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High number of women engage in 'mercy sex' despite lack of sexual desire: Study
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- A study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder often engage in "mercy sex," having sex without desire to maintain their relationships and prevent partner infidelity.
- Researchers analyzed data from drug trials for treatments like testosterone patches, bremelanotide, and flibanserin, noting that women with low sexual desire still had sex about two to three times per month before treatment.
- The study suggests evolutionary reasons for "mercy sex," including promoting monogamy and relationship stability, especially in heterosexual partnerships, where men may seek multiple partners and women prioritize resource-sharing for child-rearing.
- Psychologists warn that consistently having sex without desire to avoid conflict can lead to depressive symptoms, emphasizing the importance of addressing emotional needs and communication within relationships.
- The findings highlight the need for clinical trials to assess sexual quality alongside frequency to better evaluate treatment success for hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
