Expert: Katie D. - 2/1/2009

Question
My husband and I are in our 50's due to several health problems (diabetes/high blood pressure) we have been celibate for 8 years. We are trying to get closer again with toys and mild porn, oral sex.  He cannot get an erection.  We are Catholics, is this a sin?

Answer
Is it a sin? It is considered a sin to masturbate (play with sex toys). But strict Catholics shouldn't get have sex or children out of marriage or a divorce but that happens everyday. I believe this is a question that you should ask your priest, that is if you feel comfortable asking him. You should also speak to your doctor about introducing sexual acts back into your lives since you state that you both have high blood pressure, the simulation that you have lacked for so many years may make you blood pressure increase to very high levels.