Married couples make love, on average, about 53 times per year, which is slightly more than once a week.
This figure, which is an average, comes from research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2017. However, it's crucial to understand that this is just an average, and individual experiences can vary widely. Factors influencing frequency include:
- Age: Sexual frequency generally decreases with age.
- Relationship Length: The honeymoon phase often involves more frequent sex. As the relationship matures, the frequency might change.
- Health: Physical and mental health conditions can significantly impact sexual desire and activity.
- Stress: High levels of stress can negatively affect libido for both partners.
- Individual Desire: Differences in sex drive are common and can influence how often a couple engages in sexual activity.
- Relationship Satisfaction: Couples who are happier in their relationship tend to have sex more often.
It's important to remember that quality of sex is often more important than quantity. Focusing on intimacy, communication, and meeting each other's needs is more likely to lead to a fulfilling sexual relationship than simply trying to reach a specific number. The "average" number should not be used as a yardstick to measure your own relationship, but rather as a broad data point. A fulfilling and healthy sex life looks different for every couple.
