When it comes to having sex with a new partner, most Americans admit the first time between the sheets has been ‘terrible’.
Research looking at the sexual confidence of 2,000 Americans found that, when it comes to having sex with a new partner, 56 per cent admitted it had been awkward.
With so many bad first-time experiences with a new partner, it’s no wonder that insecurities are bound to arise.
Off to a rocky start: A staggering 60 per cent of Americans have revealed that they have started off a relationship with bad sex
And 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.
The leading stress ahead of sex with someone new is worrying about how their body looks (53 per cent), while 48 per cent are worried about making sure they are able to please their partner.
However, failed fumbles early on don’t have to signal the end of a relationship as 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 ending things.
So what exactly constitutes bad sex? 48 per cent 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 & Chairwoman. ‘After all, nothing will change until your partner knows what you like—and how you like it!’
And the good news is, Americans are not defining their relationships based on their first sexual experience – 71 per cent of Americans don’t believe the first time ultimately defines the relationship.
The study also found that 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 and as a result, 71 per cent of those have reported that they’ve seen a significant improvement in their sexual performance as a result.
And six in 10 Americans feel like experimenting in the bedroom is a wonderful way to gain some confidence in between the sheets.
Awkward: Research looking at the sexual confidence of 2,000 Americans found that, when it comes to having sex with a new partner, 56 per cent admitted it had been awkward
No-nos: The study also looked at what men and women constituted ‘bad sex’ and found each gender had different priorities between the sheets
Toy story: Results also showed that Americans are willing to spice things up in the bedroom to increase their chances of having better sex
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 per cent have introduced a sex toy into the bedroom.
And it’s actually men who are most likely to bring it up, with 69 per cent 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,’ she 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!’ Brisben added.
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 per cent 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 per cent of Americans have taught their partners new positions and how they want to be touched.
And 67 per cent have even taught their partners their pleasure points so that both people have a pleasant experience in 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.’