Islibido in summeran explosive phenomenon or just a mirage? Does it really increase during the summer ? Or is it just alegend? A study finally reveals the truth and its unsuspected causes…
Summer is often synonymous with sun, vacation and relaxation. In the heat of the year, skin is more exposed to the sun and to everyone’s eyes. It glistens with perspiration, releasing all its scents that can touch your nostrils. And for some, this provokes certain reactions, which can sometimes be embarrassing, can’t they? I’m sure you can remember a time when this must have happened to you…
And for many, it’s also a time when the libido seems to be firing on all cylinders. A perfect time for flirting, especially at the beach. The sun is often pointed an accusing finger, thumbing its nose at guilt. But is it really true? Do our hormones really race when summer arrives? Is it the sun, the endless mini-skirts or a taste for lightness? Why the surge in sexual desire? A new study sheds some fascinating light on this phenomenon.
The benefits of the sun on our libido
Not only does the sun bring benefits for our skin and morale, it also has a direct impact on our sexual desire. A 2018 survey by YouGov France reveals that 53% of French people experience an increase in their sexual appetite during the summer. In fact, more than 5 out of 10 French people admit to wanting to have more sex in the summer. There are several reasons for this trend.
The impact of feel-good hormones
Sunlight promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine, the hormones of happiness. These hormones not only improve our mood, but also increase our energy and blood circulation, key elements for a high libido. By spending time in the sun, our bodies also benefit from a boost in vitamin D, essential for erectile function and sexual satisfaction, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Scientific studies and testimonials
An Israeli study published in 2021 in the journal Cell Reports highlighted the role of the p53 protein. This protein, which protects our DNA from damage caused by UV rays, also triggers a hormonal chain reaction that increases sexual desire.
Julie, 34 years old
“Every summer, I feel adifference.Justbeing outside, feeling the sun on my skin and seeing my partnerundressedmore oftenmakes me moreeager.“
Marc, 41 years old
“For me,summer means vacations and less stress.I have more time torelax, do sport and spend intimate moments with my partner.“
The influence of out door activities
Summer activities such as swimming, hiking and cycling improve blood circulation, a crucial factor for a healthy libido. What’s more, increased perspiration releases pheromones which, although their direct effect on the human libido is debated, can influence our emotions and desires.
The visual aspect of summer
Summer is also a season when light clothing and bare bodies are more common, stimulating sexual desire. Seeing your partner in a swimsuit or light clothing can be enough to rekindle the flame.
Vacations and stress reduction
July and August are often associated with vacations. This period of rest reduces stress, a sworn enemy of the libido. Relaxing and enjoying the vacations allows you to reconnect with your partner and explore your sexuality without the pressures of everyday life.
Couples in summer : statistics and realities
However, not everyone’s libido increases in summer. A June 2019 Opinion Way survey indicates that one in two French people experience a drop in desire during this period. The reasons vary: post-confinement anxiety, climate concerns, lack of vacations or exhausting working days in deserted offices. So the legend may not be entirely true…
Sophie, 29 years old
“During heat waves, all I want to do is stay cool. The mere idea of sticking to someone else in this heat disgusts me.”
We’ve got to make the most of it, because we’d be making love less and less!
The French are making love less and less, according to a study by Ifop. In fact, 76% of French people have had sexual intercourse in the last 12 months, down 15 points since 2006, according to an Ifop survey published in February 2024. This is the lowest proportion in fifty years. So… should we be worried?
Photo Cottonbro Studio
A down ward trend affecting both men and women
French people’s sex lives are in decline. A recent Ifop study reveals that only 78% of men and 74% of women have had sexual intercourse in the last 12 months. Compared to 2009, the frequency of weekly intercourse has plummeted: in 2024, 43% of French people say they make love once a week, compared to 58% 15 years ago.
Growing dissociation between conjugality and sexuality
François Kraus, director of the study, explains this contraction in sexual activity by a growing dissociation between conjugality and sexuality. More than half of women (54%) and 42% of men say they could live in a purely platonic relationship. The French seem to be increasingly accepting the idea that an intense sex life is not necessary for a successful relationship.
Young people particularly affected
The phenomenon of sexual inactivity particularly affects young people. More than a quarter of 18-24 year-olds admit to not having had sexual intercourse in one year, five times more than in 2006.
Alexis, 23 years old
“I gave upsex five years ago. I get more pleasure from eating something good thanfrom forcing myself to have sex.“
The pressure to perform and the impact of pornography
The pressure to perform, exacerbated by pornography, discourages some young people from dating. At the same time, abstinence and asexuality are increasingly accepted and even valued.
Women and sexuality
Among women, sexuality occupies a much less important place today: 62% of women attach importance to sexuality in their lives, compared to 82% in 1996. This abstinence poses more problems for men (60%) than for women (30%). Two out of three women (69%) admit to living easily without sex, compared with 48% of men. More and more French people are declaring themselves asexual: 15% of women and 9% of men.
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The causes of sexual recession
The consent revolution
The sexual recession is taking place against a backdrop of a revolution in consent. French women are much less willing to force themselves to have sex than they were 40 years ago. More than half (52%) of women aged 18 to 49 say they sometimes make love without wanting to, compared with 76% in 1981.
Lack of attractive partners
For singles, abstinence is often due to a lack of attractive partners. 63% of singles cite this reason, while 61% of single men and 62% of single women admit that their sexual inactivity is linked to their inability to please or find someone who wants to have sex with them.
Competition from screens
Competition from screens for sex is also a significant factor, particularly among young people. Nearly half of couples under 35 admit to having avoided sex in order to watch a series or film. 53% of men under 35 in couples sometimes prefer to play a video game, and 48% of men and 19% of women avoid sex in order to consult their social networks.
Photo Andres Ayrton
Summer couples : a differentdynamic
Summer can have a positive influence on couples’ libidos. According to a study by YouGov France, 53% of French people feel the urge to make love more often during the summer season. Reasons for this include increased exposure to the sun, which boosts serotonin and dopamine production, and reduced stress thanks to vacations.
Clara, 28 years old
“Summer isdifferent.I feel freer, morerelaxed, and that’sreflected in my sex life.Vacations allow us to get together as a couple without the daily hassle.“
A final word
Listen to your body! Whether your libido explodes or plummets during the summer, the most important thing is to listen to yourself. Everyone’s different and there’s no standard to follow. Make the most of summer by exploring what feels good, alone or together, without pressure.
Ultimately, summer can be a time to rediscover yourself and your partner. Whether you want to rekindle the flame or take some time for yourself, the secret to fulfilling your sexuality lies in listening to your own needs and desires.
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