Relationships

How Often Do The Happiest Married Couples Have Sex? This Study Has The Answer

We are bombarded with sexualized imagery on a daily basis. Whether in public spaces through billboards, on our phones through social media, or in our homes through TV - doesn’t it makes you wonder how much sex is the right amount for a couple to have?

By Juliana Stewart1 min read
shutterstock 499269970
Shutterstock/George Rudy

According to a 2017 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour, American adults have sex 54 times per year, which averages about once a week. The study also found that couples had sex nine times less per year from 2010 to 2014 compared to 2000 to 2004. That drop in frequency was even steeper for married couples who live together.

Furthermore, Millennials and iGens (people born in the '90s) are having far less sex than their parents or grandparent's generation due to an increasing number of individuals without a steady or marital partner.

Millennials and iGens are having far less sex than their parents or grandparent's generation.

Sex is on the decline, which sounds about right considering our busy lifestyles and the constant digital distraction. Any marriage counselor will tell you that many of their clients come to them complaining about not having had sex in months, sometimes even years. We all know someone who is going through this.

The Link to Happiness

Another study published in 2015 linked the frequency of sex to happiness. Couples are most happy when they have sex at least once a week but do not increase with higher frequency.

Couples are most happy when they have sex at least once a week but do not increase with higher frequency.

"Although more frequent sex is associated with greater happiness, this link was no longer significant at a frequency of more than once a week," researcher Amy Muise said. "Our findings suggest that it's important to maintain an intimate connection with your partner, but you don't need to have sex every day as long as you're maintaining that connection."

Our Sex Clocks Are Not in Sync

Men's and women's sex clocks are somewhat opposites. Men feel more 'up for it' in the morning because their testosterone levels build up overnight, while women feel in the mood late at night. The magic moment for passion is roughly 7:45 AM for men and 11:20 PM for women.

The magic moment for passion is roughly 7:45 AM for men and 11:20 PM for women.

With conflicting sex clocks, busy schedules, and ever-changing moods it's totally normal for our sexual desires to ebb and flow.

Closing Thoughts

Find the frequency that satisfies you both, and try to have sex at least once a week - it will bring you closer, keep you healthy, and make you happy!