Impact of Relationship Duration on Sexual Satisfaction – Evidence from Bangladeshi Couples Using the Bangla NSSS-S

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Sexual satisfaction is a vital component of marital well-being, yet its relationship with the duration of marriage remains complex and underexplored in conservative societies such as Bangladesh. The New Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Short Form (NSSS-S) has not been previously validated in Bangla. Aim of the study: To assess the association between relationship duration and sexual satisfaction among Bangladeshi married adults using the Bangla-adapted NSSS-S, and to validate its psychometric properties. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 120 sexually active married adults at BSMMU, Dhaka. Data were collected using structured interviews, including sociodemographic variables, the Bangla NSSS-S, and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and effect size analyses were performed using SPSS 26. Result: The Bangla NSSS-S demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.97). Sexual satisfaction significantly declined with increasing relationship duration (mean NSSS-S scores: ≤5 years = 45.2 ± 6.4 vs. >15 years = 37.9 ± 8.3, p < 0.001). Relationship duration showed a moderate negative correlation with total sexual satisfaction (r = –0.468, p < 0.001). Higher marital satisfaction was strongly associated with greater sexual satisfaction (Cohen’s d = 0.8–1.19). Conclusion: Longer relationship duration is associated with decreased sexual satisfaction among Bangladeshi couples. The Bangla NSSS-S is a reliable tool for assessing sexual satisfaction in this population. Interventions focused on emotional intimacy and communication may help sustain sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships.