Six in 10 Americans admit to starting a relationship off with terrible sex — a new study suggests.
Research looking at the sexual confidence of 2,000 Americans found that, when it comes to having sex with a new partner for the first time, 56 percent had awkward or simply terrible experiences in the bedroom.
With so many bad first-time experiences with a new partner, it’s no wonder that insecurities are bound to arise. The leading stress ahead of sex with someone new is worrying about how your body looks (53 percent), while 48 percent are worried about making sure that they are able to please their partner.
The study, which was conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Pure Romance, found over half of Americans reported feeling anxious before having sex with a new partner.
But while the first time with a new partner can go wrong, only three in 10 Americans say they’d actually break things off with someone if the sex was not good the first time.
In fact, the study found that on average Americans will tolerate 4.5 bad sexual experiences before breaking things off.
So what exactly constitutes bad sex? Forty-eight percent of those polled believe that not reaching orgasm is a clear indication that the experience is less than great.
“Honest, open communication is key when it comes to your sex life,” said Patty Brisben, Pure Romance founder and chairwoman. “After all, nothing will change until your partner knows what you like — and how you like it!”
The good news is that Americans are not defining their relationships based on their first sexual experience. Seventy-one percent of Americans don’t believe the first time ultimately defines the relationship.
With some experimentation, people can gain the confidence to get better and improve their sex lives. In fact, nine in 10 Americans admit they’ve experimented in the bedroom.
As a result, 71 percent of those have reported that they’ve seen a significant improvement in their sexual performance.
And six in 10 Americans feel like experimenting in the bedroom is a wonderful way to gain some confidence between the sheets.
Results also showed that Americans are willing to spice things up in the bedroom to increase their chances of having better sex — in fact, 48 percent have introduced a sex toy into the bedroom.
And it’s actually men who are most likely to bring it up, with 69 percent responding they’ve brought a sex toy into the bedroom.
“Bedroom accessories, especially toys designed for couples, are an incredible way to breathe new life into your relationship,” Brisben said. “If you’re afraid to bring it up in the heat of the moment, have a low-key conversation first to test the waters. You will likely be pleasantly surprised at their answer!”
If you are looking to make a relationship work, sex is part of the equation. And that may mean that both partners need to be patient and teach one another what they prefer — 46 percent of Americans have taught their partner things in the bedroom to make their sex lives that much better.
So what are people teaching each other to increase their sex game? It turns out that 72 percent of Americans have taught their partners new positions and how they want to be touched.
And 67 percent have even taught their partners their pleasure points so that both people have a pleasant experience between the sheets with both parties leaving satisfied.
“Talking honestly about sex is so integral to the success of a relationship and your compatibility as partners,” Patty said. “That’s why, at Pure Romance, we believe it’s so important to educate people about their bodies and encourage them to find out what they find pleasurable, so they can better communicate that to their partners.”
Top 5 First-Time Sex Worries For Men
Pleasing my partner: 55 percent
If I can last a long time: 47 percent
Having partner reach orgasm: 40 percent
What my body looks like: 31 percent
STDs: 29 percent
Top 5 First-Time Sex Worries For Women
What my body looks like: 65 percent
Pleasing my partner: 45 percent
STDs: 35 percent
Not being adventurous enough: 26 percent
Experimenting with different positions: 22 percent
Top 5 Things That Constitute Bad Sex For Men
Not reaching orgasm: 41 percent
Lack of foreplay: 36 percent
Partner wants man to go down on them but won’t reciprocate: 29 percent
Going too fast: 29 percent
Erection difficulty after drinking: 29 percent
Top 5 Things That Constitute Bad Sex For Women
Lack of foreplay: 57 percent
Going too fast: 44 percent
Not reaching orgasm: 44 percent
Dirty sheets: 37 percent
Partner wants woman to go down on them but won’t reciprocate: 33 percent