There seems to be a specific day each year when the majority of people aren’t interested in being intimate.
While men and women often have different preferences for when they’re in the mood—with women typically preferring nighttime and men leaning towards the morning—there is reportedly one day on which we all seem to agree it’s not the right time.
This conclusion is based on data from sexual health clinics, which have noticed a sharp decline in requests for contraception and sexually transmitted infection tests on a particular date, indicating a lack of sexual activity the previous day.
Dr. Babak Ashrafi, from Superdrug Online Doctor, has identified that this trend occurs during the winter season.
Although one might assume that the colder season is ideal for cozying up with a partner for some ‘Netflix and chill,’ Dr. Ashrafi offers a counterpoint.
He mentions a condition known as ‘winter vagina,’ where the seasonal changes can lead to less pleasurable sexual experiences.
Dr. Ashrafi explains: “A drop in temperature can make skin and hair become dry and dehydrated, but not many people know that the temperature change can also have an effect on your vagina.
“A lack of moisture in the air is partly to blame, as well as heating indoors being used more often,” he added. “The vagina and surrounding area can become dry, itchy, and irritated, resulting in uncomfortable sex.”
The day with the fewest requests for contraception and STI tests, as identified by Dr. Ashrafi, falls on December 16. This suggests that December 15 is the most sexless day of the year, occurring just over a week before Christmas.
Apart from festive stress and ‘winter vagina,’ there are other factors at play, according to Dr. Ashrafi.
The loss of daylight during this period is known to disrupt our circadian rhythms, which control sleep patterns, hormones, appetite, body temperature, and digestion.
“Less sunlight exposure and spending more time indoors also results in vitamin deficiencies, which can make you feel more tired in winter months,” continued Ashrafi. “As energy levels are much lower due to tiredness, this can affect your libido and sex drive.”
The run-up to Christmas also plays a role, as many people are transitioning from work responsibilities to holiday preparations, including shopping, gift wrapping, and stocking the kitchen with festive treats.
Ashrafi adds, “Stress and worries can impact your sex drive, as well as other areas of your life, which is why it’s important to improve the ways you manage stress.”