Study finds one-third of married Americans report no sex, therapist offers revival tips

The General Social Survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago indicates that 32.5% of married adults have not been physically intimate in the past year, with a mere 4.1% engaging in sex more than three times per one outlet. Anna Elton, a marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist, describes a "sexless marriage" as ten or fewer sexual encounters annually and points to stress, family demands, and hormonal shifts as common contributors.

To address the decline, she advises couples to start by highlighting relationship strengths and sharing gratitude for a week, thereby lowering emotional barriers. Elton also suggests designating a night without devices and planning creative "A-to-Z" date activities to inject novelty. Re-introducing flirtation and brief physical gestures, such as short hugs or kisses, can boost oxytocin and improve both self-esteem and partner connection.