Tag: sex drive

Couples have less sex in January than any other month

* December and summer months top the list for sexual activity, while January ranks last.
* Exhaustion, money worries and Dry January blamed for killing desire.
* Londoners report the biggest January sex slump.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

January has officially earned an unsexy new title. According to new research, it’s the month when couples are least likely to get intimate – and it’s not hard to see why.

A poll of 2,700 adults by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs site, has revealed that sexual frequency drops sharply in January compared to December, with many couples admitting that once the fairy lights come down, so does their libido.

When asked to choose which month they tend to have the most sex, December comfortably topped the list, with 22% saying it’s their most active month. Summer also proved popular, with July (16%) and August (14%) rounding out the top three.

January, meanwhile, sat firmly at the bottom of the table, with just 2% saying it’s when they have the most sex, confirming it as the nation’s least passionate month.

While December is fuelled by indulgence, socialising and late nights, January brings the opposite: fatigue, restraint and a collective national comedown.

The biggest libido‑killer? Exhaustion. Nearly two‑thirds (64%) said the chaos of Christmas left them too drained to feel sexual in January.

Money worries also played a major role. Almost half (47%) said post‑Christmas financial stress made it difficult to relax or feel in the mood.

Meanwhile, Dry January has been dampening more than just alcohol intake. A third (33%) said going booze‑free reduced spontaneity and intimacy at home.

Even healthy habits are sabotaging sex lives. 29% said early‑morning gym sessions and new fitness routines left them “too tired” for sex at night, while 24% admitted that poor body confidence after festive overindulgence made them less likely to initiate intimacy.

The survey also revealed stark regional differences when it comes to the January bedroom slowdown. London topped the list, with 38% of respondents saying their sex life dips dramatically in January, followed by the South East (34%) and the North West (31%).

At the other end of the scale, Northern Ireland reported the smallest post-festive slowdown, with just 13% saying January has a noticeable impact on their intimacy levels – suggesting some regions are shaking off the winter lull far better than others.

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, says January creates the perfect storm for intimacy to take a back seat.

“January is all about restriction – spending less, drinking less, eating less, sleeping more and waking up earlier,” she explains. “Unfortunately, sex often becomes another thing people subconsciously cut back on.”

She adds: “When stress, fatigue and self-consciousness creep in, desire is usually the first casualty. It’s why January consistently shows the biggest dip in sexual frequency, even among otherwise happy couples.”

Leoni says the key is recognising the slump rather than ignoring it. “Intimacy doesn’t have to disappear just because it’s cold, dark and payday feels miles away – but January definitely makes it harder to prioritise connection unless couples actively make the effort.”

Results

Which month of the year do you tend to have more sex? (Choose one)
December – 22%
July – 16%
August – 14%
February – 10%
June – 8%
March – 7%
May – 6%
November – 5%
April – 4%
October – 3%
September – 3%
January – 2%

Regional breakdown of where people in the UK admit to experiencing a January sex slump
London – 38%
South East – 34%
North West – 31%
West Midlands – 29%
East Midlands – 25%
Scotland – 24%
Yorkshire & Humber – 22%
East of England – 19%
South West – 18%
Wales – 16%
Northern Ireland – 13%

Strictly Come Dancing named UK’s biggest ‘passion killer’ in relationships

* 41% of Brits say their partner is “obsessed” with reality TV – and 63% claim it’s harming their relationship.
* Strictly Come Dancing ranked the number one show causing tension and killing intimacy.
* Experts warn reality TV escapism and second-screen habits are driving emotional disconnect in UK couples.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

New research reveals that reality TV obsession is becoming a serious point of contention in British relationships, with partners of superfans reporting feeling neglected and lonely.

A new study by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, involving 2,000 people reveals how reality TV is creating a crisis in British bedrooms, with 41% of respondents saying their partner is “obsessed” with TV shows – and of those, an alarming 63% admit it’s negatively impacting their relationship.

The research uncovered a definitive ranking of passion-killing programmes, with Strictly Come Dancing leading the pack as the show that causes the most tension in British relationships (56%).

Coming in second was Love Island (48%), whilst the nightly obsession with jungle antics left little room for intimacy as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here (47%) came a close third.

Married At First Sight took fourth place (37%), as ironically watching strangers’ weddings appears to be destroying their own marriages, whilst the seemingly-innocent Great British Bake Off completed the top five (29%).

Michael*, 38, a logistics manager from Kent, shares his experience as a ‘Strictly widower’:

“From September to Christmas, I simply don’t exist. My wife doesn’t just watch Strictly – she lives it. There’s the main show, ‘It Takes Two’, and hours scrolling through social media talking about it. If I try to speak to her during any of this, I’m treated like I’m disturbing something sacred.”

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationship expert at IllicitEncounters.com comments: “We’re witnessing what’s called the ‘Second Screen Syndrome’ – where phones and tablets mean partners are never truly present anymore. But when you add full-blown reality TV obsessions into the mix, it creates a perfect storm of neglect.

The irony is heartbreaking – people are crying over television relationships while their real-life partnerships crumble from inattention. When someone knows more about the Strictly contestants’ backgrounds than their own partner’s daily life, it creates a deep sense of loneliness that often leads to seeking connection elsewhere.”

*Name has been changed

Top 10 Passion-Killing Reality TV Shows

  1. Strictly Come Dancing 56%
  2. Love Island 48%
  3. I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here 47%
  4. Married At First Sight 37%
  5. Great British Bake Off 29%
  6. The Traitors 26%
  7. The Only Way is Essex 25%
  8. Big Brother 19%
  9. Love is Blind 16%
  10. Made in Chelsea 13%

“I’ve met 176 men on an affairs site – I refuse to be tied down again after my 19-year marriage ended”

* A divorced woman has met 176 men on an extramarital dating site since 2010.
* Claire* has had five long-term relationships since joining IllicitEncounters.com, the longest lasting six years.
* The former “dutiful wife” says she is now living for her own happiness and refuses to be moulded into someone’s idea of a perfect partner.

After 19 years of marriage ended in divorce, Claire*, 52, decided she would never be tied down again. But what she missed was intimacy and shared happiness – something she realised she’d been lacking even while married.

So, in 2010, she joined IllicitEncounters.com. Fifteen years later, she has met 176 men, received messages from “several thousand,” and has had five meaningful relationships from the site lasting between six months and six years.

“I was a dutiful wife for 19 years,” Claire explains. “After my divorce, it was my time to enjoy and be enjoyed. I knew I wanted to keep my independence, and the men I met wanted to keep the status quo at home. It worked well for both of us.”

Her criteria are less about marital status and more about mindset. “Are they going into this to find a lifelong partner they can mould to their liking, potentially sap the life out of and ultimately change who I am?” she questions. “That’s not what I’m here for.”

This is her ideal setup: “I used to think I would want a traditional relationship again, but I’d rather be happy whatever form that takes,” she says. “Life is too short to live with regrets.”

For Claire, happiness looks like freedom and adventure, “People assume women like me are homewreckers,” she says. “I’d tell them they’ve got no idea what they’re talking about. Until you’ve lived it, don’t judge – or better yet, give it a try yourself.”

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert for IllicitEncounters.com, says Claire’s story reflects a growing trend. “Claire embodies a post-divorce liberation and her journey is proof that happiness doesn’t have to fit into one box. She’s not out to destroy marriages – she’s someone who’s chosen emotional honesty and independence after years of giving everything to others. 

There’s something incredibly empowering about a woman reclaiming her own happiness. Claire’s story shows that connection can take many forms – and sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most authentic happiness.”

*Name has been changed

Rise in Gen Z Having Affairs

* An affairs site has recorded a 31% increase in Gen Z sign-ups (ages 18–25) in the past year.
* A poll of 1,000 Gen-Z members found 71% reject traditional monogamy in favour of ethical non-monogamy or polyamory.
* More than half (53%) say they’re already in open relationships or “situationships.”
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

While the word ‘affair’ might conjure images of a secret rendezvous between married couples, a surprising new trend is emerging: Gen Z are flocking to extramarital dating sites – not out of dissatisfaction in their relationships, but to explore an alternative to traditional monogamy.

New figures from IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, show a 31% rise in sign-ups from 18-25-year-olds over the past 12 months – suggesting that younger generations are increasingly rejecting traditional models of monogamy in favour of more fluid and openly negotiated forms of intimacy.

A poll of 1,000 Gen Z members who joined in the past year revealed that 71% said they do not believe monogamy should be the default expectation in relationships. 

Over half (53%) reported being in open relationships, polycules, or casual “situationships,” while 41% said they signed up purely out of curiosity to explore what ethical non-monogamy could look like for them.

Amelia, 24, from Manchester, said she joined because polyamory was already part of her social circle, “Everyone I know is experimenting with ENM in some form. It’s not taboo anymore – if anything, it’s more honest. I’m not unhappy with my boyfriend, I just wanted to see what else was out there with clear boundaries. For me, the site felt safer than swiping randomly on mainstream apps where people aren’t upfront about what they want.”

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at  IllicitEncounters.com, said Gen Z’s mindset marks a cultural shift, “Polyamory and ethical non-monogamy used to be considered niche, but for Gen Z, they’re simply part of the dating landscape. This generation values honesty, autonomy and consent above all else, and they’re rejecting the idea that one partner for life is the only valid route.

What’s fascinating is that many Gen Z members aren’t turning to sites like Illicit Encounters because their relationships are failing. They’re joining because they want to explore in a transparent way, often with the knowledge – or even encouragement – of their partners. It’s less about betrayal, more about expansion.”

“I spent 32 years in a loveless marriage – now I only date married men who know how to spoil me”

* After decades in a passionless marriage, Lisa, 55, discovered a world of excitement, luxury, and desire when she began dating married men through IllicitEncounters.com.
* Powerful, high-achieving lovers shower her with extravagant dates, lavish gifts, and unwavering attention.
* Lisa admits she has no intention of being in a traditional relationship again, preferring the freedom that comes with dating married men, and avoiding “the boring stuff” faced by monogamous couples.

After 32 years in a marriage that had lost all passion, Lisa* knew she needed more. The intimacy had faded, the spark was gone, and life had become routine. That’s when she made a decision that would change everything – she joined a dating site for married people.

Eighteen years ago, she discovered IllicitEncounters.com, and what started as curiosity quickly became a gateway to a world of powerful, high-achieving men who know exactly how to treat a woman.

“The men I meet are nothing like my ex-husband,” Lisa says. “They are accomplished, confident, and they understand how to make a woman feel special. They’re generous – not just financially, but with their time, attention, and effort. It’s a level of chivalry that seems to have disappeared in most relationships.”

Since joining, she has had affairs with 16 men, all of whom are successful, driven, and commanding in their own right. From investment bankers to pilots, senior military officers, and even diplomats, these men don’t just whisper sweet nothings – they plan extravagant dates, give lavish gifts, and make her feel desired in a way her husband never did.

Lisa has dined at Michelin-starred restaurants and sipped champagne on private yachts. One lover gifted her designer handbags, while others have showered her with expensive perfumes and high-end lingerie. 

“It’s about the effort these men put in. The planning, the gestures, the desire to impress me – it’s intoxicating. I don’t need their money, but I do love how they spoil me.”

She’s had champagne picnics, private cabin getaways, and luxury shopping trips. Every man brings something different to the table, but the one thing they all have in common?

“They are alpha males. Confident, direct, and incredibly successful. They know what they want, and they know how to get it. That’s what makes them irresistible.”

Now, she feels sexier, stronger, and more confident than ever – and she loves the attention she gets from the men she meets on IllicitEncounters.com.

“Gallantry is a lost art, but not with these men. I expect good manners, intelligence, and a strong belief in themselves. That’s what makes an affair work – it’s about mutual admiration and energy.”

Lisa has no desire to be in a traditional, monogamous partnership again. “Every married couple I know is miserable. The women feel ignored, the men feel trapped. Meanwhile, I get to have the passion, the excitement, the amazing dates – without any of the boring stuff.”

And with nearly two decades of incredible affairs behind her, she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“Meeting married men has given me everything I was missing in my marriage – passion, adventure, and a renewed sense of self,” she says. “It’s not just about the affairs; it’s about living life to the fullest.”

*Name has been changed

Shocking survey reveals how doing this one thing can supercharge your sex life

* Results of a new poll suggests that embracing porn – whether individually or as a couple – can be the key to unlocking greater sexual satisfaction. 

* 77% of women say they have watched porn in the last month, with 28% declaring they view it at least once a week.

* 22% of women revealed they regularly watch adult content with their partners, and a whopping 91% of them say they feel more sexually satisfied as a result.

* Study conducted byIllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

In the quest for greater intimacy, many couples hit roadblocks: busy schedules, endless distractions, and the monotony of routine can all take their toll. But a surprising new survey has uncovered an unconventional way to reignite the spark in your relationship – watching porn.

The poll, conducted by the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, IllicitEncounters.com, sheds light on how embracing adult content, either individually or as a couple, can pave the way to greater sexual satisfaction.

The study, which surveyed 1,200 women, revealed that a significant 77% had watched porn in the last month. Among them, 28% admitted to watching it at least once a week, while 59% viewed it monthly. These numbers paint a picture of a society growing more comfortable with adult content, signaling a shift in attitudes over recent years.

In fact, 80% of respondents reported feeling more at ease discussing and consuming porn today than they did five years ago. This openness is breaking down taboos and sparking deeper conversations about sexual preferences and desires, both individually and in relationships.

Perhaps the most compelling insight from the survey was the revelation that 22% of women regularly watch porn with their partners. Among this group, an astounding 91% said it had improved their sexual satisfaction. The shared experience of watching porn appears to help couples explore fantasies, improve communication, and foster a sense of intimacy that spills over into other aspects of their relationship.

Shauna*, a participant in the survey, shared her story of how watching porn with her partner transformed their relationship. “We were in a bit of a rut, and I felt like we weren’t connecting as much in the bedroom. Watching porn together was a way for us to explore our desires and talk about things we hadn’t before. It brought us closer and made sex more exciting.”

Sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, Jessica Leoni, weighed in on the findings, stating, “Porn can act as a tool for education and exploration, provided it’s used in a healthy, consensual manner. Watching it with a partner can help couples break down barriers and spark conversations about what they want in their sexual lives. It’s all about fostering openness and trust.”

Leoni went on to explain, “Even in the healthiest relationships, dry spells are inevitable. But as this survey highlights, embracing a shared experience like watching porn can unlock deeper levels of connection and intimacy. With more women than ever feeling empowered to explore their sexuality, it’s clear that adult content is no longer the taboo subject it once was – it’s becoming a conversation starter, a relationship enhancer, and a surprising key to supercharging your sex life.”

People are more likely to start having an affair today than any other time of the year

* Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ for relationships, the 6th January is the day that people turn to infidelity as a result of cracks revealed during the festive period.

* Registrations on married dating site IllicitEncounters.com are forecast to be up 33% compared to the same time last year, with the website struggling to keep up with the ‘unprecedented demand’.

* 37% of people who have joined the website since the start of 2025 say they did so in search of physical intimacy, 29% seek the thrill and excitement of an affair, and 21% are looking for emotional support.

* Survey conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

Today is the day that people are most likely to have an affair. The 6th January, dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ for relationships, shares the spotlight with Divorce Day, as both land on the first working Monday of the year. 

Relationship experts warn that more people are likely to start having an affair today than any other time of the year, driven by post-holiday blues and a desire for a fresh start.

Leading affairs site, IllicitEncounters.com, has reported a staggering 33% increase in new member registrations compared to this time last year, with the trend expected to climb further as the week progresses. 

The website, which caters to those seeking discreet extramarital connections, has been overwhelmed by the influx. “It’s the busiest we’ve ever been. The start of a new year always prompts a spike, but 2025 has started off with unprecedented demand – in fact, we’ve admittedly been struggling to keep up with the surge in sign-ups, but we’ve got a team working around the clock to keep things running smoothly.” said IllicitEncounters.com spokesperson, Jessica Leoni.

To gain insight into the motivations driving this surge, the site conducted a poll of 500 newly registered members. Physical intimacy emerged as the top reason, cited by 37% of respondents, while 29% admitted to seeking the thrill and excitement of an affair. Meanwhile, 21% said they were looking for emotional support, a void left unfilled in their current relationships. A smaller percentage (5%) joined as an act of revenge after discovering their partner’s infidelity.

Kathy*, 38 from Brighton who joined the platform on New Year’s Day, shared her perspective, describing how she felt disillusioned after years of feeling invisible in her marriage. “It wasn’t an impulsive decision. I’ve been unhappy for a long time, and after the Christmas holidays, I realised I couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine,” she said. “I joined hoping to find someone who sees me, someone who brings joy back into my life. It’s not just about physical intimacy – although that’s important – it’s also about feeling wanted and valued again.”

According to IllicitEncounters.com’s spokesperson, Jessica Leoni, “The post-holiday period often exacerbates relationship tensions. People spend weeks in close quarters during the festive season, which can highlight existing cracks. January feels like a fresh start, and for some, that means exploring new connections, even outside their relationship.”

*Name has been changed.

“I’m a sex and relationships expert and this is why people are opting for risky sex on public transport”

* A new study has revealed 63% of married people have engaged in sexual encounters while on the move.

* The most popular modes of transport for intimacy include cars (68%), trains (15%), buses (11%), ferries (4%) and planes (2%).

* Sexpert Jessica Leoni explains that the “excitement and adrenaline” that comes with public sex is the reason why it’s become so popular.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

Public, high-stakes intimacy seems to be soaring to new heights – literally.  

According to new data from IllicitEncounters.com, 1 in 50 people have joined the notorious Mile High Club.

It’s not just everyday people indulging in these high-flying affairs – celebrities have also been open about their mid-air exploits including pop star Lily Allen who spoke publicly about joining the Mile High Club with Liam Gallagher in 2009 – whilst Gallagher was still married to his wife at the time, Nicole Appleton. 

The survey, which polled 2,000 members, revealed that a staggering 63% have engaged in sexual encounters while on the move.

With 2% of people opting for fun in the clouds, the data shows that the desire for thrills extends across various modes of transport. The most popular spots for illicit intimacy include cars (68%), trains (15%), buses (11%), and even ferries (4%).

Sarah, a frequent flyer and member of IllicitEncounters.com who took part in the survey, revealed how she ended up joining the Mile High Club – but not with her husband. “It was a business trip, and we hit it off at the airport lounge. By the time we boarded, we were already flirting. A couple of drinks later, and before I knew it, we were sneaking off to the bathroom together.”

Despite the obvious risk, Sarah wasn’t fazed. “The whole thing was thrilling – it felt like an escape from reality. I know it’s not something I’d ever do at home, but in the air, everything feels different.”

So, what makes public sex so alluring? According to Jessica Leoni, leading sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, it’s all about the rush.

“People are drawn to public sex for the sheer excitement and adrenaline,” Leoni explains. “The fear of getting caught heightens the experience, making it more thrilling and memorable. For some, the forbidden nature of it adds an extra layer of intensity.”

She adds, “There’s also something about the environment that feels detached from reality. When people are outside their usual routine, especially on holiday or business trips, they’re more likely to act on impulses they might suppress at home.”

While these escapades might sound thrilling, they don’t come without serious risk. Getting caught in public can result in more than just embarrassment – though having sex outdoors isn’t explicitly illegal in all cases, various laws could lead to an arrest. Yet for some, the gamble only adds to the thrill.

“HRT Boosted My Sex Drive – Now I’m Having an Affair Behind My Husband’s Back”

* Nikki, 51 from Berkshire, reveals how she feels ‘reborn’ after being prescribed HRT by her doctor, leading to a life-changing libido lift.

* The married woman describes how her sex drive ‘went through the roof’ and led her to join extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com

* She explains that the combination of HRT and joining IllicitEncounters.com has transformed her life, and how after 10 years of being celibate she is making up for lost time with a vengeance.

A wife has revealed how HRT had a dramatic impact on her sex drive, leading her to have multiple affairs with married men.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is making waves in the UK, not just for alleviating symptoms of the menopause, but for significantly impacting women’s sex lives. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, around 15% of women aged 45-64 in England are currently prescribed HRT, and this figure continues to rise. 

Nikki, a 51-year-old woman from Berkshire, started taking HRT nine months ago and it was at that moment she found herself at a crossroads. Feeling desperately unhappy and trapped in a stagnant marriage, she joined IllicitEncounters.com to shake things up and find some joy. Her loneliness in her marriage was the main driver, but she was also battling classic symptoms of perimenopause like brain fog, insomnia, aches and pains, and an almost non-existent libido.

Her journey with HRT began after a candid conversation with her doctor, who suggested the use of hormone patches which turned out to be a rollercoaster ride. “The dose might have been too high because I felt like a Duracell bunny – constantly energised and with an insatiable libido. It was as if I was high on life, but it was too much,” Nikki recalls. 

This surge in sexual energy is not uncommon; a recent poll of 800 women on IllicitEncounters.com who are currently taking HRT revealed that 86% have seen a libido life since starting the therapy.

After discussing these intense effects with her doctor, Nikki was recommended a Mirena coil combined with oestrogen gel – the results were nothing short of life-changing. She found herself with the perfect amount of energy, her sleep patterns improved, and her libido was through the roof. “For the first time, I genuinely felt alive and intensely sexual. The confidence boost was undeniable; I felt more attractive, lost weight, saw my hormonal skin clear up, and even my hair became thicker,” she says. 

In fact, according to IllicitEncounters’ poll, 68% of women taking HRT reported a significant improvement in self-image and confidence, while 71% felt more sexually satisfied.

Nikki became obsessed with sex, thinking about it constantly. Masturbation became a daily necessity, and she began exploring with toys and watching porn for the first time in her life. After years of a dormant sex life, she was making up for lost time with a vengeance. 

Unfortunately, reviving her sex life with her husband was out of the question. Being much older than her and struggling with erectile dysfunction for years, Nikki’s husband forced the couple to live a celibate life for over a decade. It was only after taking HRT that she realised that she needed more.

Nikki’s experience aligns with findings that 59% of women say their partners couldn’t keep up with their increased sex drive after taking HRT, prompting them to look elsewhere for sexual fulfilment.

Joining IllicitEncounters, Nikki sought not just an emotional connection but physical satisfaction too. “When I met my lover, he turned out to be incredible in bed, giving me sensations I had never experienced before, likely because I was perpetually aroused. We are both eager to explore new things and fantasies together, something neither of us anticipated finding on IE,” she shares. 

This combination of HRT and IllicitEncounters has been a revelation for Nikki, making her deeply question her marriage. “At 51, I feel like I’ve been reborn, and I’m increasingly convinced that I shouldn’t have to stay in a stale and unfulfilling relationship. HRT has given me a new lease on life, and my affair has shown me what I’ve been missing. It’s a complex situation, but one thing is clear: I refuse to go back to feeling lifeless and unfulfilled,” she concludes.

According to Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, “Nikki’s story isn’t uncommon. Not only can HRT alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause for many women, but it can also rejuvenate their sex lives and self-confidence. For some, like Nikki, this newfound vitality has led to significant changes and challenges in their personal relationships.

HRT is not just a remedy for menopause symptoms but a catalyst for transformation, leading women like Nikki to rediscover their desires and redefine their lives.”

Cheaters are happier in their marriages and having more sex with their spouses, study reveals

* 72% of married people say they’re happier in their marriage since starting an affair
* 52% of cheats say they’re having more sex with their other halves than ever before
* 38% of people believe a boost in their mood whilst having an affair has had a positive impact on their sex life at home 
* An increase in self-esteem (26%) and heightened sex drive (22%) when cheating are the other biggest factors that are leading to more action between the sheets for couples
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
 

More often than not, having an affair is seen in a negative light. However, new research might have you considering the pros, as it turns out playing away not only makes you happier, but you’re more likely to see an improvement in your relationship with your spouse – especially in the bedroom.

IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, polled 1,400 married members to see what effect having an affair has had on their relationship at home. 

Shockingly, 72% of married people say they’re happier in their marriage since starting an affair, and of those, 52% said they’re actually having more sex than ever with their spouses.

When asked why they think there’s been an improvement in their sex life with their partners, 38% of love rats said they’re simply happier as a result of cheating, and it’s that mood boost that’s giving them the horn. 

26% of married people having an affair said that they’re having more sex with their husbands and wives because they’ve got more self-esteem.

22% of love rats believe the thrill of cheating has led to a heightened sex drive, saying that’s why they’re seeing sparks fly in the bedroom with their spouses.

One member who took part in the study, Colin, 37 from Exeter said, “Since starting an affair five months ago, I’ve been having more sex than ever – and not just with my lover. 

I’ve definitely noticed that I’ve become more patient with my wife, more able to let the little things that got on my nerves slide. We’re fighting less too – it’s like having this secret escape has brought over a sense of calm in my life and I’m just happier overall. 

Now, I can actually bear going home to my wife and our sex is miles better…and funnily enough, we’ve been at it more in the past five months than in the past five years. It’s a win-win in my eyes!”

Jessica Leoni, IllicitEncounters.com’s sex and relationships expert commented, “It might sound strange, but so many people find that their overall satisfaction in their primary relationships improves when having an affair. 

One thing that’s become clear is the impact that personal happiness has on your sex life, especially for those seeking fun outside of their marriage. They get this newfound surge in happiness, whether that comes from the affair itself or from the escape it provides, and that can spill over into the relationship at home. 

Happier people often approach intimacy with a more positive mindset, making them more tolerant, and in some cases, more appreciative of their partners.”

Results

Have you been happier in your existing relationship since having an affair?
Yes -72%
No – 26%
The same – 2%

Do you continue having sex with your husband/wife whilst having an affair?
Yes – 86%
No – 12%
Not sure – 2%

Would you say you have more or less sex with your other half whilst having an affair?
More – 52%
Less – 23%
The same – 25%