Sexual Intimacy

What sexual intimacy means

Sexual intimacy refers to the emotional and physical closeness that people can share within a consensual sexual relationship. Psychologists studying relationships look at how intimacy relates to trust, communication, attachment, desire and overall relationship satisfaction, and how these change across a relationship and over the lifespan.

Research highlights that differences in desire between partners are common, that stress, health, parenthood and life transitions often affect intimacy, and that open, respectful communication tends to support satisfaction. Consent is the foundation of any healthy sexual relationship. Psychologists also study how attachment security, self-esteem and body image influence comfort with closeness, and how couples adapt to changes after events such as illness, childbirth or menopause.

Talking to a professional

Concerns about intimacy are personal and can involve physical health as well as emotional and relationship factors. A qualified professional can help sort out which is which in a confidential, non-judgmental setting. Many concerns that people assume are unusual turn out to be common.

Relevant professionals include primary care doctors (GPs), couples therapists, accredited sex therapists and psychologists.

Before an appointment, it can help to note down your questions, what you have noticed and any medicines you already take. It is reasonable to ask about the options available, what the research says about them and what happens next. Good clinicians welcome questions and explain things in plain language.

Learn more

To learn more, see our pages on healthy relationships, communication in relationships and couples therapy. Our guide to types of mental health professionals explains who does what.