Luther's ideas about women are tied to his ideas about sexuality. In some writings, such as the sermons and lectures on Genesis and particularly his comments about Eve, women's sexual nature is at the core of their being. He criticizes women, both prostitutes and other young women, for enticing young men into sexual relationships, with language that is much harsher than that discussing men enticing women. In other works, however, he concentrates more on male sexual desire and sexual activities, with women entering in primarily as desired objects rather than acting subjects. He regards sexual desire as extremely powerful in both men and women, but muses from time to time that women's weakness might make it even more difficult for them to control their desires than this was for men.

In Luther's opinion, the power of lust makes the truly chaste life impossible for all but a handful of individuals. Thus one of his earliest treatises attacks the value of vows of celibacy, and argues that the best Christian life is not one which fruitlessly attempts ascetic celibacy, but one in which sexual activity is channeled into marriage. Marriage is not a sacrament – Luther was adamant that it conferred no special grace – but it is the ideal state for almost everyone. Therefore the restrictions on marriage which had developed in the Middle Ages should be done away with, and everyone should marry, the earlier after puberty the better.