Sexual Activity Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sexual Activity Statistics

Nearly 9 in 10 adults in Belgium reported having had intercourse at least once in their lifetime, while recent U.S. snapshots put recent activity far lower, such as 24.7% reporting sex in the last month and just 11% reporting a new partner in the last year. Pair those behavior swings with condom and pornography patterns and you get a clearer picture of what “regular sex” means in practice, how often people try prevention, and where risk and prevention choices actually diverge.

46 statistics46 sources9 sections8 min readUpdated 3 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In the 2015 Belgian population-based study, 86.0% of adults reported having had sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime

Statistic 2

In a 2022 systematic review of population-based surveys, average prevalence of sexual activity in the prior 12 months ranged roughly from 40% to 70% depending on population and measurement

Statistic 3

24.7% of respondents in a U.S. survey (2018–2019) reported having had sex in the last month

Statistic 4

11.6% of U.S. adults reported having had sex with a new partner in the last year (2011–2013)

Statistic 5

1.1% of U.S. adults reported being sexually active only once in the past year (2019 survey analysis)

Statistic 6

$9.6 billion global market size for sexual wellness products in 2022 (Grand View Research estimate)

Statistic 7

$1.7 billion U.S. online sex toys market revenue in 2023 (projection cited by market research firm)

Statistic 8

$2.2 billion global market for libido supplements in 2023 (industry research estimate)

Statistic 9

$4.4 billion global market for condoms in 2022 (Futures/industry estimate)

Statistic 10

$5.8 billion global market for lubricant in 2022 (Fortune Business Insights estimate)

Statistic 11

$1.1 billion global market for sexual health devices in 2021 (Grand View Research estimate)

Statistic 12

$0.2 billion U.S. spending by Medicaid/Medicare for sexual dysfunction medications (proxy from CMS drug spending tables, 2022)

Statistic 13

In 2021, the U.S. reported 207,000 cases of syphilis among all stages (CDC)

Statistic 14

19% relative reduction in HIV transmission risk with condom use (systematic review estimate for consistently used condoms)

Statistic 15

7.4% of adults worldwide reported experiencing sexual dysfunction (pooled prevalence estimate in a systematic review)

Statistic 16

30% of people living with HIV reported experiencing sexual desire dysfunction (survey-based prevalence among adults with HIV)

Statistic 17

54% of women reported experiencing at least one symptom of sexual distress (survey-based prevalence of sexual distress)

Statistic 18

A 2020 systematic review estimated that condom use reduces the risk of HIV transmission by about 69% (consistent condom use estimate)

Statistic 19

Risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition was reduced by about 50% in vaccine trials (≥1 HPV type protection; intention-to-treat estimate)

Statistic 20

In a large cohort study, bacterial vaginosis was associated with a 1.6x higher risk of acquiring HIV in women (hazard ratio estimate)

Statistic 21

11% of U.S. women aged 15–44 used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in 2019 (Guttmacher)

Statistic 22

10% of U.S. adults reported using condoms “most or all” times during sex (2019 survey analysis)

Statistic 23

Withdrawal (coitus interruptus) failure rate is about 20% per year for typical use (CDC fact sheet)

Statistic 24

In the U.S., median number of condom uses with one partner reported by men who have sex with men was 2 times per week (2019 survey)

Statistic 25

14% of adults aged 18–59 reported using any form of contraception at first sex in a 2020 study (U.S., cross-sectional)

Statistic 26

Worldwide, about 44% of pregnancies are unintended (Guttmacher/UNFPA synthesis, cited by Guttmacher)

Statistic 27

8 in 10 (80%) women worldwide experience at least one symptom of sexual dysfunction? (peer-reviewed estimate)

Statistic 28

In the U.S., 43% of adults reported experiencing at least one form of sexual dysfunction (survey-based prevalence)

Statistic 29

In a 2021 national survey (U.S.), 31% of adults reported using pornography at least once in the past month

Statistic 30

In a 2020 meta-analysis, pornography use showed a small negative association with relationship satisfaction (r approximately -0.10)

Statistic 31

In a 2019 longitudinal study, frequent condom use was associated with reduced STI incidence by about 25%

Statistic 32

In a randomized trial, an HIV prevention text-messaging intervention increased PrEP adherence by 1.4-fold vs control

Statistic 33

In a 2018 review, motivational interviewing increased condom use and reduced unprotected sex among high-risk populations (pooled effect)

Statistic 34

A 2020 meta-analysis found that couples-based communication interventions increased condom use likelihood (OR ~1.5)

Statistic 35

In the U.S., 11% of adults reported having had sex while intoxicated at least once in the past year (2016–2017 survey)

Statistic 36

In a meta-analysis (2016), prevalence of sex with multiple partners in the past year averaged about 10–20% depending on country and sex

Statistic 37

In a 2020 cross-sectional study, 22% of participants reported not knowing their partner’s STI status

Statistic 38

A 2019 meta-analysis found that alcohol use before sex is associated with increased odds of condom non-use (OR ~1.6)

Statistic 39

A 2021 systematic review found that intimate partner violence is associated with higher odds of inconsistent condom use (OR ~1.5)

Statistic 40

18% of adults in the United States reported having had sex in the past month in 2018–2019 (sexually active in the prior month)

Statistic 41

13.0% of U.S. adults reported having had sex with two or more partners in the past year (2011–2019 pooled estimate)

Statistic 42

$3.7 billion U.S. sexual wellness market size in 2023 (industry estimate for sexual wellness goods and services)

Statistic 43

$1.9 billion global lubricant market size in 2023 (industry estimate for lubricant products)

Statistic 44

In 2021, 44% of websites in the adult content category used HTTPS (security adoption share from a web-ecosystem audit)

Statistic 45

Worldwide, costs attributable to cervical cancer were estimated at $2.5 trillion over 2015–2050 (present value estimate of economic burden)

Statistic 46

In a cost-effectiveness analysis, male HPV vaccination had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of about $27,000 per QALY in the base case (modeled ICER value)

Sources
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Written by Kevin O'Brien·Fact-checked by Maya Johansson

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 12, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Sexual activity is common, but the details vary more than most people expect, from reports of sex within the prior month to how often condoms are actually used. Even with protections like condoms cutting HIV transmission risk by about 19 percent when used consistently, only about 10 percent of U.S. adults say they use condoms “most or all” times. And outside the bedroom, the economy around sexual wellness is huge, with the global sexual wellness products market reaching an estimated $9.6 billion in 2022, raising an important question about what people need and what they end up using.

Key Takeaways

  • In the 2015 Belgian population-based study, 86.0% of adults reported having had sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime
  • In a 2022 systematic review of population-based surveys, average prevalence of sexual activity in the prior 12 months ranged roughly from 40% to 70% depending on population and measurement
  • 24.7% of respondents in a U.S. survey (2018–2019) reported having had sex in the last month
  • $9.6 billion global market size for sexual wellness products in 2022 (Grand View Research estimate)
  • $1.7 billion U.S. online sex toys market revenue in 2023 (projection cited by market research firm)
  • $2.2 billion global market for libido supplements in 2023 (industry research estimate)
  • In 2021, the U.S. reported 207,000 cases of syphilis among all stages (CDC)
  • 19% relative reduction in HIV transmission risk with condom use (systematic review estimate for consistently used condoms)
  • 7.4% of adults worldwide reported experiencing sexual dysfunction (pooled prevalence estimate in a systematic review)
  • 11% of U.S. women aged 15–44 used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in 2019 (Guttmacher)
  • 10% of U.S. adults reported using condoms “most or all” times during sex (2019 survey analysis)
  • Withdrawal (coitus interruptus) failure rate is about 20% per year for typical use (CDC fact sheet)
  • 8 in 10 (80%) women worldwide experience at least one symptom of sexual dysfunction? (peer-reviewed estimate)
  • In the U.S., 43% of adults reported experiencing at least one form of sexual dysfunction (survey-based prevalence)
  • In a 2021 national survey (U.S.), 31% of adults reported using pornography at least once in the past month

Sexual activity varies widely, but most adults report lifetime experience and condom use substantially cuts STI and HIV risk.

Prevalence & Frequency

1In the 2015 Belgian population-based study, 86.0% of adults reported having had sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime[1]
Single source
2In a 2022 systematic review of population-based surveys, average prevalence of sexual activity in the prior 12 months ranged roughly from 40% to 70% depending on population and measurement[2]
Verified
324.7% of respondents in a U.S. survey (2018–2019) reported having had sex in the last month[3]
Verified
411.6% of U.S. adults reported having had sex with a new partner in the last year (2011–2013)[4]
Verified
51.1% of U.S. adults reported being sexually active only once in the past year (2019 survey analysis)[5]
Directional

Prevalence & Frequency Interpretation

Under the “Prevalence & Frequency” lens, sexual activity is common across populations, with 86.0% of Belgian adults reporting ever having intercourse and U.S. reports showing monthly activity at 24.7% alongside far lower extremes such as only 1.1% being sexually active once per year.

Market & Spending

1$9.6 billion global market size for sexual wellness products in 2022 (Grand View Research estimate)[6]
Verified
2$1.7 billion U.S. online sex toys market revenue in 2023 (projection cited by market research firm)[7]
Verified
3$2.2 billion global market for libido supplements in 2023 (industry research estimate)[8]
Directional
4$4.4 billion global market for condoms in 2022 (Futures/industry estimate)[9]
Directional
5$5.8 billion global market for lubricant in 2022 (Fortune Business Insights estimate)[10]
Directional
6$1.1 billion global market for sexual health devices in 2021 (Grand View Research estimate)[11]
Single source
7$0.2 billion U.S. spending by Medicaid/Medicare for sexual dysfunction medications (proxy from CMS drug spending tables, 2022)[12]
Directional

Market & Spending Interpretation

Spending tied to sexual wellness is sizable and growing, with the global market reaching $9.6 billion in 2022 for sexual wellness products and major categories like condoms at $4.4 billion and lubricants at $5.8 billion that underscore how strong consumer demand is shaping the Market and Spending landscape.

Health Outcomes

1In 2021, the U.S. reported 207,000 cases of syphilis among all stages (CDC)[13]
Verified
219% relative reduction in HIV transmission risk with condom use (systematic review estimate for consistently used condoms)[14]
Single source
37.4% of adults worldwide reported experiencing sexual dysfunction (pooled prevalence estimate in a systematic review)[15]
Verified
430% of people living with HIV reported experiencing sexual desire dysfunction (survey-based prevalence among adults with HIV)[16]
Verified
554% of women reported experiencing at least one symptom of sexual distress (survey-based prevalence of sexual distress)[17]
Single source
6A 2020 systematic review estimated that condom use reduces the risk of HIV transmission by about 69% (consistent condom use estimate)[18]
Verified
7Risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition was reduced by about 50% in vaccine trials (≥1 HPV type protection; intention-to-treat estimate)[19]
Directional
8In a large cohort study, bacterial vaginosis was associated with a 1.6x higher risk of acquiring HIV in women (hazard ratio estimate)[20]
Verified

Health Outcomes Interpretation

From a health outcomes perspective, sexual activity shows clear protection and harm patterns, with consistent condom use cutting HIV transmission risk by about 69 percent and 19 percent reduction for consistent use while conditions like bacterial vaginosis raise HIV acquisition risk by 1.6 times.

Contraception & Prevention

111% of U.S. women aged 15–44 used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in 2019 (Guttmacher)[21]
Verified
210% of U.S. adults reported using condoms “most or all” times during sex (2019 survey analysis)[22]
Verified
3Withdrawal (coitus interruptus) failure rate is about 20% per year for typical use (CDC fact sheet)[23]
Verified
4In the U.S., median number of condom uses with one partner reported by men who have sex with men was 2 times per week (2019 survey)[24]
Verified
514% of adults aged 18–59 reported using any form of contraception at first sex in a 2020 study (U.S., cross-sectional)[25]
Verified
6Worldwide, about 44% of pregnancies are unintended (Guttmacher/UNFPA synthesis, cited by Guttmacher)[26]
Verified

Contraception & Prevention Interpretation

Overall, contraception and prevention still leave gaps, with unintended pregnancies making up about 44% worldwide and even in the U.S. only 14% of adults used contraception at first sex and just 10% used condoms “most or all” times, showing that consistent preventive protection is far from universal.

Behavioral Patterns

18 in 10 (80%) women worldwide experience at least one symptom of sexual dysfunction? (peer-reviewed estimate)[27]
Verified
2In the U.S., 43% of adults reported experiencing at least one form of sexual dysfunction (survey-based prevalence)[28]
Verified
3In a 2021 national survey (U.S.), 31% of adults reported using pornography at least once in the past month[29]
Verified
4In a 2020 meta-analysis, pornography use showed a small negative association with relationship satisfaction (r approximately -0.10)[30]
Verified
5In a 2019 longitudinal study, frequent condom use was associated with reduced STI incidence by about 25%[31]
Single source
6In a randomized trial, an HIV prevention text-messaging intervention increased PrEP adherence by 1.4-fold vs control[32]
Verified
7In a 2018 review, motivational interviewing increased condom use and reduced unprotected sex among high-risk populations (pooled effect)[33]
Verified
8A 2020 meta-analysis found that couples-based communication interventions increased condom use likelihood (OR ~1.5)[34]
Verified
9In the U.S., 11% of adults reported having had sex while intoxicated at least once in the past year (2016–2017 survey)[35]
Verified
10In a meta-analysis (2016), prevalence of sex with multiple partners in the past year averaged about 10–20% depending on country and sex[36]
Verified
11In a 2020 cross-sectional study, 22% of participants reported not knowing their partner’s STI status[37]
Single source
12A 2019 meta-analysis found that alcohol use before sex is associated with increased odds of condom non-use (OR ~1.6)[38]
Verified
13A 2021 systematic review found that intimate partner violence is associated with higher odds of inconsistent condom use (OR ~1.5)[39]
Verified

Behavioral Patterns Interpretation

Across behavioral patterns, sexual health outcomes appear strongly shaped by what people do, with high levels of sexual dysfunction and risky or inconsistent practices reported, such as 43% of U.S. adults experiencing sexual dysfunction and about 11% having had sex while intoxicated in the past year alongside evidence that targeted interventions can shift behavior, like couples communication raising condom use likelihood by about OR 1.5.

User Adoption

118% of adults in the United States reported having had sex in the past month in 2018–2019 (sexually active in the prior month)[40]
Verified
213.0% of U.S. adults reported having had sex with two or more partners in the past year (2011–2019 pooled estimate)[41]
Directional

User Adoption Interpretation

Under the User Adoption angle, sexual activity is fairly common with 18% of U.S. adults reporting sex in the past month in 2018 to 2019, but only 13.0% reported having two or more partners in the past year from 2011 to 2019, suggesting that while monthly participation is widespread, higher frequency or broader partnering is less common.

Market Size

1$3.7 billion U.S. sexual wellness market size in 2023 (industry estimate for sexual wellness goods and services)[42]
Verified
2$1.9 billion global lubricant market size in 2023 (industry estimate for lubricant products)[43]
Single source

Market Size Interpretation

For the market size category, the sexual wellness opportunity is sizable with an estimated $3.7 billion U.S. market in 2023, and the global lubricant market adds further momentum at $1.9 billion in the same year.

Cost Analysis

1Worldwide, costs attributable to cervical cancer were estimated at $2.5 trillion over 2015–2050 (present value estimate of economic burden)[45]
Directional
2In a cost-effectiveness analysis, male HPV vaccination had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of about $27,000 per QALY in the base case (modeled ICER value)[46]
Single source

Cost Analysis Interpretation

From a cost analysis perspective, cervical cancer is projected to impose about $2.5 trillion worldwide in costs from 2015 to 2050, and male HPV vaccination shows a modeled base case cost-effectiveness of roughly $27,000 per QALY.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

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APA
Kevin O'Brien. (2026, February 13). Sexual Activity Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/sexual-activity-statistics
MLA
Kevin O'Brien. "Sexual Activity Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/sexual-activity-statistics.
Chicago
Kevin O'Brien. 2026. "Sexual Activity Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/sexual-activity-statistics.

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