How can a couple cope with infidelity issues?

The reverberations of an affair can extend throughout a couple's relationship like ripples on a pond. Sometimes the straying partner isn't able to respond sexually to his or her spouse because of guilt over the affair, fatigue from juggling two sexual relationships, or a negative comparison of the spouse with the new lover. If the spouse discovers the affair, he or she is likely to withdraw emotionally and physically.

An affair can be a serious, sometimes fatal, blow to a relationship. However, it's possible for a couple not only to survive infidelity, but also to grow from this painful experience. To do this, though, both partners must face the personal and relationship issues that may have contributed to the infidelity. Couples therapy is a good place to turn for help in doing this. Sex therapy can also be useful if the affair has either caused, or resulted in part from, sexual problems.