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A population-based survey of 4,290 men and 4,366 women found only 46% of men and 58% of women were satisfied with their current frequency of sex.
- Dissatisfied men were overwhelmingly likely to desire sex more frequently
- Among dissatisfied women, only two thirds wanted sex more frequently.
Age also plays a part…. but only for men, with those aged 35-44 years tending to be among the least satisfied.
Men and women who were dissatisfied with their frequency of sex are also more likely to express overall lower sexual and relationship satisfaction.
The authors’ findings not only highlight desired frequency of sex as a major factor in satisfaction, but also reveal important gender and other socio-demographic differences that need to be taken into account by researchers and therapists seeking to understand and improve sexual and relationship satisfaction among heterosexual couples.
Other issues such as length of time spent having sex and practices engaged in may also be relevant, particularly for women
One thing that emerges from this study is that if couples value sex as an important part of their relationship, then they need to put sex higher up the priority list.
Source: Journal of Sex Marital Therapy; 2011 Mar;37(2):104-15.
