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The Difference in Sex Drives Between Men and Women

By HERWriter
 
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Read about some of the differences between a man's and a woman's sex drive. via Pixabay

A good sex life is an important part of every relationship. So why are there so many conflicts between men and women about it? Do men have stronger sex drives or is that just a stereotype? According to some studies, it’s true. Other studies say it’s not about who has the stronger drive; it’s that men and women just respond differently and at different times.

One major reason behind the sexual disconnect is gender. Don’t look for gender equity here. We’re wired differently plain and simple. Several studies show men's sex drives are stronger and more straightforward than women's. Women's libidos don’t follow a straight path and are tougher to pin down. Women base their desire for sex more on connection and emotion, whereas men see sex differently. For them, the connection comes from sex.

The old joke is that men think about sex all the time. It turns out the majority of adult men under 60 think about sex at least once a day. Only about one-quarter of women give it this much thought.

Age plays a part in our different sex drives. An average male’s highest sex drive is from age 15 to 20. An average woman achieves her peak between the ages of 35 to 40. Based on this, it makes biological sense that older women can be drawn to younger men and older men to younger women. That’s when their sex drives match up.

Women’s sex drives also seem to be heavily influenced by social and cultural factors. Researchers theorize women may be genetically coded to choose their partners based on the type of family man he may be. And that they may be more likely to choose a man with resources because it means greater ability to support a family.

Response and stimulation cause a wide chasm in the different sex drives. What arouses men is very different from what arouses women. Women often need more time than men to get physically ready for sex. Several researchers are quick to point out that just because women need more time doesn’t mean the male libido is higher. The two sexes just respond differently to stimulation.

The two sex drives are different even when it comes to medication. Men's sex drives seem more directly tied to biology than women. With all the Viagra ads, it’s no surprise low sexual desire in men is more easily treated with medication. With women, however, the search for a drug to boost sex drive has proved more elusive.

Stacy Lloyd is a writer and video producer in Phoenix, Arizona. A former television news journalist, she covered stories around the world. Currently, she produces corporate and non-profit videos and broadcast programming.

Add a Comment4 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

LOL typically outdated false information. Feminism plain and simple.

December 30, 2017 - 4:33am

The best thing a guy can do to sustain his sexual health is to use a penis health creme every day. A good creme will contain Vitamins A, B5, C, D and E.... all of which are excellent for skin condition, cell function, blood flow, hygiene and more. Easy to use too. Check these cremes out ladies and gents.

November 9, 2015 - 9:19am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Where you say "older men to younger women" you probably meant to say "younger men to older women".

September 26, 2014 - 10:23pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

No they meant that because older men's sex drives are lower and so are younger women

November 11, 2014 - 5:23pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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