Women’s sex drive FLOPS after tying the knot but men’s appetite remains just as high, study claims
WOMEN’S desire for sex does flop after tying the knot, research confirms.
But men’s appetite for intimacy remains just as high after the honeymoon period is over, according to a study of more than 400 newlyweds.
Experts warn this change in sexual compatibility is one of the key reasons for marital friction.
U.S. researchers found women’s desire for bedroom antics drops by up to 16 per cent in the first four years of marriage.
The same was true for those who went on to have kids or remained childless.
While for blokes enthusiasm for sex remained undimmed no matter the circumstances.
Psychologists from Florida State University say one explanation is once in a secure relationship, women put in less effort than when courting.
Writing in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, lead researcher Dr James McNulty, said: “Newlywed husbands continue to desire sex with their spouse and sex in general, while wives demonstrated declines in both.
“One could...speculate that women experienced heightened sexual desire as a functional response to facilitate courtship.
“The decline during the newlywed years may stem in part from the diminished need to secure a partner’s investment.”
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
In total, 207 newlywed couples were quizzed about their sexual desire, any changes to family circumstance, such as having kids, and marital satisfaction every six months for four years.
Results show women’s appetite for passion declined soon after marriage and continued to drop off, while for men it remained unaltered.
Although these changes did not directly translate to less sex, suggesting it impacts on quality rather than quantity of lovemaking.
Researchers say their findings may help couples deal with martial strife.
They said: “Our findings may reassure some couples that the mismatch in marital sexual desire is normal and typical.
“Greater recognition of the mismatch in spousal sexual desire may lead to greater acceptance and understanding for some couples, and a reduction in marital discord.’’
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
Commenting on the study, psychotherapist Phillip Hodson, said: “What’s called buyer remorse could explain the difference.
"Love is fine in theory but complex in practice when key personality, family and other differences emerge in any new relationship.
“It’s also more likely that sex is a turn-off for women if they only consent out of duty.’’
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