Study has found that women who have weekly sex report greater relationship satisfaction.
Women who engage in sex at least once a week are significantly more likely to report being happy in their relationships, a new study reveals.
According to research involving 483 heterosexual women in committed relationships, 85% of those who had sex weekly described themselves as “sexually satisfied.” In contrast, satisfaction dropped to 66% among women who had sex once a month, and plunged further to just 17% for those with even less frequent intimacy.
The study, led by Alexandra Janssen of the University of Manchester, underscores the potential link between regular sexual activity and overall relationship happiness. However, Janssen cautioned that the findings represent correlation, not causation.
“We don’t know if women are happier because they’re having more sex, or if they’re having more sex because they’re happier—or whether both are influenced by other factors, such as not having children,” she explained.
Interestingly, while frequent orgasms were associated with greater satisfaction, the study found that women who climaxed 100% of the time were not necessarily the most satisfied.
“This challenges the popular belief that orgasm is the ultimate benchmark of sexual satisfaction,” Janssen noted. “It suggests that women can enjoy fulfilling sex lives without reaching orgasm every time—and that realization could take the pressure off many.”
Other insights from the study, published in the International Journal of Sexual Health, include:
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Women aged 18 to 24 were most likely to report high levels of sexual satisfaction.
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Those over 45 were least likely to describe their intimate lives positively.
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Women who considered sex a “very important” part of life were generally happier in their relationships.
Despite its insights, the study had limitations. It relied on self-reported data that couldn’t be independently verified, and the participants—predominantly heterosexual women from New Zealand—represented a narrow demographic, which may not reflect broader populations.
Still, the findings align with previous research suggesting that regular sex has wide-ranging benefits, from improved mood to better health—and even a longer life.