Sex Talk: Nearly Half Of Brits Unhappy With Sex Lives Because Of Pressure To Perform

Not Had Sex In The Last Month? You're Not Alone...
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If you haven't had sex this month then don't worry, you're certainly not alone.

A study of 6,000 people found that just under half (45%) of adults in the UK are unhappy with their sex life and 51% haven't had sex in the past month.

Experts from relationships charity, Relate, believe the nationwide bedroom drought stems from pressure to perform.

"People often put so much pressure on themselves to have ‘amazing sex’ that they end up avoiding it altogether or do not notice what is good about their sex lives," said a spokesperson for the charity.

"But just thinking differently could work wonders for the nation’s sex lives."

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To combat the UK's growing lack of intimacy, Relate has issued a new guide explaining how to relieve the pressure and rev up the pleasure in the bedroom.

Psychosexual therapist Cate Campbell - who has written the guide - argues that planning sex, talking about fantasies and kissing and cuddling in front of the children are perfectly normal things to do.

"It’s sad that so few people are sexually satisfied and put pressure on themselves to perform," said Campbell. "Noticing what is going well, rather than dwelling on problems, is quite difficult when we’re all bombarded with messages about how sex ‘ought’ to be.

"Sex definitely doesn’t have to be disappointing - there's plenty that can turn your situation around so you can enjoy a sustained, fulfilling sex life."

She added: "What constitutes a satisfying sex life can vary wildly from one person to the next, so working out what makes you tick is a great starting point.

"People may feel concerned if they haven’t had sex in the past month but there are plenty of other ways to be sexy that don’t involve full intercourse."

It's not the only survey that's shown a red flag when it comes to sexy time.

At the end of July, a study by Durex found that one in 10 people (11%) hadn't tried anything new in the bedroom for over six years.

Off the back of the research, Relate has issued a series of tips to help people think differently about sex:

  • Reassess what sex is: People often mean full intercourse when they talk about sex, but sex is about so much more than just penetration. Flirting, kissing, cuddling and even just feeling you look great can be sexy.
  • Find your sexual balance: It’s often difficult to fit sex into busy lives, but worrying about it makes it less likely to happen. Sometimes, a reassuring or sexy cuddle may be all you have time for or need and some people are happy with very little sex. It’s what works for both of you that matters.
  • Bear in mind spontaneity isn’t essential: People who come to Relate often say they want to bring spontaneity back to their sex lives but sex is rarely truly spontaneous and busy people sometimes have to plan for intimacy.
  • Know it’s fine to fantasise: Some people feel it’s wrong to fantasise especially if it involves somebody else or something they’re not comfortable with. But the whole point of fantasy is it’s not real and just thinking something doesn’t mean you want it to happen.
  • Feel free to cuddle in front of the kids: In the past, parents were often taught to avoid showing physical affection in front of the kids but it actually reassures them that you love one another.
Sex Tips For Your Zodiac Sign
Aries: The Ram (March 21 to April 19)(01 of12)
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Aries are considered strong-willed perfectionists who have high expectations for themselves and others. If sex is beginning to feel too planned and perfect for you or your Aries partner, try this exercise suggested by Marin: have each partner write down everything they’d be willing to try in the bedroom, including things they’ve done before and ones they haven’t. Put each activity on a separate slip of paper, throw all the slips into a jar, then pluck one out and do what it says. "This fun exercise will help you break out of your preconceived and preplanned notions of sex,” Marin says.
Taurus: The Bull (April 20 to May 20) (02 of12)
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Just like a real bull, Taurus lovers can be stubborn. "Let go of your stubbornness by allowing your partner be in complete charge during a sexual interaction,” Marin says for people who struggle with their stubborn nature. "Let them decide what you do and when you do it."
Gemini: The Twins (May 21 to June 20)(03 of12)
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The twins represent the dual nature of Gemini personalities, which can be frustrating. However, the plus of this sign is that Geminis can be great communicators, says Vanessa Marin, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex. Considering they love to talk things out, dirty talk can be the key to satisfaction for this sign. "Send your partner teasing sexts all day long, building up the anticipation,” Marin says. "Keep talking once you're actually together. Describe exactly what you're about to do to your partner, and tell them how your body feels in graphic detail."
Cancer: The Crab (June 21 to July 22)(04 of12)
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More like Cancer the crabby, sometimes this sign craves stability and is ruled by gut feelings. They can often be moody. The next time you or your Cancer partner is feeling blue, try some sexual healing. "The rush of hormones that accompanies sex and orgasm has been proven to improve people's moods,” Marin says. "The next time you're feeling in a funk, try some sexy therapy."
Leo: The Lion (July 23 to Aug. 22) (05 of12)
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This bold sign loves the spotlight, but is also loving and generous. Leos can take advantage of their flare for the dramatic in the bedroom by trying out some role playing, Marin says. "You can elevate a simple doctor-patient fantasy to an entirely new level by really digging into your character.”
Virgo: The Virgin (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)(06 of12)
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Virgos are focused and analytical, and tend to keep their emotions inward — sometimes tough qualities to have in a lover. But you can bring that mental focus into lovemaking, Marin says. "A fun way to incorporate your brain into your sex life is to play 'Hot and Cold' with your partner. Have them kiss all over your body, and tell them when they're getting 'warmer' and 'colder.'"
Libra: The Scales (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)(07 of12)
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Justice holding the scales symbolizes Libra, a sign obsessed with balance and fairness. They focus more on the mental than the physical, and love to surround themselves with beautiful things. "If you're a visual person, try keeping the lights on during sex, or having daytime sex,” Marin notes. "So many people have sex in pitch darkness, which takes away the fun visual element."
Scorpio: The Scorpion (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)(08 of12)
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Scorpios feel things deeply, even if they can sometimes sting with their words. If you want to take advantage of that passionate and emotional mindset, Marin suggests missionary sex, which involves a lot of eye contact with your partner.
Sagittarius: The Centaur (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)(09 of12)
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These sharp, energetic people are always looking for reinvention and like to wander. Keep things exciting and interesting by bringing in new activities regularly. Enjoy some well-written erotica together, or visit a sex shop and each pick something to surprise the other with.
Capricorn: The Goat (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) (10 of12)
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Goats love to have a plan, and are great at putting an evening together. But Marin says they also keep their feelings close to the vest. Be patient when it comes to sharing fantasies, and give Caps the lead on researching something fun for you to try together.
Aquarius: The Water Bearer (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)(11 of12)
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Aquarians are known for being unorthodox and unconventional, which can translate to a lot of fun in the bedroom. "Play up your adventurous side and try exploring some kink,” Marin says. If it’s new to you, a blindfold is a fun way to start, and if you want to explore further, visit an adult store and look into your many options for spicing things up.
Pisces: The Fish (Feb. 19 by March 20)(12 of12)
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This insightful, emotional sign is selfless to a fault, which can unfortunately translate into unmet needs in the bedroom. If your partner is a Pisces, take the time to find out what he or she really wants and put the focus on those needs. If you’re a Pisces, work to make your desires heard and met in the bedroom, even if it goes against your nature. You’ll be glad you did!