If you’re married or in a committed relationship, chances are you have a regular sex life. However, there are many factors that can affect how often you have sex.
For example, age and libido play a role. Generally, people in their 20s have sex about 80 times per year (or about once every five days). As you get older, this number decreases.
1. Married couples
Married couples tend to have sex on average about once a week, according to some studies. But that number can vary a lot depending on factors like the age of the couple and whether or not they have children. Younger people usually have sex more frequently than older folks.
That’s because most people’s natural libido starts to wane as they get older. That’s especially true for women, who can often experience low libido during menopause. As a result, it’s not uncommon for married couples to have less sex as they get older.
While it’s important to remember that more sex doesn’t always equal a better relationship, you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your partner if your sexual frequency isn’t what you’re used to. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to find a solution right away, but it is something that you should bring up with your partner if it’s something that is causing stress or anxiety for either of you.
There are a number of reasons why sex might not be coming as easily for married couples, including a lack of emotional connection and hectic schedules. However, if you’re not having sex that much and it’s been months with no change, that should be a big red flag. It could lead to infidelity and other problems in the long run.
2. Cohabiting couples
The average number of times that a cohabiting couple has sex each week can vary, but it’s generally considered to be higher than the amount of sexual activity between married couples. Despite this, some couples may find that they need to make adjustments in order to have a happy, fulfilling relationship, especially as their needs change with age or as other factors influence their sexual motivation.
For example, certain medical conditions and medications can affect a person’s libido, such as hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, and antidepressants. It’s also normal for people to have less interest in sex as they get older, and these changes can be made easier by maintaining open communication with one’s partner about sexual desires and expectations.
There is no right answer as to how often a couple should have sex. However, it’s important for couples to set a goal and to focus on quality over quantity, as well as to communicate about their needs. This can help to create a sense of intimacy and to ensure that physical and emotional intimacy is meeting the needs of both partners. Then, both can enjoy their sex life and feel satisfied with their relationship.
3. Single people
There’s no such thing as a “normal” amount of sex for couples. How many times a week or month that you have sex will depend on your personal preferences, the health of your relationship, and other factors. For example, if you and your partner have different libidos, your sexual frequency will vary over time. This is normal, and it’s important to communicate about your sexual needs so that you can both feel satisfied.
If you’re single, you may find it helpful to focus on pleasure and quality rather than on the number of times you have sex. It can be a dangerous mindset to focus on checking boxes or pushing your sexual behavior to match some standard, because it can make sex into a chore rather than a fulfilling experience.
It’s also a myth that once you get married or enter a long-term romantic partnership, you have to have sex every day. In fact, researchers have found that even if you’re happily married or living together, having sex once a week can be just as satisfying as having it more frequently.
There are a variety of reasons why you might want to have sex less often, including wanting to focus on other aspects of your relationship or dealing with fertility issues. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sex on occasion or that your love for your partner is any less real.
4. Teenagers
While some people may feel tempted to judge those who don’t hit the once-a-week mark, it’s important for parents and couples to focus on what is right for them. After all, the sex life of each person is unique and can vary depending on many factors including health, hormone levels, and personal preferences.
A 2017 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that, on average, adults have sex 54 times per year or about once a week. This number is based on responses from adults ages 18 to 80. However, if you and your partner have significantly less than this amount of physical intimacy, you could be in what’s known as a sexless marriage which is very common in the United States.
The same study showed that, on average, teenagers have sex three times per month or about once every other day. However, this number can be misleading because the term “teenagers” covers a wide age range from 13-year-olds who are still in middle school to 19-year-olds who are well into college. It is also important to remember that the percentages of teens who self-report having sex may be understated due to response bias.
It is important to talk with your teen about their sex life but if you are uncomfortable doing so, ask someone else to do it. If possible, try to find an outsider that you both trust and respect such as a family friend or older sibling.
