Stress over money affects love life

Modern day stress over money and insecurity of jobs is affecting love life. Couples are stressed about money so they are arguing over small things, enjoying holidays less and hence not in a mood for sex.

Psychologist Dr. Anjali Chabria says, “The pressure caused by modern day life which is full of insecurities is leading to stress in the relationship. Money matters have actually affected the marital life of many. Every day I get 2 or 3 people who are affected by stress over financial matters, which in turn are affecting their marital life.” Financial stress is leading to sex-related problems like- menstrual disturbances, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, downsized libidos and infertility.

People are working for longer hours and are always in the fear of loosing their jobs. “Most of the patients coming to me are too tired at the end of the day both mentally and physically and hence are in no mood to perform. Sex life has become almost non-existent,” adds Dr. Chabria.

The sheer stress of money worries in general, and the fear of redundancy in particular is affecting sex life. Economic uncertainties can cause people to become more anxious- with the added dimension of people trying to get another job, or working longer hours to cover for a partner who has lost theirs.

The Beatles did sing about how money cannot buy you love. But it can definitely get better sex. Whether we like it or not money is definitely one of the main factors determining female sexual satisfaction.

“There are many patients who are coming to me who has to say that they have lost huge amount of money in the stock market and they don’t know what to do. The only thing they are discussing is how to pay back their loans that they have taken for their marriage, the EMI. The mind is completely restless and is under a lot of pressure. So the last thing that they want is sexual intimacy,” says another psychologist Dr. Seema Hingorani.

Finances do play a very important part in marital life. Today people are living in the constant fear of loosing their jobs. This is leading to depression. Dr. Chabria says, “Mind needs to be relaxed to be able to perform on bed. If the mind is constantly under pressure it is very difficult for couples to get intimate.”

Depression and anxiety is leading to impotence. Gynecologist, Dr Pratik Mitra says, “Losing their life's savings affects their self-confidence and self-esteem, naturally affecting the urge to have sex. This is usually temporary -- if checked on time, counseling and medication help cure the problem. But low sexual desire, failure to perform sexually, lack of support from the partner and not checking the problem in time can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction...”

Dr. Seema Hingorani adds, “Communication with your partner is the best way to get out of such situation. So do not stress over factors over which we don’t have any control.” Financial insecurity is just a temporary thing and it will be foolish if we let our marital life get effected over such things.