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Lifestyle

24th Oct 2016

Study reveals the ideal amount of sex couples should have each week

And it’s a lot less than you would assume

Cassie Delaney

Science knows.

A study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science has found that once couples are having sex about once a week, personal happiness and happiness in the relationship begins to level off.

Once a week. Just one time.

Author of the study, Amy Muise, is a sex and romance researcher at the University of Toronto Mississauga, and we’d very much love to see her business card.

Amy says couples should not feel pressured to live up to frequency expectations.

“In general it is important to maintain a sexual connection with a romantic partner, but it is also important to have realistic expectations for one’s sex life, given that many couples are busy with work and responsibilities,” she told The Huffington Post.

“Our research suggests that engaging in regular sex is associated with happiness, but it is not necessary, on average, for couples to aim to engage in sex as frequently as possible.”

Amy conducted three tests during the study. The first drew data from a 23-year study of over 25,000 people, found that more sex is linked to higher levels of happiness, but only until the frequency reaches about once a week.

A second online survey saw 335 participants confirm the data of the first. The final study, which included data from a 14-year study of 2,400 married couples, again found that sex was linked to higher levels of satisfaction with the relationship, but only until they had sex about once a week.

So relax – you’re probably more than filling your quota.

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Topics:

Health,Science,Sex