Many couples said that during the pandemic, their sexual lives were restricted to evening activities due to restrictions put in place by public health officials. Some couples have found that using a sex therapist may have helped to boost their sexual desire and enhance their overall sex lives. Emily Jaime, a sex therapist in Houston, Texas, has seen a surge of clients in the middle of the pandemic. Ten couples of different ages and occupations participated in a Kinsey Institute study.
Nearly half (47%) of participants said that their sexual lives had changed substantially since the outbreak, and almost half of these changes were negative. Changes in working patterns were the most frequently mentioned reason for the increase in sex, with almost half of couples saying that they had to work longer hours in order to make ends meet. Nearly half of participants said that since the pandemic struck, their sex lives had come to an almost halt, with just some activities being pleasurable.
A separate poll from YouGov found that 47% of U.S. adults believed increased sexual activity was the result of the pandemic. The survey also found that 42 percent of Americans think that increased sexual activity is the result of people being more open-minded about sexuality. The percentage of Americans who think that increased sexual activity is a result of the pandemic is higher than the percentage of Americans who think increased sexual activity is a result of people being more open-minded about sex over the past year. The survey found that 58 percent of couples have improved their relationship quality, 51 percent of couples have improved their life quality, and 68 percent of couples have improved their romantic relationships.
While the study found that relationship quality improved for 58 percent of couples, life quality improved for 51 percent of couples, and change improved for 68 percent of couples, there are still plenty of couples struggling. The study found that sexual activity improved for 54 percent of couples, relationship satisfaction improved for 53 percent of couples, emotional intimacy improved for 53 percent of couples, lower levels of distress improved for 59 percent of couples, leisure activities improved for 62 percent of couples, positive sex lives improved for 54 percent of couples, self-esteem improved for 47 percent of couples, and a partners sense of self improved for 58 percent of couples, and one partners sense of self improved for 58 percent of couples. In light of the pandemic, many couples are considering whether they are able to have sex anymore. Overall, 54% of couples said that since the start of the pandemic, they have improved in sex.
Interestingly, most couples reporting improved sex lives said that they are enjoying a more active, adventurous sexual relationship. In addition, couples who report having more adventurous sex are also more likely to say their anxiety levels are lower now than when the pandemic began. When looking at particular areas of sexual life, it is clear that younger couples are prioritizing sexual activity in ways that might be unique to them.
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