How much sex do we have on average?

You often hear things like „we don’t have time anymore”, „it seems to be less than before”, or „we’d like to have sex more often, but…”. But what actually is the average number of times people have sex? And how does that differ by country or age? Let’s clarify.

Global figures

International research shows that the frequency of sex varies considerably by country and by relationship. According to an overview of Durex charts, the percentage of people having sex weekly, was higher than 80% in some countries (Greece, Russia, Brazil) while in other countries the percentage was significantly lower. Another analysis shows that in countries like the US, the average frequency is relatively high among younger couples: around 112 times a year for 18-29-year-olds (about twice a week). 

Trend: less sex than before

Interestingly, the frequency is declining in many Western countries. A recent analysis shows that countries like Australia, the United Kingdom and the US experienced a 15 to 28% decrease in their average sex frequency between 1991 and 2020. This doesn’t automatically mean that people have poorer contact or less desire, but circumstances, relationship duration and pressure of life are all factors. It could also be that we have become much more honest and open over the years.

Age and relationship dynamics

Age does matter. At a younger age (18-29) people tend to be more sexually active when they have a stable partner, and circumstances are favorable (privacy, energy, motivation). As you get older or have been in a relationship for a longer period of time, the frequency often decreases. In Germany, for example, an average of about twice a week was mentioned for heterosexual couples in the early stages of the relationship. 

Why such differences?

There is not one reason. Factors like work, stress, kids, health, relationship duration, cultural norms and personal preferences are all of influence. Also: single vs. cohabiting matters. In many studies, singles are relatively less likely to have sex than people in a stable relationship.

What does this mean for you?

The main message: there is no standard leading frequency per week for everyone. If you and your partner feel good, like it and your frequency suits your life, you are good. If it feels like less than you’d like, that’s often less a matter of “not enough sex” and more a matter of communicating, prioritizing and looking at circumstances. And very cliché of course, but very true all the same: “it’s about quality, not quantity”.

In short

Yes, the average figures are around one to two times a week in countries with high reporting rates. But many couples have sex less often, and that’s completely normal.