The 3 letter word: S_E_X
THISisTARRAN
Posts: 487 Member
Warning: This is personal. So...I have a question for everyone. Men and women included. The only qualifying factor is probably having been in a long term relationship and gaining weight. So...I really need the answer to this. My boyfriend and I just had our baby girl 7 months ago...and since we have known each we have both probably gained like between 80-100 pounds each. Well...we kinda stopped having sex. , not completely, but its like few and far between. My feelings are hurt, I feel no passion, I don't even feel the WANT or desire...I guess I do want to, but my body doesn't want to...if you feel me. And he doesn't try to or anything like that. I know he isn't seeing anyone else...I'm just not sure what to do. But my question is...once you lose weight....or whatever....does that come back? We talked about it and think it has to do with both of us not feeling good about ourselves. Please let me know your thoughts. I'm sad.
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Replies
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I feel sexier now that I'm losing weight, so I think maybe keep heading in that path and you might get it back>? You could start by buying sexy outfits etc?
Hope that helps!0 -
Probably has a lot to do with each of you feeling undesireable due to the weight gain and body insecurities. The question is not really will it get better with weight loss. The question is, what can you do on a daily basis to make yourself and your husband feel more desireable? Yes, losing weight will probably spark some things, but why wait for the weight to drop when you could be doing something sexy for yourself and your husband every day?0
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It happens...been there done that. Turns out mine was depression along with being so big I felt bad all the time. His was hard to diagnose but was a hormonal issue that was resolved with a doctor visit. Now that I am smaller and feel better and he is back on track it has been great! You can get it back, it's just finding out what the issues are.0
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Generally the answer to this is yes. It's hard to feel sexy if you're not happy with yourself and therefore feeling less desirable. It sounds like the two of you are able to communicate well which suggests that all you need is to turn around your negative selves and find a way to love who you are and who you're becoming.0
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You should definitely see a rise in your sex drive once you begin losing weight. Eating unhealthy foods and living a sedentary lifestyle does more than make us gain weight, it also messes with our hormones...big time. As you incorporate healthier food choices and exercises in to your life, your endorphins will increase. As you lose weight and build confidence you should feel better about yourself and your partner. Also make sure you're getting plenty of rest, no one wants to have sex when they are exhausted all the time
In the meantime, I would suggest speaking with your OB/GYN about options and your partner may want to have his testosterone levels checks.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, talk to your partner about your feelings. Communicating about these issues is KEY and working through it together will make it all the more satisfying when your sex life is back "on schedule."0 -
I think that once you grow more confident with yourself, you feel sexy and have the desire to want to have sex! Just motivate one another to a more healthy lifestyle. You gained the weight together so you can support each other in losing it too. Once he sees you are confident, the 'spark' will come back.
Make some mini goals... If you lose 10 pounds (or however much you decide), buy a sexy outfit, get your hair done, get a manicure, whatever you decide! Anything that makes you feel good for what you have accomplished.0 -
I feel badly that your sad. Don't be sad. I think it is like you both say that neither of you are happy with yourselves right now and nothing more than that. Your drive will come back! It's hard having a new baby so maybe get a babysitter and plan a date night!0
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same thing is going on here. and it probably wont change (for us) until I lose the weight i need to (he needs to lose some too but doesnt seem to want to) or until there is a way to have sex, fully clothed!0
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I wish I had an answer for you but I don't. I can tell you you're not alone. Since I have gained weight i have less of a desire. I think as long as you and hubby are still thinking about it and talking it will come back when you are feeling physically and mentally better. I wish you lots of luck!0
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I can't really speak for your boyfriend, but since I had my baby (15 months ago) I've wanted NOTHING to do with sex. I've been told it could be my birth control (Mirena IUD) or my hormones still working their way out(which is hard to believe). My husband is a sexaholic(not literally) and would take it every night if he could. I just have NO desire to do it. And weigh less now, or at least the same, as when we met.
That's probably not the answer you were looking for. But babies definitely do change the equation of things. Do I think losing weight will help you? It's a possibility. You feel better about yourself, your boyfriend feels better about himself...so yeah, that might help. It doesn't hurt to give it a shot. But I will say that I've been told it gets better.0 -
Actually, I noticed the same thing, the more I weighed the less we had sex, but every pound I lose makes it more frequent.
Just so you know, the more you weigh, the less your confidence and self esteem is, which has an impact on your libido. When you lose weight your confidence builds up which makes you look more sexy!0 -
This is very common.......when you don't feel good about yourself you r sex drive diminishes. In your case you guy just recently had a baby and that too can affect the relationship. The first year after a child is born men typically have a hard time adjusting to sharing the women they once had for their own. And women go through all kinds of hormonal adjustments and realize their bodies will never be the same after children......I have two of my own so I have some experience with this. The best thing to do is keep communicating with each other and LISTEN to one another. You will start to feel more confident when you lose the weight and you'll be back to your old self......maybe better0
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I don't think it's necessarily the weight that's having an impact on your sex life, but maybe the fact that you now have a daughter, who takes a lot of energy to raise, among probably a lot of other things. Maintaining an awesome sex life takes work, and long-term couples almost always feel like they're not having enough sex.
That said, if you both feel lousy about your bodies, that is likely taking a toll. Over time, eating healthy and exercising can give you a lot of energy, and make you feel sexy and confident. You could always try working out together, in addition to making an effort to do romantic stuff (like having a monthly date night), or switching up your sex routine (try doing it somewhere other than the bedroom!) I just read an article that said that long-term couples forget to flirt with each other, and suggested going to a pub separately and then meeting up and flirting like you just met. Kinda corny, but apparently it's effective!
Anyway, the weight loss thing can only help, especially if you're both supportive of each other. This is something a lot of people experience, but I hope you two find a way out of your rut!!! Good luck!
:flowerforyou:
littlemoron0 -
Yes, losing weight will probably spark some things, but why wait for the weight to drop when you could be doing something sexy for yourself and your husband every day?0
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Sounds like there's a couple of things going on here: you're in a LTR, which in ANY LTR, it takes effort and intent to keep the sex spicy. Then you've had a baby; you've got hormonal changes going on, and your partner is reconciling seeing you not just as a woman, but a mommy. So just those factors alone can easily affect a couple's sexlife...Add to that the weight gain you've both had, which might be making you both feel less attractive or less sexy, but ALSO can cause physiological changes.
In men, that weight gain can lower testosterone production (especially if he was once very active, and then got sedentary). You could both also have symptoms of merabolic syndrome.
So in short, don't beat yourself up that things are less-than-steamy right now. You're HERE, so you're obviously trying to get your health back on track. Hopefully your partner is also working toward regainingmhis health as well; if so, I think you'll find things improve long before you reach your goal. As you start to see changes in your body, your self image will improve; when you FEEL sexy, it shows, and he'll take notice. Also, seeing each other working hard can be very sexy. And as your partner loses weight, his testosterone may increase, which of course will make him friskier.0 -
I feel for you because I was there...every time I wanted it...I worried about how I looked or how sexy I wasn't. Let me tell you something I learned....sex has to start in the brain. Think about being young and flirtying all the time with your boyfriend....do you do that now? Did you dress up, do your hair/make up? Do you do that now? Does he shave for you every day (if you like that) Do you pay attention to your husband.....does he pay attention to you? My sex life sucked before I lost the weight....and it didn't get better just because I lost the weight. I got really depressed about it....and that made it worse. I was ready to leave then I talked to a wonderful old lady who had been married for 50 years. I asked her how did she do it. Her answer was I pay as much attention to my hubby as I want him to pay attention to me. I thought about it and right away sent my hubby pic of my boobs saying I wanted him to play with theoes that night...he came home early from work with flowers and while I was putting dinner away he put the kids to bed and pulled me to bed....I guess my point is put some extra effort into your relationship (something most new mommies forget to do) and you will be happy.0
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I guess my question is at what point do you give up??? Can it get better? Does anyone have experience with this?0
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I don't really ever get in the mood. I don't ever feel like it. I don't feel good about how I look either. im not sure what's wrong.0
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Honey....your a new mom who has some extra weight. Don't give up it can and will get better. You just need to work for it. Even if you don't feel sexy make a date with your man. Do something you both enjoy...and even if it feels fake flirt with him....it will come back. Really it will...just take time and work! If you wanna (or need to vent) talk more feel free to add me as a friend.0
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I guess my question is at what point do you give up??? Can it get better? Does anyone have experience with this?
In my opinion, you DON'T give up. You open a dialogue with your BF, let him know you're feeling this way, and the two of you work on improving things together.0 -
I'm not sure exactly what your situation may be however, it has been determined that the hormonal distress associated with abdominal obesity is a major factor behind a lowered libido. The imbalance caused by excess belly fat for example could mean high estrogen, low testosterone, low DHEA, high insulin and/or high cortisol all of which can have an adverse affect on your sex drive.
I can tell you that I noticed a dramatic decline in my libido as well as my boyfriends late last year and it perturbed me. My boyfriend of 10 years and I discussed our weight possibly being the cause. I started MFP at the beginning of the year, he a few days after me. It's been three weeks and there has been a significant increase in sex drive in this short time. We're both down 10 pounds and we've plenty to loose, I'm at 265lbs and he's at 210lbs however, as dramatic the loss, so was the gain.
I can appreciate not being 100% pleased with your appearance and feeling "unsexy" however, from my perspective I've found that, that didn't seem to matter anymore.
I think as you shed the weight you'll see a significant change in sex drive and quite obviously one in self-confidence as well. Don't give up, you're on the right track now as far as working on your perception of self, that's easy to change once you accept where you are now and move on from there.
Hopefully, this was helpful.
:flowerforyou:0 -
I don't really ever get in the mood. I don't ever feel like it. I don't feel good about how I look either. im not sure what's wrong.
I've been there too....
Having a baby is a natural way to lose your libido, you're exhausted, feeling unappreciated at times and probably no longer feeling like a "woman" but a "mum"....your roles have changed and your partner is possibly feeling unappreciated too....don't be down on yourself and don't feel sad about the new lack of feelings..they will come back, but you also need to make an effort too. try to get a date night together at least once a fortnight to give yourselves a chance to dress up a little and have some fun together as a couple. The sexual desires will come back but you may have to "force" yourself to get into the mood....as you do you may actually find that you enjoy it again. Take control and show your partner that you still find him desirable ....and let yourself be loved as you deserve.... mothers can still be lovers!
Enjoy your womanhood ...regardless of your size...0 -
I am a new member and first time poster.
Speaking (writing? texting?) as a man (and feeling a good bit self-conscious as a member of what appears to be a small minority of male members on this site), and as someone who has lived 58 years and who has gained weight over the years (~40 pounds, lost much of it, then regained it, I would say it may be difficult to focus on sex if your self esteem is low. It is understandable that your self esteem might be low if you feel your weight is growing or is out of control.
As we know, the formula for permanent weight loss requires a combination of increasing activity (exercise) and adjusting/limiting diet. All of this requires breaking old habits and creating new habits. We are all creatures of habit. If you want the good life, create habits that give you the good in life. Sex is one of the many good things in life.
Changing habits requires maintaining a positive, focused attitude. We can control, to a large degree, our attitude.
For weight loss, create new habits that incorporate more activity, less food consumption. Make it a habit to focus on a positive attitude toward sex and all of the good things in life. Examine your life and recognize all of your existing habits. Some, like brushing your teeth are good habits. Some, like over-snacking, are bad habits. Make it a habit to break your old, bad habits.
For an improved sex life, start a regular date night, at least once a week. Make it a new, good habit. Keep your attitude positive You don't have to have intercourse to enjoy each other's mutual company and intimacy. Give it time. Persevere. Remember, sex is one of the many good things in life. It gave you your child!
You'll be surprised what can happen.
I hope this helps. It has already helped me focus on what I need to do. Thanks, and good luck.0 -
I guess my question is at what point do you give up??? Can it get better? Does anyone have experience with this?
In my opinion, you DON'T give up. You open a dialogue with your BF, let him know you're feeling this way, and the two of you work on improving things together.
I agree with this to a point. In my opinion, a healthy sex life is pretty important to any relationship. That being said, you've got so much going on in your life right now with the new baby, it's probably best to work on communicating with your boyfriend. I know that a dry spell can feel like the end of the world (or, at the very least, then end of your relationship), but it's really not. It's likely to end once you guys get into your new routine, weight loss will probably help with feeling confident and sexy - I know that I feel a lot more confident and sexy with my weight loss. I've got cuter clothes to wear and I just feel better in general. My mood and energy level are up, and that helps too. I don't think that there are skinny folks out there boning it up out there while the chubby couples are stuck in platonicville - every relationship has its ups and downs regardless of weight. I hope that you're able to find a good level of intimacy that works for you both. If you are really worried about it, talk to your doctor. She can help you figure out what's going on. Good luck!0 -
The healthier you get the better it will get! Trust me! Being very overweight takes away a lot of energy!0
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when I was married, I went through a phase of just not being interested. Blame it on depression, hormones, weight whatever, if it's not there, it's not there period! I went to my doctor and asked her what was wrong with me and if she had a special pill to help me get my libido back?! She had told me No, but it was a normal part of life, that even she had become uninterested in sex as well at times. However, I do believe that the better you feel about yourself, you will want it more. Having a baby is a lot of work and very energy draining for both of you. Give it time and eventually you both will want it again. 7 months isn't that long of time and time it's gonna take to feel in the mood again. It really is a normal part of a relationship, unfortunately you go through phases as your body changes, you get older and you have kids. Don't give up on a healthy sex life, just try ti understand each other and keep the communication lines open. I used to say that IF I I never had sex again I'd be perfectly fine with it but recently, I have felt otherwise, so that's just not true. I thought I would never be normal again but I found out that I do still get the and desire and want it even if I have no one to enjoy it with. So be patient with yourself and each other. Good luck I do know how you are feeling cause Iv'e been there!0
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Honestly after having a child it takes a good amount of time to get your hormones on track and for some that never happens with out medical help. It is totally natural to feel the way you do and its out of your control. If your hubby packed on the weight to thats normal in a pregnancy and so therefore he is feeling the aftermath to. I think feeling better about yourself has a lot to do with it. Im a strong believer in if you look good you feel good. And even though i have weight to lose to i do know for a fact on the days i take the time to look good i do feel good. I have 2 kids my youngest is 3 so i know its hard sometimes to even get in a 5 minute shower but trust me its gonna help. Its a long process but it will happen if you sick with it. And sad to say but humans are creaters of habit. And sex is a hell of a work out so if you can allow yourself to be open to it it will become habit and you will be losing weight toneing muscles and spending some intimate time with your loved one.0
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I can say after having 5 kids, the desire does ebb and flow. You have to work at it sometimes. Your sexual parts are just like any other muscle if you don't use them you don't know they are there. I didn't read everyone elses posts, but are you using birth control? If you are not maybe on a subconsious level you and/or your boyfriend are afraid of getting pregnant again. I would talk to your OB and make sure you are protected, turn the lights off and have fun. It may take few rolls in the hay to get things really flowing again, but don't get discouraged.
Best wishes.0 -
I've been married 31 years to the same man. Thirty ONE years! Here is one important thing I can share with you:
FAKE IT! Pretend that you want him so bad you ache! He's feeling like you don't want him as well as you feeling that he doesn't want you. You're both waiting for the other one to make the first move!
The more you have sex - the more you want it. . . There are different stages at different ages - When we were first married, good grief we were touching one another ALL THE TIME. Then the later 20's I wanted it and HE didn't. 30 hit and man HE couldn't get enough! 40-it was back to ME wanting it all the time. We are closing in on 50 and have met a happy medium between us both now. At all times - we agreed way in the beginning that no matter who it was that was in the mood-the other would never say no. We agreed that a lot of our friends strayed from thier relationships because of that tiny little word. One too many "no's" and they started looking for a yes someplace else.
We did counseling at one point and discovered that we didn't talk enough. I found I NEVER complimented him on ANYTHING he ever did. A married couple that wants to stay married needs to focus on the POSITIVES in one another! So you guys are talking about it and that is a GREAT thing! Start slow - by cuddling - reinact a couple of your dates that were especially nice in the beginning - find that "feeling" again - it's a great feeling of satisfaction when you "survive" being married 31 years -the ups and downs are very worth it, a couple learns so much along the way Have FUN together - ALWAYS!0 -
When my wife and I were married I was already big and she was about average. She has gained a few pounds with our two kids but has stayed pretty small through it all. During the times that I didnt care about fitness or what I was eating I had problems wanting to have sex. But now, even though I have only lost 8lbs, it's like we are teenagers again! She loves feeling my arms and my pecks. So I would say just stick with it. As the both of you move in the right direction I'm sure that fire will come back. And before you know it you will be making baby number 2!! lol0
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