Economy Isn't Slowing Down Sex Lives

The sluggish economy might make sweethearts a little stingier when buying Valentine's Day gifts, but it hasn't slowed down their sex lives.
About 50% of people with partners say they'll spend less money on Valentine's Day, but 78% say the economy hasn't affected the amount of time they have for sex or the frequency this past year, a national Consumer Reports poll shows.

"People are certainly cutting back on expenditures, and that may mean less lavish dinners out and more stay-at-home dates that lead to a romantic evening," says Orly Avitzur, a neurologist and medical adviser for the magazine. "Sex can provide pleasure and boost mood while serving needs for intimacy and providing a calming effect."
In January, the magazine's National Research Center surveyed about 600 adults who reported being sexually active in 2008. The findings, reported on www.consumerreportshealth.org:

• 81% avoided or delayed having sex this past year. The most common reasons they gave: too tired, weren't feeling well, weren't in the mood.

• 45% said they had to plan a time for sex with their partner, and 7% said they used a printed or electronic calendar, PDA or smart phone to keep track.

• 20% said they had missed work to keep a planned time for sex; 21% said they had missed an outing with friends, and 15% said they had skipped an important event or appointment.

• 60% of men said they thought about sex at least once a day, compared with 19% of women.

• 66% of men and 58% of women said they were satisfied with their sex lives.

By NANCI HELLMICH,USA Today