How sex starts, sexual initiation is a crucial step in determining whether sex happens or not.

Research tells us that the frequency of sex (in established couples) can decrease with proximity or increase with opportunity. This study looked at sexual initiation in the time of social isolation to see whether the frequency of sexual initiation changed during the social isolation associated with COVID-19. A qualitative analysis was done to see which themes are associated with decreased initiation and which are associated with increased initiation.

2351 men and women answered an online request for how sexual initiation has changed since COVID began. They were asked a series of questions about their sexual preferences and frequency surrounding sexual initiation and 656 of the participants answered open-ended question about how sexual initiation had changed for them over this period of social isolation.

What did we find?

The majority of participants reported a significant drop in sexual initiations during this pandemic induced social isolation. But almost one fifth, 17% reported sexual initiations increased. What did they do differently? 656 of the participants gave us a detailed description of the impact COVID isolation has had on sexual initiation in their relationship.

The top themes associate with an increased in sexual initiations included:

  1. Less stress
  2. More time together
  3. More communication
  4. More energy

The top 10 themes associated with a decrease in sexual initiations included:

  1. More stress (or a partner’s stress)
  2. Not knowing how to initiate (concerned about reaction from partner)
  3. No space, freedom or time alone together as a couple
  4. Feeling bored or being in a sexual rut
  5. Too much time together or familiarity
  6. Fatigue or no energy
  7. Irritation or more arguing with a partner
  8. Less arousal in the body (likely associated with stress)
  9. Not having a partner present
  10. Depression or anxiety

Was there a difference between men and women?

Women reported that sexual initiations decreased more than men. Men, in turn, reported no change (medium effect size). This difference may be explained by men, who are more likely to be the initiators in the relationship, may not be initiating as much as they normally do (likely do to stress, etc), but it is the women who are noticing it more.

In summary:

This was a preliminary study of how sexual initiation changes in times of social isolation. While sexual initiations dropped significantly overall, likely due to stress and pressures unique to social isolation within a pandemic, one prominent group reported that sexual initiations have increased and even expanded. This change is associated with an appreciation for more time together, greater communication and less stress. These

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