In addition to working as a sex therapist in Toronto, I’m also a doctoral student in Human Sexuality at Widener University. As part of my dissertation for my PhD, I am recruiting participants for a study on the experience of people who are in heterosexual relationships but have been unable to have sexual intercourse (or penis in vagina sex).
My interest in this topic stems from my work as a sex therapist. I’ve worked with numerous individuals and couples who have been unable to have sexual intercourse, despite wanting to do so. Reasons for this inability include vaginismus, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and sexual fear or sexual phobia. While the inability to have penile-vaginal intercourse–often called unconsummated marriage or unconsummated relationship–isn’t a problem for some couples, those who seek treatment from a sex therapist report significant distress. Despite this, there is little in the academic and research literature on this topic.
My goal is to address this gap in the literature by interviewing men and women who have been unable to have intercourse in their current relationship. Study participants will take part in a one-time interview, answering questions about their experience. I want to report any positive or negative impacts experienced by people in this situation.
Are you in a heterosexual relationship and unable to have intercourse? Please share your story. Results of the study may help guide future research and clinical practice. For more information about this research study and how to participate, contact me at ambairstow@mail.widener.edu or 416-545-9908.