Sex in the City
Sex in the city?
Not likely - we’re a nation of Charlotte’s and Miranda’s
When it comes to sex, British women identify the most with Charlotte and Miranda from Sex and the City. New research by Bayer Schering Pharma reveals that 34 per cent of women relate to Charlotte; they are too easily embarrassed and don’t enjoy experimenting in the bedroom and another 32 per cent confess they are too exhausted to even bother with sex (or their bikini line!) like Miranda. With reticence and time constraints as prevailing factors, it won’t come as much of a surprise that only 13 per cent of the female population compare their bedroom antics to man-eating Samantha.
Sexual Prime in their Thirties but not Primed for Sex?
Whether it’s due to having more experience or finding the right partner, one in two (51 per cent) women believe that they reach their sexual peak during their thirties. However by the time they reach this life stage, sex falls to the bottom of the list of priorities with 59 per cent of women admitting that they’d love a more active sex life. Tiredness (83 per cent) and the demands of children (34 per cent) are just some of the reasons why women aren’t having enough fun in the bedroom. The stresses of modern life and constant connectivity (endless emails and phone calls) play a role too, with 28 per cent of women admitting that Blackberrys, the internet and TV destroy the romantic atmosphere in the bedroom and have a detrimental effect on their love lives.
Clueless About Contraception?
Those British women who identify with Charlotte and worry about sex admit that their fear of pregnancy inhibits them in the bedroom (11 per cent). This is perhaps due to a feeling of embarrassment that by this stage in their lives, they should know more about contraception methods. Worryingly, more than one in 5 women (22 per cent) admit that they don’t use any contraception whatsoever, which may go some way to explaining the 20,000 women aged between 35-39 who had an abortion in 2008.1
Finding a Contraception That Fits
Although clearly overlooked by some, over a third (34 per cent) of women believe that their contraceptive choice is essential for getting the most out of sex. Dr Caroline Cooper, Contraception Expert, explains: “Women of all ages are not aware of the significant amount of contraception choice available to them, some of which have great benefits and can totally transform your life. Hassle-free contraception is not only one less thing for busy women to worry about, but it will allow you to live life to the full and enjoy sex more. For those of you in a hurry, visit www.contraception.co.uk for further information.”
Taking Back the Driving Seat
When it comes to pinpointing the time when sex noticeably drops in a relationship, 37 per cent of women reveal that it diminishes after just twelve months. It’s high time that British women take a leaf out of Sex in the City’s Samantha Jones’ book and take control of their love lives. Almost a third of women (30 per cent) never initiate sex and 43 per cent admit that a mere compliment from a partner will suffice to get them in the mood for love-making.
Sex and relationship therapist Simone Bienne comments: ‘It’s concerning and sadly not surprising that women aren’t getting the most out of their sex lives. We need to help ourselves more to get what we deserve in the bedroom! Here are some quick tips to help get you back on track:
- Good sex happens when you’re relaxed. So help yourself by making the bedroom a clutter free-zone. Any laundry, paperwork or even kids toys will ruin the mood. So shut them away and replace them with scented candles, crisp bedsheets and your favourite music.
- With our busy lives, it’s understandable how sex can get put to the back of the to-do list. So schedule sex. Yes, really! Having a date night (or morning) once a week, means you will stay closer to your partner both in and out of the bedroom.
- If you’re single, reach out and try something new. Join a dating site, try an evening class, go to different hang outs, meet new people. I promise you. You’ll see your confidence explode’
Find Some ‘Me’-Time
The survey results reveal that British women need to rediscover that spark with over a third (36 per cent) of them admitting that they haven’t felt sexy for at least a month, and a further 14 per cent claiming they never feel sexy. Simone Bienne continues: ‘It’s shocking that some women don’t ever feel sexy. As women, we can too easily feel guilty for taking time out for ourselves; but this kind of self-care is essential for an emotionally healthy and sexual relationship. Making time to pamper yourself or indulge in a mini make-over are simple ways women can help themselves feel more desirable again. Once your confidence grows, so will your libido. The two go hand in hand. To reconnect with your “sexy self”, flirt with your partner. Also, don’t be afraid to have some fun in the bedroom with a sexual fantasy. With over a third of women (34 per cent) admitting that having more time to themselves would enrich their sex lives, this makes discovering your ‘me-spot’ all the more essential.”
Help is at Hand
For women across the country who would love an opportunity to build their confidence, enjoy a little TLC and get some me-time, a series of sexy, fun yet informative events will be taking place in 13 cities during May - July 2010.
Results at a Glance 2
Contraception and Sex
- 11 per cent of women admit that their fear of pregnancy inhibits them in the bedroom
- Nearly one in 5 women in their thirties (22 per cent) don’t use any form of contraception at all
- 16 per cent of women admit that having hassle free contraception would enrich their sex lives
- 34 per cent of women believe that their contraceptive choice is essential to having a more fulfilling sex time
Sex in the City
- On average, British women have sex 1.4 times a week
- 61 per cent of women in their thirties (aged 25-34) would like a more active sex life
- 51 per cent of women believe that they reach their sexual peak in their thirties
- 66 per cent of women think that women have the most sex during their twenties
- 65 per cent of women believe their partners could make more of an effort in the bedroom
- 30 per cent of women don’t initiate sex and always let their partner make the first move
- 43 per cent of women admit that it only takes a compliment to put women in the mood for sex
- 34 per cent of women say that having more time to themselves would enrich their sex life
- Over a third of women in the country (36 per cent) haven’t felt sexy for at least a month
- 14 per cent of women never feel sexy
The Reasons Why Women aren’t Having More Sex
- 55 per cent of women blame long working hours for not having sex
- 83 per cent of women are too tired to have sex
- 74 per cent of women are too busy to make time for sex
- 28 per cent blame constant connectivity and therefore lack of romantic atmosphere in the bedroom for not having more sex
Sex and the City Characters
- 34 per cent of British women identify with Charlotte; they enjoy sex but are easily embarrassed and don’t like to widely experiment
- 32 per cent of women relate to Miranda; they’re too tired for sex and don’t have enough time for a bikini wax
- 21 per cent of women identify with Carrie; they enjoy sex, experiment a little and like to wear designer heels and underwear to get them in the mood
- Only 13 per cent of British women relate to Samantha; they are adventurous and always up for it
References
- FPA: Conceivable? - unplanned pregnancies in the over 35s - 08.02.10 http://www.fpa.org.uk/News/Campaigns/Conceivable
- Data On File: Sex in the City Market Research Results March 2010 (Sample size : 1000 women aged 18-45)
Item Code UK.PH.WH.MRN.2010.45. Date of preparation May 2010
