Prudish Brits have sex less than once a week on average, but one in three would leave their lover if they felt disappointed in bed, a survey reveals.
Men and women typically have sex only 46 times a year (once every eight days) and most are so shy that they talk even less about their love lives.
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) survey of 2,000 UK adults found that couples talk about sex an average of 41 times a year and their relationships 37 times.
Men feel more comfortable talking about sex with their partner (42 percent).
However, women tend to feel more comfortable talking about sex with their friends (40 percent) than with their other half (35 percent).
Just over one in five (22 percent) adults do not feel comfortable talking about sex with anyone, a figure that rises to more than two in five (41 percent) among those over 65.
One in three (30 percent) of people surveyed said they would break up with someone if they didn’t have sex.
The RCOT said this is worrying as almost half of adults (47 per cent) have had their sex lives hampered by illness, injury or disability at some point, according to the study.
Additionally, two in five (41 percent) say health problems have affected their relationship.
One in seven (15 per cent) say that their or their partner’s lack of understanding of the other person’s health status has caused problems in their relationship.
And the same proportion (15 percent) said the impact of their or their partner’s health status has caused relationship problems.
Experts say with around half (48 per cent) of adults in the UK affected by long-standing medical problems, there is a “clear need” for more support so people with health problems can maintain relationships stable.
The survey, carried out by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, studied 2,000 adults and found that couples tend to be intimate only 46 times a year (file image)
The top three causes of relationship problems are poor communication (26 percent), stress (22 percent) and financial pressures (19 percent), according to the survey.
Lauren Walker, RCOT careers adviser, said: ‘There is more to a relationship than sex and, as our survey shows, communication is absolutely key.
‘While for many of us, sex is an important part of a relationship, there are many other components to a stable and healthy relationship.
‘It is surprising to see how many adult relationships and sex lives have been affected by long-term illness, injury, health problems or disabilities in the UK.
‘And it’s worrying that so many of these people feel their relationship is being affected by a lack of understanding or simply the impact of a health problem.
‘This is where occupational therapists come in.
‘We work with people to address the physical and psychological challenges related to sex and intimacy.
‘We help them overcome the barriers they face in their romantic and sexual relationships.
‘Before Valentine’s Day, the best place to start is to talk to your partner about your relationship and sex life.
‘It can be difficult and uncomfortable, so make sure you are in a relaxed environment.
“If necessary, ask a friend if you can role-play the conversation beforehand or practice in front of the mirror, to get an idea of what you want to say.”
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who have a wide range of conditions, helping them overcome challenges by completing everyday “occupations”, also known tasks or activities.
This may include intimacy and sex, within the context of long-term health conditions, illnesses, injuries or disabilities.
They observe an individual’s environment and may suggest equipment, lifestyle changes, stress management, or communication techniques to help improve your relationship, intimacy, and sex life.