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question

When do men and women reach their individual sexual peaks?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Internal Medicine
answer
There's really no way to define what constitutes a normal sex drive. Some couples are perfectly happy having sex five times a year, for instance, and some wouldn't mind doing it that many times at halftime (as long as the Lakers are winning).

The real issue comes when one person in the relationship wants sex significantly more than the other. And that's a difficult issue considering that men reach their sexual peak in their late teens and early 20s, while women reach theirs in their late 30s or early 40s.

Another difference is that men are wired to have sex every third day-about the time it takes to produce the highest quality sperm. When you consider that one-third of women experience at least occasional bouts of loss of libido, then you have the makings of a sexual dysfunction that has at least one time-tested remedy-communication.
YOU: The Owner's Manual, Updated and Expanded Edition: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.