When you're in a relationship for a long time, sexual desire can wane — sometimes it can disappear altogether. While it's been widely suggested that women are more likely to experience a dip in sexual interest than men, a recent study of heterosexual relationships from the University of Kentucky argues it isn't limited to one gender.
It's really important to remember that if desire does dip, it's perfectly natural, and there's nothing wrong with you. "It needs to be normalised," says sex therapist Denise Knowles. "For many couples, when desire seems to wane there's an immediate sense that something is seriously wrong with the relationship. But in actual fact, throughout a long-term relationship, it's very usual for sexual desire to ebb and flow, because certain things are going on."
It's clear nobody is safe from libido woes, so what's the key to maintaining a happy, healthy sex life? Two sex therapists working with Relate share their thoughts.
