Are we losing our libidos?

Shocking figures show a third of British women have no interest in sex any more

- ANNA MATHESON, SAMANTHA BRICK

We’ve all used the age-old‘not tonight, I’m too tired’ excuse, or feigned a headache when a partner’s feeling frisky and we’re, well, not. But new research has uncovered that 34% of women aren’t bothered about having sex*. At all. Ever. It seems having a low libido is more common among married women, who say they struggle to get aroused, find it difficult to enjoy sex and have trouble reaching orgasm.

It’s worrying, because an active sex life is beneficial. It’s good for the heart, reduces stress, helps you sleep, makes your brain sharper and releases endorphins that boost mood.

With that in mind, Woman’s Own investigates why women are turning their backs on sex...

‘I don’t miss the physical or emotional intimacy’

Sara Collins, 50, lives in Lancing, West Sussex, with her daughter, 19, and sons, aged 15 and 11. I understand why a third of married women aren’t interested in having sex, because I was one of them. I can count on one hand the number of times I did the deed during my 40s. My non-existent libido eventually led to the breakdown of my marriage last year, after 26 years together – 16 as husband and wife.