Sex is becoming rare: experts explain why people are losing interest in intimacy

      September 6, 2025 14:30

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       SocietyAmerican analysts record a significant decline in interest in sex. According to the Institute for Family Studies, less than 40% of Americans have sex at least once a week. More than a thousand men and women aged 18 to 64 took part in the survey, and only 37% of them reported having a regular sex life.

      By comparison: in 1990 it was about 55%, and by 2010 the figure had fallen below 50%. In addition, since 2010 the number of young Americans aged 18 to 29 who live with partners or are in relationships has dropped sharply — to 32%. At the same time, the share of those who had not had intimate relations for more than a year rose from 12% to 24%.

      Researchers link the decline in sexual activity in part to an unwillingness to marry. However, the trend has affected married couples as well: whereas in 2008 59% of married people had sex at least once a week, now it is less than 49%.

      Russians face the same difficulties

      Problems with sexual activity are also typical for Russia, writes 360.ru. According to a survey conducted last autumn by Gedeon Richter together with the NAFI Analytical Center, 22% of young people aged 18–23 are not sexually active.

      About 40% of Russians aged 18 to 45 admitted that they avoid talking about sexual problems with their partner, and a quarter of respondents prefer to ignore difficulties altogether. More than half of survey participants reported difficulties in intimate relationships, most often related to lack of desire and physical dissatisfaction (39%).

      Many admitted that they suffer from complexes and fears, yet only 4% seek professional help. According to the study, loss of sexual desire is more common among generations Y and X (ages 24–45). Among zoomers, communication difficulties and discussing intimate boundaries come to the fore.

      Experts on generational change and anxiety

      Irina Gildebrandt, Director of Strategic Projects at the NAFI Analytical Center, stressed that sexual preferences change noticeably from generation to generation and require detailed analysis.

      She also noted that modern young people more often avoid dating and prefer virtual communication. According to the expert, young people aged 18–23 are often called "the anxious generation": a third of them suffer from anxiety disorders, and constant stress reduces interest in finding a partner and negatively affects sexual desire.

      Anna Pokhitonova, Head of Communications at Gedeon Richter in Russia, believes the study's results underscore the need for an open dialogue about sexual and reproductive health. She noted that most problems can be resolved by consulting relevant specialists.

      Voluntary abstinence from sex

      Experts link the decline in interest in intimate life to the predominance of online communication, stress, anxiety and excessive workload. In the US, a low level of sex education is named as an additional factor.

      At the same time, refusal of sex is not always dictated by problems. There are those who consciously choose celibacy, seeing it as a path to spiritual development. And this refers not only to radical practices but also to a fully conscious personal choice.

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