Do men really think about sex every seven seconds? This statistic has circulated for years, implying that men are preoccupied with sex and possess a higher sex drive than women.

Current insights reveal that the average man does not think about sex every seven seconds—amounting to around 8,000 thoughts throughout the day! But just how often do men contemplate sex daily? It’s likely less frequent than you might assume.

What Drives Sexual Thoughts?

At times, sexual thoughts may seem to arise unexpectedly. You could be pondering what to eat for dinner when—bam!—a different craving takes over.

Other moments may trigger these thoughts, such as seeing your partner in an alluring outfit, recalling a past intimate experience, receiving a touch, or flirting—the list is extensive.

Various factors influence frequent sexual thoughts, including hormones, mood, attitudes towards sex, overall health, and available sexual opportunities.

A significant biological factor in sexual desire is testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Research indicates that androgens like testosterone are crucial for stimulating and maintaining male sexual function, encompassing interest, arousal, and erection. A decrease in testosterone levels is also linked to diminished libido in both men and women.

Is Thinking About Sex Every Day Healthy?

Having sexual thoughts and fantasies is a normal aspect of a healthy sex life. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you often think about sex or if such thoughts are rare, as long as they don’t cause you distress.

A 2021 study highlighted that sexual fantasies positively correlate with self-esteem and a sense of security. Individuals with such fantasies may experience lower anxiety levels.

Additionally, these fantasies can enhance relationships by fostering intimacy, arousal, and connection. They can even be therapeutic and are frequently employed by sex therapists when addressing sexual dysfunctions in couples.

Conversely, if sexual thoughts and fantasies interfere with your daily life, they may be unhealthy. Obsessing over sex or engaging in compulsive behaviors can hinder productivity, create relationship issues, and negatively affect mental health.

Concerned about your sexual thoughts? The 2021 study noted that common sexual fantasies often revolve around:

• Dominance/submissiveness
• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Porn
• BDSM (bondage)
• Group sex

What If You Aren’t Having Many Sex Thoughts?

If you’re experiencing few or no sexual thoughts, you might wonder if there’s an underlying problem.

It’s completely normal for libido to fluctuate. Stress, health concerns, fatigue, relationship challenges, and various other factors can diminish sexual interest and thoughts.

However, if low sex drive persists, it could indicate a more significant issue like low testosterone, depression, medication side effects, or chronic health conditions. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to explore these potential causes.

They may recommend healthy lifestyle modifications, such as improving your diet or increasing physical activity, or suggest medical interventions like testosterone replacement therapy.

Avoid herbal supplements claiming to boost libido; these unverified “miracle cures” found in gas station pills are often not FDA-approved and may contain harmful hidden ingredients.

If you suspect your low libido relates to a sexual dysfunction, like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider may enhance both sexual function and confidence.

Alternatively, if you seek to revitalize your intimate life, consider talking to a sex therapist or exploring new techniques to rekindle sexual desire in a long-term relationship.

Discover more about enhancing your sexual health with medication, sex toys, and a variety of over-the-counter products.