Sexologist Hetal Gosalia addresses common sexual health concerns. She explains that unconsummated marriages often stem from performance anxiety or fear and advises couples to seek professional guidance. She also clarifies that masturbation is normal without a fixed frequency and encourages individuals questioning their sexual orientation to accept themselves confidently.

It has been six months since we got married, but our marriage is yet to be consummated. My husband is frigid in the extreme. What should I do? —RK, Chembur

Unconsummated marriage is common, so do not lose heart. You need to figure out why he goes frigid in the extreme. The most common reason in newlyweds, in spite of him wanting to have intercourse, is something going wrong, i.e. either he loses erection or he ejaculates. Some face performance anxiety if he has not had sex earlier with anybody. Men usually carry the burden of performance and feel it as their duty to perform sex and satisfy their partner.

Figure out whether you too are fearing pain and hymen tear. If your vaginal muscles are going tight, he will not be able to insert his penis in the vagina. Visually, you see him losing erection here. The most intelligent decision will be to stop struggling and take guidance from the right sexologist. For us, unconsummated marriage is very common. The earlier the couple comes, the better it is, as there is less damage to the relationship. Visit a sexologist who will listen to both of you individually. With guided couple therapy, you will be able to consummate your marriage.

If masturbating is normal, how often can one indulge in it in a week? —UM, Charkop