What do spouses do when separated for long periods of time?

[LupitaConchita]

I have read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church about masturbation and how it is a mortal sin. What are deployed spouses supposed to do with their sexual needs while there is physical separation? What are the spouses left behind supposed to do with their sexual needs?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

They’re supposed to realize that they are not ruled by their sexual urges and practice self-mastery over them. One of the reasons chastity in marriage – both before marriage with abstinence and during marriage with responsible, morally-licit management of the fertile periods – is so important is because it can prepare spouses for times during their marriage when they will be unable to have marital relations. A better question for you to ponder is “How can a married couple with no practice at saying ‘no’ to instant sexual gratification possibly expect to remain true to their vow of lifelong marital fidelity?”