The unconsummated marriage: causes and management

To describe the characteristics of a group of couples with unconsummated marriages and highlight the usual causes and factors for successful management.

Couples seen at King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between the years 1996 and 2001 with inability to consummate their marital relationship.

A total of 36 couples were seen during the 5-year period. Vaginismus was the primary cause in 63.9% of the cases, erectile dysfunction in 11.2%, severe premature ejaculation in 8.3%, low male sexual desire in 2.7%, and low female sexual desire in 13.9%. A significant correlation was found between the age of the females and low sexual desire and a significant correlation between consanguinity and low sexual desire in the males.

Dysfunction underlying non consummation of marriage is largely treatable. Adaptation to the situation usually occurs, and associated factors add to the primary cause. Treatment of the underlying dysfunction can challenge the relationship.