When to Walk Away from a Sexless Marriage: 10 Signs It Might Be Time

Not every marriage needs sex to succeed. But for many couples, a sustained loss of intimacy becomes a signal.

When emotional and physical connection fades, and attempts to reconnect have failed, it’s fair to ask: Is this relationship still right for me?

We believe in protecting what matters: your wellbeing, your dignity, and your ability to move forward with clarity.

Here’s how to know when it might be time to walk away.

What is a sexless marriage?

It’s more common than most people realize.

A marriage is generally considered sexless when a couple hasn’t been sexually intimate for a year or more.

Some couples are perfectly content with that. Others feel confused, rejected, or stuck in silence.

The issue isn’t just frequency. It’s compatibility.

And when one partner consistently feels unfulfilled, ignored, or ashamed, the disconnect can start to corrode the relationship from the inside out.

10 Signs It Might Be Time to Move On

There’s no formula for ending a marriage, but here are ten red flags that suggest the lack of sex may be a deeper relationship issue:

1. Your partner refuses to work on it.
   You’ve brought it up with honesty. You’ve asked for change. They’ve shut the door.
   
   

2. You’ve tried, and nothing has changed.
   You’ve explored therapy, read books, made compromises. Still, the gap remains.
   
   

3. It’s not just about sex.
   The emotional connection is fraying, too. Communication, trust, and care have broken down.
   
   

4. Your sexual needs are simply incompatible.
   What turns you on turns them off and vice versa. If there’s no overlap, frustration is inevitable.
   
   

5. There’s infidelity.
   Sex outside the marriage changes the dynamic, especially when it replaces rather than supplements intimacy.
   
   

6. Sex is used to manipulate.
   If one partner withholds sex to control or punish, that’s emotional abuse—not a healthy dynamic.
   
   

7. The love is gone.
   When intimacy fades and emotional connection isn’t far behind, you may be living more like roommates than partners.
   
   

8. Lack of sex is leading to betrayal.
   Even if you haven’t acted on it, resentment or temptation is growing—and so is emotional distance.
   
   

9. You no longer want sex with your spouse.
   Attraction can change. If you’ve stopped desiring your partner entirely, it’s worth examining why.
   
   

10. Therapy isn’t helping.
    Sometimes, even with support, the gap is too wide. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means it’s time to move forward.

Can a sexless marriage survive?

Yes, but only if both partners agree on what intimacy means for them.

Plenty of couples thrive with minimal or no sexual activity, especially when the relationship is built on mutual respect, emotional support, and shared goals.

But if only one of you is okay with the status quo, long-term dissatisfaction is almost inevitable.

Before You Walk Away

Divorce is a serious step, but sometimes, it’s the healthiest one. Before making that decision:

• Talk honestly. Share what you need and ask your partner to do the same.

• Explore support. A therapist, mediator, or coach can help unpack deeper issues.

• Clarify your boundaries. What are you willing to work through and what are your deal breakers?

• Make peace with your choice. Staying or leaving, your decision should protect your peace.

The Divorce.com Approach

We’re here for couples who’ve tried, reflected, and are ready to take the next step — with as little stress and conflict as possible.

Our divorce process is designed to preserve your time, your money, and your dignity.

No courtroom battles, no inflated legal fees, no unnecessary trauma.

Whether you’ve made up your mind or you’re still working through it, we’ll meet you where you are.

The Bottomline

A sexless marriage doesn’t always mean the end.

But when communication breaks down, emotional connection fades, and the future feels heavy — you don’t have to stay stuck.

You deserve clarity. You deserve peace. You deserve a path forward.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

---