How Does Your Sex Life Compare to the Rest of the World?

Study Shows Americans Have Sex 85 Times a Year

A recent study reports the average American has sex 85 times a year, far behind the Greeks, who average sex 164 times a year, and the Brazilians, who average 145 sexual romps each year.

For those of you that like to keep up a weekly tab, the American average works out to about twice a week or once every 4.3 days. And Americans aren't just lagging behind in quantity, but also quality. Only 48 percent say they're fully satisfied with their sex life. Perhaps the other 52 percent should consider spending a little more time. The survey shows that the average American sexual encounter lasts all of 18 minutes.

The numbers are part of the Durex Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey, which was released this week. The survey canvassed 26,000 people in 26 countries about their sex lives. Those questioned were a representative sampling of each country's population, according to the survey results.

The average among the 26 countries surveyed is 103 times a year. Here are some figures from other countries: Japanese average only 48 times, Nigerians average 84 times and residents of Hong Kong average 82.

The survey also sheds light on possible causes for the low numbers. More than third of respondents believe their sex lives would be better if they weren't so tired and didn't feel so stressed. Around a quarter of respondents wish sex were just more fun.

And then there are the health problems. Just over 30 percent of men report having difficulties with having an erection with another third having problems sustaining one. Five out of ten women have painful sex.

And the big O? Around sixty percent claim to do it frequently.

Dr. Sari Locker, a relationships educator and the author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amazing Sex, says that time is probably behind many of the problems in America's sex life...or lack thereof.

"We need to invest in taking time out with our partners, de-stressing ourselves and lifestyles and introducing some romance into our relationships," she said in a written statement.