that being pushy and gropey is unacceptable and will have a devastating affect on their relationship. And yes the reason she feels repulsed is because of his attitude to her.
taking sex off the table allows her to build trust in non sexual intimacy which allows sexual intimacy when she feels ready.

Now take some deep breaths and go for that run- you’ll feel much better 😂

SportGirl · 07/09/2025 08:57

He is the problem not you

OfcourseitsaNC · 07/09/2025 09:50

I remember those days well. It's hard in the trenches. Whilst XH wasn't gropey, he would talk about missing sex a lot. It got on my nerves.

We solved it by agreeing to plan sex in.

We knew our marriage would need a massive amount of repairing if we weren't having sex. We both believe regular sex is integral to a LTR and it wasn't fair of me to ask him to not expect sex for a period of time.

It started as once a fortnight. He knew he had something to look forward to. I knew I didn't have to worry about his moaning the other times. It made me feel safe and heard.
.
The sex days meant we both knew what was coming later. The space of the day allowed me to "warm up to it" over hours. My head needed that. I had to push myself into it some days, but my long term aim was a healthy marriage, so I kept focused on that.

As time went on, I asked for sex days to be more frequent than every fortnight. And it got better from there. Regularly having sex made me want more sex.

That was our solution. I hope you find one that works for you both.

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 11:30

OfcourseitsaNC · 07/09/2025 09:50

I remember those days well. It's hard in the trenches. Whilst XH wasn't gropey, he would talk about missing sex a lot. It got on my nerves.

We solved it by agreeing to plan sex in.

We knew our marriage would need a massive amount of repairing if we weren't having sex. We both believe regular sex is integral to a LTR and it wasn't fair of me to ask him to not expect sex for a period of time.

It started as once a fortnight. He knew he had something to look forward to. I knew I didn't have to worry about his moaning the other times. It made me feel safe and heard.
.
The sex days meant we both knew what was coming later. The space of the day allowed me to "warm up to it" over hours. My head needed that. I had to push myself into it some days, but my long term aim was a healthy marriage, so I kept focused on that.

As time went on, I asked for sex days to be more frequent than every fortnight. And it got better from there. Regularly having sex made me want more sex.

That was our solution. I hope you find one that works for you both.

It’s great that it worked for you (and I’m sure does for others too and it’s good to hear different experiences). Definitely wouldn’t have worked for me- in fact going back to those days it would have left me in tears afterwards. I was so tired and touched out and had zero libido (wasn’t even able to orgasm myself). I think a period without sex has to be expected at times in any marriage really though.

out of interest- was it during this time that your xh was cheating on you (you posted recently you found his fabswingers profile)? When you were so considerate of his needs. Life really isn’t fair sometimes

OfcourseitsaNC · 07/09/2025 15:55

Not at all @Gymbunny2025 . At that point, he was an absolutely fabulous man, husband and father to our children.

His secret online life started later. My uneducated analysis concluded that as he was needed less and less by the family, as the kids were growing in their independence, and I'd gone back to work full time (outearning him significantly) his self esteem needed him to be needed somewhere, and Fab gave him the boost he craved.

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 16:04

That’s interesting and yes you’re probably right. I’m sorry you went through that. I was wondering if you regretted making the effort that you had done when the kids were younger for him, knowing now what he would do, although I assume not if he was wonderful and supportive back then?

OfcourseitsaNC · 07/09/2025 17:50

Nope. No regrets.

I married for life. If I hadn't have given my all to make my marriage work through the hard times, I'd have let myself down.

yorkshireteabagman · 07/09/2025 20:01

I don't think a long term break is the answer, it wouldn't be for me anyway. This stuff is teamwork and making time for each other is super important to handle harder times better, I don't see how breaking up intimacy helps anything. Of course as a new born that's understandable but 2yrs down the line I'd be absolutely looking to work things out. I have no idea if he's not being great and giving you the right volume support...if he isn't that's the first thing for him to work on along with the groping, which you have to tell him you don't like. But I would never be offended by my partner wanting to have sex and intimacy with me, I think it's much harder and more problematic if a partner has no interest in intimacy with you. The solution only comes from communication and I'd agree that planning it in and making a go of it for each other is better long term than avoiding in each other bed. I'd talk to him, maybe start slow, say you just want to be held by him in the first instance and make it clear you're not quite feeling like going further at the moment but you're looking for ways to get things back to where they were? Unless you don't want to.
Just my thoughts anyway

ThatDaringEagle · 07/09/2025 22:52

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 08:09

You sound very angry? Maybe go for a run!

I think our posts were pretty identical? I agree it’s a drop in libido, that tiredness plays a part, that toddlers are all consuming and the mum can feel touched out. You also said there’s nothing less sexy than a partner being pushy and it can end up with the ick.
We also agree the OP started with a great sex life and should work towards getting that back by increasing non sexual intimacy.
so the only thing we disagree on is how she does that. For me taking sex off the table when I was in this situation worked very well. And I think it’s even more important for her as her OH needs to know in no uncertain terms that being pushy and gropey is unacceptable and will have a devastating affect on their relationship. And yes the reason she feels repulsed is because of his attitude to her.
taking sex off the table allows her to build trust in non sexual intimacy which allows sexual intimacy when she feels ready.

Now take some deep breaths and go for that run- you’ll feel much better 😂

Ha,ha you're pretty deluded alright 😅

Our posts are far from identical, and I'm not angry at all, jeez you should see/ hear/read me then & you'd know the difference for sure !! 😉

  1. The main issue is the OP's loss of libido, cos she says it is!!
  2. Yet, you decided it was a "him problem, rather than a her problem", but if you read the OP she tells you first up the exact opposite!!
  3. You recommended 6 months without sex to rediscover intimacy in her sex life. She's looking for a sex life, not seeking to deny herself &/or her partner one. That's not a trivial difference to point out!!
  4. Lastly you project "And yes the reason she feels repulsed is because of his attitude to her...." . With all due respect you don't know this at all, it's totally just your makey up projection here....

Finally, I wasn't angry thanks, or need to go for a run or to take deep breaths or whatever patronising advice you're suggesting next for me !?. I merely pointed out that if you had actually read the OP & comprehended it properly, instead of giving sex ban advice based on a half cooked comprehension of her issues, you & more importantly the OP might have been better served. That's all!!

P.s. the useful advice imho in here for OP imho, has been to reestablish intimacy & communications with her DH, to schedule in a night for sex/ intimacy every say 2 weeks to start maybe, to maybe try erotic literature /or porn to get her in the mood and to try to get r&r to try to rediscover her mojo.

Good luck OP 👍 a loveless life is a long slog without the joy of intimacy.

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 23:04

ThatDaringEagle · 07/09/2025 22:52

Ha,ha you're pretty deluded alright 😅

Our posts are far from identical, and I'm not angry at all, jeez you should see/ hear/read me then & you'd know the difference for sure !! 😉

  1. The main issue is the OP's loss of libido, cos she says it is!!
  2. Yet, you decided it was a "him problem, rather than a her problem", but if you read the OP she tells you first up the exact opposite!!
  3. You recommended 6 months without sex to rediscover intimacy in her sex life. She's looking for a sex life, not seeking to deny herself &/or her partner one. That's not a trivial difference to point out!!
  4. Lastly you project "And yes the reason she feels repulsed is because of his attitude to her...." . With all due respect you don't know this at all, it's totally just your makey up projection here....

Finally, I wasn't angry thanks, or need to go for a run or to take deep breaths or whatever patronising advice you're suggesting next for me !?. I merely pointed out that if you had actually read the OP & comprehended it properly, instead of giving sex ban advice based on a half cooked comprehension of her issues, you & more importantly the OP might have been better served. That's all!!

P.s. the useful advice imho in here for OP imho, has been to reestablish intimacy & communications with her DH, to schedule in a night for sex/ intimacy every say 2 weeks to start maybe, to maybe try erotic literature /or porn to get her in the mood and to try to get r&r to try to rediscover her mojo.

Good luck OP 👍 a loveless life is a long slog without the joy of intimacy.

Well if this is you on a cheerful day what can I say! I do understand you’ve been triggered and I appreciate your bullet points!

Catullus5 · 08/09/2025 02:21

OP, do you think the pressure you feel from your partner combined with the pressure you're putting on yourself has given you burnout, colloquially known as the ick?

Gymbunny2025 · 08/09/2025 15:06

Catullus5 · 08/09/2025 02:21

OP, do you think the pressure you feel from your partner combined with the pressure you're putting on yourself has given you burnout, colloquially known as the ick?

Totally agree and it’s dangerous territory as once the ick is there it’s there. That’s why I personally would have a complete break from sex. Repulsed is a very strong feeling …

AtBeaverGoat · 08/09/2025 23:07

Gymbunny2025 · 07/09/2025 07:00

I would also feel repulsed by a man being pushy and groping me. It’s not you it’s him. I think you need to have a very serious frank discussion with him and personally I would take sex off the table completely for 6 months or whatever so that you are feeling NO pressure. Your libido will naturally start to return when you have more sleep and a little time to yourself again. But unless your OH changes there’s a risk you won’t want sex with him again even when it does

Sorry, also agree this a terrible idea - if one partner takes sex of the table for 6 months, with no thought to how the other person is feeling- you might as well kiss your relationship goodbye

Gymbunny2025 · 09/09/2025 06:23

AtBeaverGoat · 08/09/2025 23:07

Sorry, also agree this a terrible idea - if one partner takes sex of the table for 6 months, with no thought to how the other person is feeling- you might as well kiss your relationship goodbye

Obviously different things work for different people. Taking sex off the table (ha!) definitely worked for me at this stage ☺️ there’s no way I could have coped with a pushy partner on top of everything else (luckily mine is very respectful).

I think obviously men don’t like the suggestion. But this is about the poster who is a woman and her partner is being pushy and gropey she is feeling repulsed (rightly so). having a short break from sex may (or may not) help her feel safe and allow them to re establish non sexual intimacy and give her libido a little time to recover.

they used to have a wonderful sex life and it would be such a shame if she gets irreversible ick when he just needs to give her a bit of time in this very short phase of their lives.

Catullus5 · 09/09/2025 06:28

I'll add to that that a person who breaks up a family with children because there's no sex for a few months needs to grow up and get some perspective.

SharpTurtle · 09/09/2025 06:29

Thank you all for your comments! To clarify, it’s not him that’s repulsing me as much as just the thought of sex, it’s hard to explain. I still find him very attractive and I do want to feel that desire again, soon! He’s always been very physical, very tactile and that’s how he has always shown his love, so really it is me that has changed.

Thanks to some of these messages, I have spoken to him. And I already see an improvement that I hope lasts. I’ve explained that I need to be able to cuddle and kiss without the expectation that something more would happen, and I’ve told him he needs to tone down the groping, it’s just too much. And I was so worried he wouldn’t be receptive to that, and he absolutely has been! He’s been much more gentle and affectionate with me, I think he now understands how much I’ve been struggling as we had a good chat. His gentleness is such a breath of fresh air, I’m not saying I’m desperate for sex again yet, but it’s made me so much more open to him.

I’ve also suggested we schedule it in like suggested, which feels weird as it seems to take the romance and spontaneity away, but we do both believe sex is important to healthy relationship and I know we won’t last without finding a solution.

OP posts:
Gymbunny2025 · 09/09/2025 06:30

SharpTurtle · 09/09/2025 06:29

Thank you all for your comments! To clarify, it’s not him that’s repulsing me as much as just the thought of sex, it’s hard to explain. I still find him very attractive and I do want to feel that desire again, soon! He’s always been very physical, very tactile and that’s how he has always shown his love, so really it is me that has changed.

Thanks to some of these messages, I have spoken to him. And I already see an improvement that I hope lasts. I’ve explained that I need to be able to cuddle and kiss without the expectation that something more would happen, and I’ve told him he needs to tone down the groping, it’s just too much. And I was so worried he wouldn’t be receptive to that, and he absolutely has been! He’s been much more gentle and affectionate with me, I think he now understands how much I’ve been struggling as we had a good chat. His gentleness is such a breath of fresh air, I’m not saying I’m desperate for sex again yet, but it’s made me so much more open to him.

I’ve also suggested we schedule it in like suggested, which feels weird as it seems to take the romance and spontaneity away, but we do both believe sex is important to healthy relationship and I know we won’t last without finding a solution.

Great update ❤️

AtBeaverGoat · 09/09/2025 07:05

Gymbunny2025 · 09/09/2025 06:23

Obviously different things work for different people. Taking sex off the table (ha!) definitely worked for me at this stage ☺️ there’s no way I could have coped with a pushy partner on top of everything else (luckily mine is very respectful).

I think obviously men don’t like the suggestion. But this is about the poster who is a woman and her partner is being pushy and gropey she is feeling repulsed (rightly so). having a short break from sex may (or may not) help her feel safe and allow them to re establish non sexual intimacy and give her libido a little time to recover.

they used to have a wonderful sex life and it would be such a shame if she gets irreversible ick when he just needs to give her a bit of time in this very short phase of their lives.

Look at the number of threads from women on this forum who complain that their partner ( male or female) has stopped having sex or “taken it off the table “ , and how those women are feeling and how it impacts their relationships and the advice given ( which is normally- leave as it’s not going to get better) ,

Gymbunny2025 · 09/09/2025 08:12

AtBeaverGoat · 09/09/2025 07:05

Look at the number of threads from women on this forum who complain that their partner ( male or female) has stopped having sex or “taken it off the table “ , and how those women are feeling and how it impacts their relationships and the advice given ( which is normally- leave as it’s not going to get better) ,

i do completely agree- leaving is a valid option in a sexless marriage (for men and women). But a discussed ‘pause’ for a short time I personally think is absolutely fine (and happens incredibly commonly with young children anyway!) I’d also think it was ok if a man was going through depression or major illness etc. Keeping non sexual intimacy and communication and closeness, with a view to resuming a satisfying sex life is the way to go imho.

Anyway OP has found a solution that works for her so that’s all that matters really on this thread

Osirus · 09/09/2025 10:49

AtBeaverGoat · 09/09/2025 07:05

Look at the number of threads from women on this forum who complain that their partner ( male or female) has stopped having sex or “taken it off the table “ , and how those women are feeling and how it impacts their relationships and the advice given ( which is normally- leave as it’s not going to get better) ,

This is different - it’s a short term (likely!) issue that will resolve given a bit of time.

A long term disinterest sex for no real reason other than “just not interested” or “none of my friends want it anymore either” is different and a real relationship killer. That’s a situation that is unlikely to get better.

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