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Half of Americans in serious relationships admit to thinking about someone besides their partner during sex (49%), according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 sexually active adults explored what goes on behind closed doors and found that 20% said their favorite part of sex is intercourse, instead favoring foreplay (30%).
Interestingly, respondents said intercourse is the least likely thing to happen in a sexual encounter (53%), surpassed by kissing (72%), foreplay (71%) and cuddling (61%).
On average, Americans spend 11 minutes kissing before sex, 18 minutes doing the deed and 15 minutes cuddling after.
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However, many are left wanting more.
Conducted by OnePoll for LELO, the survey found that although the average American has sex four times a week, 61% wish their sex life was even better.
A majority of respondents who are in serious relationships share the same desire (62%).
One in seven find themselves “always” wishing that sex lasted longer.
More than half of women shared they could do with more kissing (54%), while 56% of men wish that sex, itself, lasted longer.
According to Americans, the best sex happens in the morning (30%), while smaller percentages of respondents prefer the afternoon (23%) or evening (21%).
More respondents have a preference for spontaneous sex (33%) while a quarter prefer to pre-plan for a smoother experience (24%).
When in the bedroom, 50% of sexually active Americans claim that they prioritize pleasing their partner.
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Just 34% admit they’re more of a “receiver,” the partner who prioritizes their pleasure.
Men are more likely to say they’re “givers” (60%) while women are more likely to be “receivers” (39%).
Thirty percent of those in a committed relationship said their partner is more sexually needy than they are, and just 16% admit the opposite to be true.
In fact, 61% of these respondents said they sometimes have sex because their partner wants to, even if they’re not in the mood — especially men (71%), compared to 53% of women.
“Within the context of pleasure, achieving a satisfying experience requires a reasonable balance,” said Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO. “A solid framework for a truly fulfilling encounter is formed by thoroughly examining one’s desires and the preferences of one’s partner. Effective, open discussion and cultivating empathy serve as entry points for creating a good relationship and increasing empathy.
Our commitment to creating a seamless blend of satisfaction ensures that each intimate moment becomes a harmonious symphony of pleasure, highlighting the importance of mutual contentment. It’s critical to remember that finding common ground between individual preferences and mutual enjoyment leads to a mutually enriching experience.”
A majority of those surveyed feel confident that they can tell if their partner is having a good time during sex (73%).
Yet, just 18% of Americans “always” orgasm when having sex, with one in eight saying they “rarely” or “never” do.
Men are more likely to “always” orgasm (21%) compared to 15% of women.
To help them get there, 40% have used sex toys in the bedroom and 50% have a sexual desire they’ve never explored that they’re interested in sharing with a partner soon.
“Intimacy is an evolving experience that benefits from adaptability and innovation,” said Matutinovic. “Integrating thoughtfully selected pleasure products into the intimate dynamic of a relationship can offer a substantial advantage. The introduction of sex toys in the bedroom introduces an element of novelty and variety, vital for sustaining long-term connections.
By embracing these products, couples can embark on a journey of shared exploration, fostering enhanced communication and a deeper understanding of one another’s desires. In this pursuit, using sex toys can significantly contribute to maintaining a fulfilling and enduring bond.”
Produced in association with SWNS Research
(Additional reporting provided by Talker Research)