Bisexuals and pansexuals have the highest libido, and male desire peaks by the age of 35 - Scientific Reports study

A large-scale study of more than 67,000 people debunked the popular myth that male libido peaks in youth, establishing peak of sexual desire aged 30 to 40 years old.

Sexual attraction has long been considered something purely individual and difficult to predict. However, a new large-scale study, published in early 2026 in the magazine Scientific Reports, shows that a significant portion of our libido can be explained by simple demographic factors. Researchers from the Estonian Biobank analyzed data from more than 67,000 people aged 18 to 89 and reached some unexpected conclusions about when men actually want sex the most and how this is influenced by children, work, and sexual orientation.

Men's sexual desire peaks around age 35

Contrary to the common belief that male libido peaks during adolescence or in one’s 20s, the data suggests otherwise. It turns out that In men, sexual desire peaks between the ages of 35 and 40.

Researchers suggest that this may be related not only to biology but also to relationship dynamics. At this age, men are more likely to be in stable, long-term relationships, which are associated with greater emotional intimacy. Interestingly, this peak does not coincide with the decline in testosterone levels, which begin to fall gradually after age 30.

Who wants sex the most?

According to the study's findings, among People who identify as bisexual and pansexual have the highest level of sexual desire. Researchers suggest that this may be related to “broader patterns of attraction” and “relational flexibility” among members of these groups.

As expected, at the opposite end of the spectrum were asexuals — They demonstrated the lowest level of sexual attraction, which confirms their identity as a distinct sexual orientation rather than merely a medical disorder. Meanwhile, heterosexual participants, who made up the majority of the sample (about 95%), showed average results close to those of the general population.

Here are the main patterns identified during the study:

Gender Gap: On average, men report significantly higher levels of sexual desire than women. This difference persists throughout most of their lives and begins to narrow only after age 60, when men’s libido begins to decline more noticeably.

Age-related decline: In women, libido declines much more rapidly and sharply with age than in men, especially after age 50 (which is often associated with menopause).

Sexual orientation: The highest level of attraction was observed among people who identify as bisexuals and pansexuals. The lowest rate is, as expected, among asexual people.

One of the most interesting findings concerns parenthood. The effect of children on libido turned out to be exactly the opposite for men and women:

1. In women Having children (especially young children or a large number of them) correlates with lower level of sexual desire. This is attributed to fatigue, hormonal changes after childbirth, and breastfeeding.

2. For men However, the situation is different: those with many children often report higher libido levels. Scientists speculate that this may be a result of stronger family bonds or social roles, although it is possible that it is a man’s inherently high libido that contributes to the formation of a large family.

Work and education matter, too

The study also examined socioeconomic factors. It found that education It can promote greater openness and sexual confidence, especially among women.

As for occupations, stress comes to the forefront. People in high-pressure professions (such as healthcare) often report a decrease in libido due to burnout. At the same time, members of certain groups, such as military personnel or top executives, scored higher, although in the case of military personnel, this may simply be due to their younger age within the sample.

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The authors of the study hope that their findings will help people worry less about changes in their sexual desire. A decrease in libido or a mismatch in libido with a partner is often perceived as a medical problem or the end of a relationship. In reality, however, in many cases this is the body's natural response to a particular stage of life, whether it involves raising children, age-related changes, or career challenges. Understanding these patterns can help relationship counselors and doctors provide more accurate and reassuring predictions.