1. Nostalgia (Longing for the Past)
Memories and comfort: Sexual relationships with an ex can be associated with pleasant memories and feelings from the past. When a relationship ends, men may sometimes recall intimate moments—including sexual ones—because they brought a sense of comfort and familiarity. Reconnecting sexually can revive beautiful memories and bring back a sense of safety and ease.
Hope for emotional reconnection: Men might believe that being sexually intimate with an ex can help restore the emotional connection they once shared. Even if the relationship is over, sex may be seen as a way to “bridge” the emotional gap from the past.

2. Not Fully Over the Ex
Unresolved feelings: When a relationship ends, there may still be unresolved emotions or unfinished business that make one party want to return—especially if strong feelings linger. Men may want to relive sexual moments to feel like they’ve fully closed the chapter or to continue emotions they couldn’t fully express.
Emotional or sexual void: In some cases, when a man still feels emotionally or sexually unfulfilled, reconnecting with an ex can be a way to meet those needs—especially if a new relationship isn’t satisfying that aspect yet.

3. Sex Is Easily Accessible
Familiarity and comfort: Having sex with an ex doesn’t require the effort of building new rapport. Both parties already understand each other’s bodies and preferences, which creates a more relaxed and confident dynamic. For men, this sense of ease and not needing to start from scratch may lead them back to their ex.
No need to rebuild trust: Establishing sexual intimacy with someone new can involve emotional barriers—trust issues, insecurities, or even physical hesitation. But with an ex, trust and mutual understanding are already there, making the idea of sexual reconnection easier and more convenient.

4. Sex as a Way to Maintain Connection
A chance to “hold on”: For some men, sex with an ex may feel like a way to keep the relationship alive or hope for a possible reconciliation. They may think intimacy could make the ex reconsider getting back together, as it can bring back old emotions.
Not ready for a full breakup: Sometimes, men may feel that maintaining a sexual relationship with an ex is a way to keep a light emotional connection without fully committing. They might not be ready—or willing—to let go entirely, and sex becomes a means to stay emotionally linked without reentering a serious relationship.

5. Psychological and Biological Drives
Desire and physical satisfaction: Some men have strong physical needs, and reconnecting sexually with an ex can be a way to satisfy those urges without the time and effort of finding someone new.
Self-affirmation: Sex with an ex can also boost a man’s confidence and help affirm his sense of desirability. It may serve as validation of his attractiveness and ability to charm a former partner.

6. Lack of New Sexual Relationships
Sexual deprivation: If a man is currently without a stable sexual relationship or going through a sexually dry spell, turning to an ex can be the simplest way to fulfill that need.

7. The Feeling of “Unfinished Business” or Lack of Closure
Unresolved post-breakup emotions: After a breakup, some men may feel they haven’t emotionally processed everything—especially if there wasn’t a clear or satisfying conclusion. Sex can become a way to deal with lingering emotions or to create a sense of “proper closure” to the relationship.