In part, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to answer some questions the church at Corinth had concerning various issues (7:1, 25, 8:1, 12:1, 16:1). One of these issues is indicated in chapter 7:1-9, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman” (vs. 1)” Certainly, it was morally good and right for an unmarried man not to touch (have sexual relations with) a woman. However, the question may have been whether or not married couples should refrain from sexual intercourse in order to better please God.
Paul was concerned that abstaining from sex in marriage might lead to sexual immorality. In fact, because of the temptation to sexual immorality, the husband and wife must not deprive one another of sex except during an agreed upon period of time in which they might give themselves to prayer.
Paul also addressed the unmarried wishing that they might remain unmarried like himself. However, if they could not exercise self-control, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with sexual passion.