Sexual Boredom

The popular literature is full of advice for couples concerning methods for avoiding sexual boredom. In fact, a Google search for “sexual boredom” resulted in 10,500 web pages. Here are some examples:

“Often couples fall into a rut with one or two tried-and-true sexual positions. That can lead to sexual boredom and can even erode an otherwise good relationship.”

“Most couples have to rekindle sex, because sexual boredom is virtually certain due to the way sex operates in long-term relationships.”

“Some couples get bored with sex after a few months because they lack what others know and practice enabling them to continue to enjoy making love throughout their adult life. It is not actually true that variety staves off sexual boredom.”

“Every couple who stay together for any length of time will experience some sort of sexual boredom. This in itself can lead to serious sexual problems like refraining from any intimacy, and even divorce.”

The scientific research on the subject is much more limited. My review of the available studies on the subject provides the following information:

Men typically believe that boring sex is an inevitable feature of all sexually exclusive relationships, and sexual boredom is a trade-off for long-term companionship and “true love.”[1]

Sexual boredom is a predictor of infidelity.[2]

Males in general, and young males in particular, are significantly more prone than females to experiencing sexual boredom. However, this gender distinction tends to disappear as men and women grow older.[3]

Women with histrionic personality disorder (i.e., drama queens) are more prone to experience sexual boredom than are women without personality disorders.[4]