{ Does Time Matter? Measuring the Duration of Sexual Activity in Same-Sex & Mixed-Sex Couples Karen L. Blair, PhD

Who has sex 3 times per week or more?

New Relationships10 Years + 67% 45% 33% Blumstein, P., & Schwartz, P. (1983).

New Relationships10 Years + 67%11% 45%18% 33% Blumstein, P., & Schwartz, P. (1983).

New Relationships10 Years + 67%11% 45%18% 33%1% Blumstein, P., & Schwartz, P. (1983).

 Quality vs. Quantity  Duration vs. Frequency  Down Under Study 1  Heterosexuals Only  Means < 29 minutes  8 – 11 mins = intercourse only  Up to 29 mins when oral sex, cuddling, kissing etc. were involved.  Variable Definitions of Sex / Sexual Activity  Relevance of Various Activities:  Sexual Intercourse  Penetration  Oral Sex  Sexual Activity Is Frequency the Best Question? 1 – Smith et al., 2012 – JSR.

Current Study Who has sex most frequently? Who spends the most time having sex (during any single encounter)?  Who has sex most frequently?  Who spends the most time having sex? (during any single encounter)

 Do you have sex more than twice per week?  Are there weeks in which you do not have sex at all? Sexual Activity Frequency NeverHardly EverOccasionallyUsuallyAlways

 How long did your last sexual encounter with your partner last?  How long does your average sexual encounter with your partner last? Sexual Encounter Duration < 10 minutes min min min min 1-2 hours 2+ hours

 Age  18 – 79; Mean:  Relationship Length  Average length: 4.5 years  Range: < 1 month – 39 years Sample FemaleMaleTotal Same-Sex Mixed-Sex Total

Frequency of Sexual Activity % Reporting Sex 2+ per Week Do you have sex 2 times per week or more? Female Same-Sex Male Same-Sex Female Mixed-Sex Male Mixed-Sex Lesbian Bed Death? 60 10

Frequency of Sexual Activity % Reporting Weeks w/o Sex Are there weeks in which you have no sex at all? Female Same-Sex Male Same-Sex Female Mixed-Sex Male Mixed-Sex Lesbian Bed Death? 60 10

Duration of Sexual Activity

Mixed-Sex Women’s Duration of Last Sexual Encounter

Women’s Duration of Last Sexual Encounter

% Reporting 45 min+ Female Same- Sex Male Same-Sex Male Mixed-Sex Female Mixed-Sex

% Reporting 1 hour + Female Same- Sex Male Same-Sex Male Mixed-Sex Female Mixed-Sex

% Reporting 2 hours + Female Same- Sex Male Same-Sex Male Mixed-Sex Female Mixed-Sex

Specific Activities Most frequent sexual intercourse Most Frequent Giving and Receiving Oral Sex

Women Most Frequent: Multiple Orgasms & Orgasms from Oral Sex Most frequent partnered sexual activity without orgasm

 The question matters:  Sexual intercourse = mixed-sex couples  Duration = women in same-sex relationships  Sex without orgasm = women in mixed-sex relationships  Longer durations could be an explanation for lower frequencies  Might indicate greater inclusion of a variety of sexual activities, including oral sex, foreplay, etc.  Frequency likely does not equate to quality  Bottom line = satisfaction & perception  Over 65% thought they were average in duration of encounters  No significant differences in overall sexual satisfaction Conclusions

Thank You Funding Provided Karen L. Blair, PhD University of Utah