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Topics: Sex and Relationships, Health
Eleanor Dye
When it comes to sex, it's commonly believed that the younger you are, the better it usually is.
Well, apparently, that's not actually the case, according to a new study from the University of Tartu in Estonia that revealed when sexual desire is highest.
The researchers analysed data from more than 67,000 adults aged between 20 and 84, revealing which group really wants to get down and dirty the most. And the results were certainly surprising, at least when it comes to the male population, as the study challenges long-held assumptions that male testosterone levels fall once a man reaches his early thirties, leading to a decrease in sexual desire.
Instead, the study found that male libido actually peaks at the age of 40.
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And that's not all, as the scientists discovered that men in their 60s are equally horny as those much younger, in their 20s. Sexual appetites were found to rise steadily from early adulthood, reaching their highest levels in the early 40s, before declining once more.
However, the results were very different for women, with desire peaking in early adulthood - defined as 20s to early 30s - and lowering with age, culminating in a steep drop after the age of 50.
"The mid-life peak in men suggests that factors beyond biological ageing, such as relational dynamics, may play a more significant role than initially anticipated,” the researchers wrote in the journal Scientific Reports.
“For example, men in their forties are more likely to be in stable long-term relationships, which have been associated with increased sexual activity and emotional intimacy."
They added: "A particularly notable finding is just how substantially higher men's sexual desire was compared to women's throughout most of the adult life span."
Those identifying as bisexual reported the highest levels of sexual desire, as did those with an undergraduate degree, while postgraduates reported the lowest.
Professions recording high levels of desire included those in the military, machine operators, drivers and senior managers, while office workers and those in customer service had lower libidos.
Interestingly, those in happy and satisfied only saw a minor increase in desire. For women, having children marked a decrease in desire, while fathers typically saw an increase.
While general trends could be interpreted from the data, there were huge differences in individual results, with some women's sexual desire significantly higher than that of their male counterparts.
Previously, an expert revealed the real reasons men stop having sex in long-term relationships.
Dr Snyder, writing in his book Love Worth Making: How To Have Ridiculously Great Sex In A Long-Lasting Relationship, said the reasons could be anything from reminding a man of his mom to emotionally withdrawing.
He added that there needs to be a mutual understanding of how to please each other, and even small moments of erotic excitement can be a great boost for a couple's sex life. It's also reportedly important not to stick to a rigid 'sex schedule', so embracing spontaneity when it comes to a romp may be best for your sex life!