GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sexual Statistics

This blog examines widespread U.S. sexual trends, health issues, and shifting attitudes.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

52% of U.S. adults received sex ed on birth control

Statistic 2

40% believe premarital sex always wrong

Statistic 3

65% support same-sex marriage including sex

Statistic 4

76% of teens view porn as normal

Statistic 5

49% of Americans okay with casual sex

Statistic 6

30% of women ashamed of sexual fantasies

Statistic 7

82% of men view porn monthly

Statistic 8

25% oppose sex ed in schools

Statistic 9

70% believe contraception morally acceptable

Statistic 10

60% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+

Statistic 11

55% women prioritize emotional connection for sex

Statistic 12

45% men okay with friends-with-benefits

Statistic 13

88% support abortion in some cases

Statistic 14

35% view adultery as morally wrong

Statistic 15

50% of parents discuss sex with kids

Statistic 16

67% approve of masturbation

Statistic 17

20% stigmatize sex workers

Statistic 18

75% believe safe sex education effective

Statistic 19

40% of religious Americans oppose premarital sex

Statistic 20

62% view homosexuality acceptable

Statistic 21

28% of teens sext regularly

Statistic 22

85% support teaching consent in schools

Statistic 23

55% men believe rape accusations often false

Statistic 24

70% women fear slut-shaming

Statistic 25

90% agree monogamy ideal but 20% cheat

Statistic 26

65% of Gen Z okay with open relationships

Statistic 27

56% of U.S. women use contraception

Statistic 28

IUDs 99% effective

Statistic 29

Condoms 98% effective with perfect use

Statistic 30

Oral contraceptives used by 14% of women

Statistic 31

Emergency contraception 89% effective if within 72h

Statistic 32

Sterilization 99% effective for women

Statistic 33

Implant 99.9% effective

Statistic 34

19 million unintended pregnancies/year U.S.

Statistic 35

Withdrawal 78% effective typical use

Statistic 36

76% of women at risk of unintended pregnancy use method

Statistic 37

Vasectomy 99.9% effective

Statistic 38

Patch 91% effective typical use

Statistic 39

Ring 91% effective typical use

Statistic 40

45% of unintended pregnancies from non-use

Statistic 41

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) use doubled since 2009

Statistic 42

Fertility awareness 76-88% effective

Statistic 43

Dual method use (condom + hormonal) 6%

Statistic 44

10 million women discontinue pills within year

Statistic 45

Male condom use 13% among women

Statistic 46

Sponge 76-88% effective

Statistic 47

Diaphragm 88% effective typical use

Statistic 48

Unintended pregnancy rate 45/1000 women

Statistic 49

Postpartum contraception gaps in 30%

Statistic 50

65% of abortions to women using contraception

Statistic 51

Spermicide alone 72% effective

Statistic 52

33% of pregnancies unintended globally

Statistic 53

1 in 6 Americans aged 14-49 has genital herpes

Statistic 54

Chlamydia is most common bacterial STI, 1.6 million cases/year U.S.

Statistic 55

79 million Americans infected with HPV

Statistic 56

Gonorrhea cases rose 67% from 2014-2019

Statistic 57

Syphilis rates up 74% since 2015

Statistic 58

20% of new HIV infections from undiagnosed cases

Statistic 59

HPV causes 36,000 cancer cases/year U.S.

Statistic 60

Trichomoniasis infects 3.7 million Americans

Statistic 61

50% of STIs asymptomatic in women

Statistic 62

MSM account for 69% of new HIV diagnoses

Statistic 63

Condom use prevents 85-98% of HIV transmission

Statistic 64

Untreated chlamydia causes infertility in 10-15% women

Statistic 65

Hepatitis B vaccine prevents 95% of infections

Statistic 66

1 in 5 people in U.S. has STI

Statistic 67

PrEP reduces HIV risk by 99% in adherent users

Statistic 68

Mycoplasma genitalium rising, 1-2% prevalence

Statistic 69

90% of HPV infections clear in 2 years

Statistic 70

Bacterial vaginosis doubles HIV acquisition risk

Statistic 71

Global STI cases 376 million/year

Statistic 72

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea in 30% cases

Statistic 73

25% of pregnant women have STI

Statistic 74

HPV vaccine uptake 60% among adolescents

Statistic 75

HIV stigma delays testing in 40% of cases

Statistic 76

70% of cervical cancers HPV-related

Statistic 77

Syphilis congenital transmission 40% untreated

Statistic 78

15% of U.S. teens have STI

Statistic 79

65% effective doxycycline PEP for bacterial STIs

Statistic 80

54% of U.S. high school students reported being sexually active

Statistic 81

41% of sexually active high school females used condoms

Statistic 82

Men report first sexual intercourse at average age 16.9 years

Statistic 83

30% of U.S. adults have had 10+ lifetime sexual partners

Statistic 84

88% of men aged 18-59 have engaged in vaginal intercourse

Statistic 85

15% of women report same-sex sexual experience

Statistic 86

48% of men masturbate at least once a week

Statistic 87

Average frequency of sex for married couples is 54 times per year

Statistic 88

20% of U.S. adults have had sex with someone other than spouse while married

Statistic 89

70% of college students have had oral sex

Statistic 90

12% of adults report sexless marriage (0 times in past year)

Statistic 91

Women peak in sexual desire around age 30-40

Statistic 92

25% of men aged 18-24 are virgins

Statistic 93

76% of adults have used alcohol before sex

Statistic 94

10% of U.S. adults engage in BDSM activities

Statistic 95

Average age of first orgasm via masturbation for men is 12.5 years

Statistic 96

65% of women report faking orgasm at least sometimes

Statistic 97

40% of singles have had a one-night stand

Statistic 98

33% of adults have watched porn in past week

Statistic 99

55% of men report erectile dysfunction occasionally

Statistic 100

28% of women experience painful intercourse regularly

Statistic 101

60% of couples use vibrators

Statistic 102

18% of adults have had group sex

Statistic 103

Teen birth rate declined 75% since 1991

Statistic 104

45% of high school males used alcohol/drugs before last sex

Statistic 105

72% of adults find sex important for relationship

Statistic 106

35% of men over 70 are sexually active

Statistic 107

50% of women report multiple orgasms possible

Statistic 108

22% of U.S. adults have used dating apps for sex

Statistic 109

80% of first sexual experiences occur in private home

Statistic 110

42% of U.S. women experience sexual dysfunction

Statistic 111

Erectile dysfunction affects 30 million U.S. men

Statistic 112

75% of women never reach orgasm from penetration alone

Statistic 113

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in 10% of men

Statistic 114

16% of women report low sexual desire chronically

Statistic 115

Prostate cancer screening linked to better sexual function

Statistic 116

20% of postmenopausal women have vaginal atrophy

Statistic 117

Testosterone therapy improves libido in 60% of hypogonadal men

Statistic 118

Pelvic floor exercises resolve dyspareunia in 65% of women

Statistic 119

35% of men post-prostatectomy regain erections

Statistic 120

Sexual satisfaction declines 20% after age 50

Statistic 121

Mindfulness improves sexual arousal in 70% of participants

Statistic 122

25% of antidepressants cause sexual side effects

Statistic 123

HPV vaccination prevents 90% of genital warts

Statistic 124

Diabetes doubles risk of sexual dysfunction

Statistic 125

50% of heart disease patients report sexual concerns

Statistic 126

Therapy resolves vaginismus in 80% of cases

Statistic 127

15% of men have Peyronie's disease

Statistic 128

Sexual rehab post-cancer improves function in 75%

Statistic 129

40% of obese women have low libido

Statistic 130

Kegel exercises boost orgasm intensity in 55% of men

Statistic 131

28% of U.S. adults have chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Statistic 132

Lubricants improve comfort in 90% of users

Statistic 133

33% of women post-childbirth have sexual dysfunction

Statistic 134

SSRI-induced anorgasmia in 40% of users

Statistic 135

60% of HIV+ individuals maintain sexual activity

1/135

Sources

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From startling rates of teen sexual activity to the complex realities of adult intimacy, our sexual lives are a tapestry woven with surprising statistics that reveal everything from common insecurities to shifting social attitudes.

Key Takeaways

54% of U.S. high school students reported being sexually active
41% of sexually active high school females used condoms
Men report first sexual intercourse at average age 16.9 years
42% of U.S. women experience sexual dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction affects 30 million U.S. men
75% of women never reach orgasm from penetration alone
1 in 6 Americans aged 14-49 has genital herpes
Chlamydia is most common bacterial STI, 1.6 million cases/year U.S.
79 million Americans infected with HPV
56% of U.S. women use contraception
IUDs 99% effective
Condoms 98% effective with perfect use
52% of U.S. adults received sex ed on birth control
40% believe premarital sex always wrong
65% support same-sex marriage including sex

This blog examines widespread U.S. sexual trends, health issues, and shifting attitudes.

Attitudes

52% of U.S. adults received sex ed on birth control
40% believe premarital sex always wrong
65% support same-sex marriage including sex
76% of teens view porn as normal
49% of Americans okay with casual sex
30% of women ashamed of sexual fantasies
82% of men view porn monthly
25% oppose sex ed in schools
70% believe contraception morally acceptable
60% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+
55% women prioritize emotional connection for sex
45% men okay with friends-with-benefits
88% support abortion in some cases
35% view adultery as morally wrong
50% of parents discuss sex with kids
67% approve of masturbation
20% stigmatize sex workers
75% believe safe sex education effective
40% of religious Americans oppose premarital sex
62% view homosexuality acceptable
28% of teens sext regularly
85% support teaching consent in schools
55% men believe rape accusations often false
70% women fear slut-shaming
90% agree monogamy ideal but 20% cheat
65% of Gen Z okay with open relationships

Attitudes Interpretation

America's sexual landscape is a fascinating and contradictory mosaic, where overwhelming majorities champion progressive ideals like consent education and LGBTQ+ acceptance, yet persistent pockets of shame, misinformation, and moral judgment reveal we're still awkwardly fumbling through the puberty of our national sexuality.

Contraception

56% of U.S. women use contraception
IUDs 99% effective
Condoms 98% effective with perfect use
Oral contraceptives used by 14% of women
Emergency contraception 89% effective if within 72h
Sterilization 99% effective for women
Implant 99.9% effective
19 million unintended pregnancies/year U.S.
Withdrawal 78% effective typical use
76% of women at risk of unintended pregnancy use method
Vasectomy 99.9% effective
Patch 91% effective typical use
Ring 91% effective typical use
45% of unintended pregnancies from non-use
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) use doubled since 2009
Fertility awareness 76-88% effective
Dual method use (condom + hormonal) 6%
10 million women discontinue pills within year
Male condom use 13% among women
Sponge 76-88% effective
Diaphragm 88% effective typical use
Unintended pregnancy rate 45/1000 women
Postpartum contraception gaps in 30%
65% of abortions to women using contraception
Spermicide alone 72% effective
33% of pregnancies unintended globally

Contraception Interpretation

Despite a robust arsenal of highly effective options, the stubborn persistence of unintended pregnancies reveals a profound disconnect between contraceptive availability and the complex human realities of access, adherence, and partnership.

STIs

1 in 6 Americans aged 14-49 has genital herpes
Chlamydia is most common bacterial STI, 1.6 million cases/year U.S.
79 million Americans infected with HPV
Gonorrhea cases rose 67% from 2014-2019
Syphilis rates up 74% since 2015
20% of new HIV infections from undiagnosed cases
HPV causes 36,000 cancer cases/year U.S.
Trichomoniasis infects 3.7 million Americans
50% of STIs asymptomatic in women
MSM account for 69% of new HIV diagnoses
Condom use prevents 85-98% of HIV transmission
Untreated chlamydia causes infertility in 10-15% women
Hepatitis B vaccine prevents 95% of infections
1 in 5 people in U.S. has STI
PrEP reduces HIV risk by 99% in adherent users
Mycoplasma genitalium rising, 1-2% prevalence
90% of HPV infections clear in 2 years
Bacterial vaginosis doubles HIV acquisition risk
Global STI cases 376 million/year
Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea in 30% cases
25% of pregnant women have STI
HPV vaccine uptake 60% among adolescents
HIV stigma delays testing in 40% of cases
70% of cervical cancers HPV-related
Syphilis congenital transmission 40% untreated
15% of U.S. teens have STI
65% effective doxycycline PEP for bacterial STIs

STIs Interpretation

America’s bedroom math suggests we urgently need more vaccines, condoms, and honest conversations, because the current statistics read like a public health horror story where the monsters are both invisible and largely preventable.

Sexual Behavior

54% of U.S. high school students reported being sexually active
41% of sexually active high school females used condoms
Men report first sexual intercourse at average age 16.9 years
30% of U.S. adults have had 10+ lifetime sexual partners
88% of men aged 18-59 have engaged in vaginal intercourse
15% of women report same-sex sexual experience
48% of men masturbate at least once a week
Average frequency of sex for married couples is 54 times per year
20% of U.S. adults have had sex with someone other than spouse while married
70% of college students have had oral sex
12% of adults report sexless marriage (0 times in past year)
Women peak in sexual desire around age 30-40
25% of men aged 18-24 are virgins
76% of adults have used alcohol before sex
10% of U.S. adults engage in BDSM activities
Average age of first orgasm via masturbation for men is 12.5 years
65% of women report faking orgasm at least sometimes
40% of singles have had a one-night stand
33% of adults have watched porn in past week
55% of men report erectile dysfunction occasionally
28% of women experience painful intercourse regularly
60% of couples use vibrators
18% of adults have had group sex
Teen birth rate declined 75% since 1991
45% of high school males used alcohol/drugs before last sex
72% of adults find sex important for relationship
35% of men over 70 are sexually active
50% of women report multiple orgasms possible
22% of U.S. adults have used dating apps for sex
80% of first sexual experiences occur in private home

Sexual Behavior Interpretation

The data reveals a nation's often fumbling but earnest navigation of intimacy, where teenagers are more active than prepared, married couples oscillate between weekly passion and sexless unions, and nearly everyone, from college students to seniors, is quietly experimenting with or yearning for a connection that statistics can only hint at.

Sexual Health

42% of U.S. women experience sexual dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction affects 30 million U.S. men
75% of women never reach orgasm from penetration alone
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in 10% of men
16% of women report low sexual desire chronically
Prostate cancer screening linked to better sexual function
20% of postmenopausal women have vaginal atrophy
Testosterone therapy improves libido in 60% of hypogonadal men
Pelvic floor exercises resolve dyspareunia in 65% of women
35% of men post-prostatectomy regain erections
Sexual satisfaction declines 20% after age 50
Mindfulness improves sexual arousal in 70% of participants
25% of antidepressants cause sexual side effects
HPV vaccination prevents 90% of genital warts
Diabetes doubles risk of sexual dysfunction
50% of heart disease patients report sexual concerns
Therapy resolves vaginismus in 80% of cases
15% of men have Peyronie's disease
Sexual rehab post-cancer improves function in 75%
40% of obese women have low libido
Kegel exercises boost orgasm intensity in 55% of men
28% of U.S. adults have chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Lubricants improve comfort in 90% of users
33% of women post-childbirth have sexual dysfunction
SSRI-induced anorgasmia in 40% of users
60% of HIV+ individuals maintain sexual activity

Sexual Health Interpretation

A shockingly large number of us are struggling with pleasure and function in bed, but the stats also reveal a persistent, pragmatic, and hopeful pursuit of solutions through therapy, medicine, and good old-fashioned exercise.

Sources & References

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