A government study reveals declining sexual activity among young americans, particularly men, reflecting broader societal changes. Data from the National Survey of Family Growth, analyzed by the Institute of Family Studies (IFS), shows that sexlessness has nearly doubled for men aged 22-34 over the last decade, while women in the same age group also report significant decreases.
The survey found that 24% of young men and 13% of young women reported no sexual activity between 2022 and 2023, up from 15% and 8%, respectively, during 2013-2015. Additionally, 35% of men and 31% of women reported no sexual activity in the last three months. The number of young adults remaining virgins has also risen, with 10% of men and 7% of women in this age group claiming no sexual experience.
The IFS attributes much of the decline to the decreasing rates of marriage among young adults. Married individuals typically report higher levels of sexual activity, but marriage rates continue to drop. A Pew Research study found that 25% of Americans under 40 have never been married, contributing to the decline in sexual relationships.
The data suggests that the reduction in sexual activity is not linked to a concentration of sexual partners among a few individuals. Instead, it reflects a decline in monogamous relationships. The number of men with no sexual partners has increased, driven by a decrease in those with one or two partners, while the prevalence of men with multiple partners has remained stable.
This trend underscores broader cultural and economic shifts, including delayed marriage, changing relationship norms, and challenges in forming long-term partnerships.
