New survey data offers a snapshot of how often married Americans are having sex, while researchers say the findings challenge common assumptions about relationship health. National demographic studies suggest that lower sexual frequency is often a normal part of aging and long-term relationships, and that there may be a ‘sweet spot’ associated with marital satisfaction.

Sexual Frequency in Marriage

Data from the General Social Survey, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, found that married Americans report a wide range of sexual frequency. The survey asked how often couples have had sex during the last 12 months. Among the 1,893 married respondents surveyed in 2024, the responses were as follows.

The average American adult has sex 53 times a year — or a little more than once per week, according to research by the telehealth platform Hims. While marriage is often associated with less frequent sex, research has found the difference to be relatively small. A 2014 study found that married people had sex about 55 times a year, compared with 59 times a year among their unmarried peers.

Experts emphasize that sexual desire naturally fluctuates as couples navigate career demands, parenthood, and biological aging. Clinical data suggests that aiming for a daily or high-volume sexual quota does not actually improve relationship quality. A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science in 2015 evaluated more than 30,000 individuals over four decades and discovered a drop-off in additional benefits.

When a couple experiences an intimacy dry spell, medical professionals recommend evaluating physiological factors rather than jumping to conclusions about incompatibility. Educational resources from the International Society for Sexual Medicine note that physical conditions can influence libido.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.