HOW OFTEN DO PEOPLE HAVE SEX? WHAT'S HIGH, 'NORMAL, ' AVERAGE & LOW?

How frequently people have sex is a question most people are eager to know the answer to. Herein is what entails how often people have sex, including; age, relationship status, and what sex is. 

The question of how frequently people should engage in sex has no specific answer. It can be several times a week, monthly, daily, or less. Most people wonder how often it should be and how to measure their capability; although there are numbers, it is still not easy to pinpoint how exactly it is. Below are ways to determine how often people have sex.

It Depends 

This answer is ambiguous, and it does not answer the question. According to Lai & Hynie (2011), young people have sex more than older people. However, the frequency at which people have sex gradually reduces as they grow in their relationship. Also, an older person in a new relationship might increase the rate at which they are having sex. It is important to break down the number of how frequently people have sex demographically by age, gender, and relationship status. 

By Age

The National Survey of Sexual and Behavior discovered that young men and women, especially those below thirty years, are likely to have sex with someone during their previous year. However, the frequency at which they have sex reduces every decade. The following statistical data applies to men:

• 18-19 years of age:  about 63 percent of them had vaginal sex in the past year.
• 20-30 years: 85 percent of them have had sex.
• Mosher et al. (2005) noted that among men in their 40s: only 74 percent have had sex, 
• Men in 50s: only 58 percent have had sex in the past year. 

Men are notorious for exaggerating how frequently they have had sex and mentioning the partners who participated in the act. However, statistical data shows that they are few. For instance, only six percent of men in a group have sex more than three times a week. Men in their prime ages, for example, in their thirties and twenties, are likely to have sex at least three times every week. However, most men have sex two or three times a week or monthly, depending on preference. Men in their twenties have sex frequently compared to any other age. 

Ladies are most likely to have more vaginal sex in the previous month than masturbation. That frequency remains constant throughout their lifetime. For example, only 26 percent of ladies between 18 and twenty years masturbated last month. However, over 43 percent of the same age range have had vaginal sex in the past. You may think that masturbation is a fine art, and more ladies should give it a go. A lady should master techniques for a full pleasurable orgasm. The following statistical data shows how frequently ladies have had sex in the past 365 days compared to the 26 percent who masturbate. 

• 18 to 19 – 41 percent 
• 20 to 24 – 62 percent
• 25 to 29 – 74 percent
• The 30s – 74 percent 
• The 40s – 70 percent
• The 50s – 51 percent 
• 702s – 22 percent

The statistical data shows that ladies in their twenties are likely to have sex frequently in the past year. However, the value begins to drop after a decade. Ladies reach their peak later than men. The case might be different when the statistical data are further examined. Ladies have sex less than men in the 10 years range. However, some ladies have sex more frequently than others.

Young boys and girls have sex more frequently than older people because their sex hormones are higher. Older people have low sex hormones contributing to reduced sex practices. Gareri et al. (2015) noted that older men experience erectile dysfunction that is not evident in young people unless they are sick or stressed.

By Relationship Status 

People in a relationship have sex more frequently than singles. The frequency changes depending on the couple's age. For instance, married ladies aged 18 to twenty years are likely to have sex twice more than unmarried. The gap widens as ladies grow old, meaning that single ladies in their 40s to fifties are likely to have less sex because they are inactive compared to young ladies.

About forty-six percent of ladies between eighteen and twenty years with no partners have had sex in the last three months compared to eighty percent of ladies with partners. Ladies in their mid and late twenties have a high frequency of having sex. For instance, about 36 percent of single ladies have had sex. Ninety-two percent of ladies in the same range but married have had sex in the same time frame. The comparison deteriorates for ladies in their thirties, forties, and fifties.

People think that married couples have sex more frequently than other groups. However, think again. Despite the challenges, you are likely to have more sex in a relationship than when you are single. 

Having sex decreases as couples get old because energy and flexibility decrease. This factor contributes to young men and women having sex more frequently than older people. 

What Is Sex?

Determining how frequently people have sex is a tough task considering everyone interprets sex differently according to their understanding. For instance, some people count sex when there is vaginal penetration, while others,  acts involving the genital such as anal or oral sex, count as sex because 'sex' is the general term. Richters et al. (2016)  stated that some sexual activities such as BDSM, manual stimulation, dry humping, and mutual masturbation qualify as sex to some people. Considering these possibilities, it is not easy to tell how frequently a person engages in sex.

The Bottom Line 

It is not easy to tell how frequently people have sex because people interpret sex differently. Men are likely to have sex more often than ladies. Age determines the frequency of partners having sex. Young people have more sex than older adults due to flexibility and energy capabilities. Also, the relationship status can help determine how frequently people have sex. A couple is likely to have sex more often than single partners. 

Reference: 

Gareri, P., Castagna, A., Francomano, D., Cerminara, G., & De Fazio, P. (2014). 

Erectile Dysfunction In The Elderly: An Old Widespread Issue With Novel Treatment Perspectives. International Journal Of Endocrinology, 2014.

Lai, Y., & Hynie, M. (2011). A Tale Of Two Standards: An Examination Of Young 

Adults’ Endorsement Of Gendered And Ageist Sexual Double Standards. Sex Roles, 64(5), 360-371.

Mosher, W. D., Chandra, A., & Jones, J. (2005). Sexual Behavior And Selected Health 

Measures: Men And Women 15-44 Years Of Age, United States, 2002 (No. 362). US Department Of Health And Human Services, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, National Center For Health Statistics

Richters, J., De Visser, R., Rissel, C., & Smith, A. (2006). Sexual Practices At Last 

Heterosexual Encounter And Occurrence Of Orgasm In A National Survey. Journal Of Sex Research, 43(3), 217-226.