Sexual activity in French relationships

In France, 26 percent of women in a relationship report having no sexual relations with their partner, according to an Ifop study for Passage du Désir. The study highlights a significant variation based on age and relationship duration.

Age and relationship duration affect sexual activity

The proportion of women without sexual relations rises to 55 percent among those aged 65 and older, compared to 16 percent among women aged 25-34 and 13 percent in couples formed less than a year ago. This shows a clear link between age and sexual frequency in relationships.

Global comparison of sexual activity

Globally, 31 percent of women in relationships in the G7 report no sexual relations, with Japan having the highest rate at 66 percent. This indicates that the phenomenon is not unique to France but varies significantly across countries.

Frequency of sexual relations

The study indicates that 41 percent of women in relationships have sex at least once a week, while a quarter have less than once a month. This data reflects the range of sexual activity levels among partnered women.

Change in sexual frequency over time

Additionally, 77 percent of women say they have sex less frequently than at the beginning of their relationship, with this proportion increasing to 87 percent after twenty years of married life. This suggests a decline in sexual activity as relationships progress over time.

Satisfaction with relationships

Despite the absence of sexual relations, 63 percent of women in relationships without sexual activity report being satisfied with their romantic life, compared to 91 percent of those who still have relations. However, only 18 percent of women without sexual activity describe themselves as very satisfied, compared to 46 percent of sexually active women. This highlights the complex relationship between sexual activity and overall relationship satisfaction.