Americans Explain the Sex Recession

TL;DR

Sex Recession Survey: A survey of 2,000 Americans in relationships shows one in four couples have sex once a month or less.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)
Emily's Experience: Emily, 27 from Texas, in a four-year relationship, has sex once or twice a month and prefers being held over activity after work.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)
Sarah's Routine: Sarah, 39 and married with two young children, has sex less than once a month, mainly on date nights every two months.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)

The story at a glance

Kara Kennedy reports on America's sex recession in relationships, drawing from a survey and interviews with couples like Emily and Sarah. The piece highlights personal reasons for infrequent sex amid ongoing emotional connection. It appears timed for Valentine's Day discussions on intimacy.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)

Key points

Survey of 2,000 Americans in relationships finds 25% of couples have sex once a month or less.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)
Emily, 27 in Texas, says sex happens once or twice a month in her four-year relationship; she craves intimacy like being held but not "activity" after a tiring day.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)
Sarah, 39, married 10 years with two young kids, reserves sex for date nights or special occasions about every two months.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)
Common themes include exhaustion ("Sleep wins"), aversion to "performing," and mismatched libidos ("She doesn’t have the same high sex drive as me").[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)

Details and context

The article frames a "sex recession" through anecdotes from Americans who like their partners but prioritize rest or non-sexual touch over frequent sex. Emily explains her mind races after work, making physical "performance" unappealing. Sarah notes liking her husband after a decade but deprioritizing sex amid parenting.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)

No survey source is specified in visible excerpts, but it anchors the reporting on coupled adults.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex) The piece focuses on established relationships rather than singles or youth trends.

Key quotes

“I want intimacy... I just don’t want activity... When I get home, my mind is racing, and the only physical touch I want is to be held.” — Emily, 27, Texas.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)
“It’s for date nights and special occasions, which is maybe once every two months.” — Sarah, 39, married.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)

Why it matters

Declining sex frequency signals shifts in how couples balance work, fatigue, and intimacy in modern life. For those in relationships, it means potential strain from mismatched drives or exhaustion, even with strong emotional bonds. Watch for more data on causes like parenting demands or economic stress, though long-term trends remain unclear.[[1]](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-is-no-one-having-sex)