From Catholic sexual ethics to biology to foreplay to positions, our articles are a reference point for all your Catholic sexual queries.
Articles
When Everything Else Has Failed: A Structured, Relational Approach to Overcoming Pornography and Masturbation Struggles in Marriage
When pornography and masturbation struggles persist despite sincere effort, the issue is often deeper than a single behavior. This article introduces a structured, long-term coaching approach designed for married couples who have tried other methods without lasting success, focusing on relational growth, restored intimacy, and realistic change over time. This is not a quick fix or an accountability-only model, but a demanding and hopeful path forward for couples who want to rebuild their marriage together.
A Different Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Why Less Pressure Often Leads to Better Results
Erectile difficulties are often sustained by pressure, anxiety, and self-monitoring rather than physical inability. This article explains a structured, coaching-based approach that helps couples remove performance pressure and restore responsiveness through a clear, time-limited process. It also outlines a six-session, $1,500 coaching package designed specifically for couples whose primary concern is erectile difficulties.
When Intimacy Feels Unsafe: A Structured, Relational Path Forward After Birth or Medical Trauma
Sexual intimacy can change after childbirth or a traumatic medical experience, leaving couples unsure how to move forward without pressure or fear. This article introduces a structured, non-clinical coaching program designed to help couples rebuild bodily safety, sexual responsiveness, and marital intimacy at a sustainable pace. It offers a clear path for those who have already tried other approaches and are seeking a relational, dignified way forward.
When Orgasm Feels Elusive: A Structured, Relational Introduction to Female Orgasm Training (FOT)
Many married women quietly struggle with orgasm, even when desire, love, and effort are present. This article introduces Female Orgasm Training (FOT), a structured, non-clinical coaching program that treats orgasm as a learnable bodily skill rather than a moral or relational failure. It offers a clear, pressure-reducing path forward for women and couples seeking greater confidence and responsiveness in marital intimacy.
Considering an Exodus 90 Group This January?
We are gauging interest in hosting a free Exodus 90 group for men and, if there is sufficient interest and a female host, a free Magnify 90 group for women, both beginning January 5, 2026. Each group requires a minimum of five committed participants by Friday, January 2 to move forward. If you are interested, please complete the interest form to help us determine whether these groups will run.
Join Our New Patreon For Exciting Perks, Including a Free Compendium of Traditional Moral Theologians on Marital Chastity Questions!
Support the Apostolate for Marital Intimacy on Patreon and receive exclusive perks, including a free compendium of traditional moral theologians on marital chastity.
Taking What We Can from Modern Sexology
A Catholic guide to engaging modern sexology: what to receive, what to reject, and how moral, evidence-based approaches to marital intimacy can be developed.
A Traditional Catholic Moral Theologian’s Pastoral Advice on Avoiding Sin During Marital Foreplay
Monsignor Antonio Lanza’s teaching reassures couples that traditional Catholic moral theology allows affectionate and even moderately sexual expressions in marriage when they do not involve intentional orgasm outside intercourse. He explains that tender acts pose little moral risk, that more stimulating acts can be used with proportionate reasons or when spouses intend to complete the marital act, and that only actions which directly initiate intercourse require clear intent to consummate it. His framework shows that married love naturally includes varied expressions of closeness, and that moral discernment rests on intention and consent rather than fear.
Can Catholic Spouses Sext Each Other?
A Catholic moral analysis of whether sexting between spouses can be licit, exploring conditions, risks, and how mutual, ordered intimacy can deepen marital love.
Can a Widow or Widower Enjoy Sexual Thoughts About Their Deceased Spouse?
Can a widow or widower morally take enjoyment in sexual memories of their deceased spouse? This article explains Catholic teaching on marriage, sexual pleasure, widowhood, and the proper role of memory, affection, and grief in the spiritual life.
Be One of the 99 to Join Me
I made the first donation to this campaign myself. Now we need ninety-nine more people to join me. Our goal is simple. We want 100 Catholics to step forward with a $10 monthly gift or a one-time donation of any amount by the end of Giving Tuesday 2025 on December 2.
Ask Your Catholic Sexual Ethics Questions!
If you have a moral question about Catholic sexual morality, whether it’s about what can and can’t be done in the bedroom, NFP, premarital do’s and don’ts, or anything of this nature, ask it in the comments!
Answering Various Moral Questions About the Wife’s Orgasm
A thoughtful look at the moral dangers that can arise when using marital aids. Learn how to avoid misuse, maintain virtue, and protect authentic marital intimacy within a Catholic moral framework.
When Is It Sinful to Use Natural Family Planning (NFP)?
Many couples view Natural Family Planning simply as “the Catholic option,” but few understand the moral conditions governing its use. The Church permits NFP for serious reasons, yet warns against selfish or indefinite avoidance of children. This article clarifies when NFP may be sinful and if so, whether venially or mortally drawing from traditional Catholic moral theology. Understanding these distinctions helps couples practice NFP with both prudence and peace of conscience.
When Desire Disappears: Restoring Libido in Catholic Marriage
Low libido is a common yet often misunderstood challenge in marriage. While stress, hormones, or medication may play a role, couples can find healing and renewed intimacy through understanding, support, and faith-based guidance. Addressing the root causes physical, emotional, and spiritual can restore desire and deepen marital connection. With the right help, love and passion can flourish again.
What’s the Difference Between Pelvic Health Coaching and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?
Discover how pelvic health coaching differs from physical therapy learn when each supports healing, growth, and lasting pelvic well-being.
Can Catholic Spouses Ever Have Sex For Pleasure? And Did the Church Change Her Teaching on This?
Can Catholic spouses ever have sex primarily for pleasure? This question has long stirred debate among theologians and married couples alike. While the Church condemns pursuing pleasure as an end in itself, she also affirms that sexual delight when united with love and the true ends of marriage is both good and holy.
Answering a Reader's Moral Question about the Wife's Orgasm
Physical challenges in intimacy can leave Catholic couples unsure about what’s morally permitted. This article addresses common questions about climax and ejaculation, offering reassurance grounded in Catholic teaching. It helps couples approach these issues with honesty, love, and faith.
Some Moral Dangers to Avoid When Using Marital Aids
While marital aids can sometimes help couples deepen intimacy and overcome physical challenges, they also carry subtle moral risks if not used rightly. As with any good in marriage, intention and moderation matter.
Mixed-Orientation Catholic Marriages: Navigating Homosexual or Bisexual Attraction with Faith and Intimacy
Catholic couples sometimes face the reality of mixed-orientation marriage. Far from invalid or hopeless, these marriages can be holy, intimate, and fulfilling. Discover what the Church truly teaches and how couples can grow in faith and love.