Belfast is the fourth most sexually frustrated city in the UK, according to new research.
Nineteen per cent of people said they felt frustrated during lockdown with the same percentage reporting a negative impact on their sex lives.
Only seven per cent of people admitted to getting frisky during nine to five working hours, according to Frommars. That’s compared to 19% of people in Norwich and Plymouth who said they’d had sex during their usual working hours, followed by 17% of people in Edinburgh.
A total of 1,000 adults were surveyed from across the UK revealing how their desires have been impacted by COVID-19.
Fourteen per cent of the people surveyed said they’d been feeling the strain while socially-isolating. And it seems as though men are finding it slightly harder than women, with 17% of men admitting to feeling sexually frustrated, compared to 11% of women.
For people self-isolating on their own, the lockdown has put a complete stop to their sex lives. While for those still living with their partner, things aren’t always easier. Twenty per cent of UK men and 13% of women said the lockdown has had a negative impact on their sex lives. Thirteen per cent of men surveyed admitted to watching pornography during their normal working hours, compared to 5% of women.
Edinburgh and Southampton came out as the sexual frustration capitals of the UK, with 20% of residents in each city saying they’d felt frustrated during lockdown. At the other end of the scale, things are looking good for Leeds, with only 7% of residents saying they’d felt sexually frustrated.
When looking at the impact lockdown has had on people’s sex lives, it’s still not good news for people in Southampton. 29% of residents said the lockdown has had a negative impact on their sex life, followed by 21% of Bristolians. Whereas in Sheffield, only 3% of people said there had been a negative impact, followed by 4% of people in Liverpool.
25% of couples self-isolating together said they felt as though the lockdown has had a negative impact on their sex life, and 17% admitting to feeling sexually frustrated because of this. 10% even said they’d argued with their partner about how much sex they’ve been having (or not having).
However, its not all bad news. 12% of the couples we spoke to said that the lockdown has had a positive impact on their sex lives, with 19% saying they’ve been having more sex since it began. 20% even said they’d taken a break to have sex during their normal office hours.
When Frommars spoke to couples who were not self-isolating together, 38% said they’d been feeling sexually frustrated.
Only two per cent of the couples surveyed said they’d had virtual dates, using video-conferencing tools like Skype, Zoom and Houseparty, while 24% said they’d sent gifts to each other while they’d been separated.
Just remember, you’re not alone in all of this. If you’re struggling with the distance, or you’re concerned about your relationship, take the time to share your feelings with your partner.