How often do couples have sex?

How often do couples actually have sex?

According to the General Social Survey (GSS) and NATSAL-3, the average adult in a relationship has sex about 54 times per year — roughly once a week. But this drops significantly with age, from about 8–9 times/month at age 18–29 to 2–3 times/month after 60.

Average sex frequency by age group

• 18–29: 8.6 times/month (2.15/week)
• 30–39: 6.0 times/month (1.5/week)
• 40–49: 5.2 times/month (1.3/week)
• 50–59: 3.6 times/month
• 60–69: 2.4 times/month
• 70+: 1.2 times/month

Key findings from research

• Couples who have sex once/week report the highest satisfaction — more isn't always better (Muise, 2016)
• About 15% of marriages are considered "sexless" (fewer than 10 times/year)
• Frequency has declined about 9% since the 2000s across all age groups
• Relationship length matters more than age — new couples average 2–3x more

Sources: General Social Survey (GSS), NATSAL-3, Muise et al. (2016), Archives of Sexual Behavior.