Scientists reveal ideal number of sexual partners for men and women: It might surprise you

Science suggests there's an "ideal" number of sexual partners, and it might surprise you. A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science delved into how people perceive men and women with varying sexual histories. Researchers found that society generally favors moderation over extremes, with individuals having very few or very many partners being viewed less favorably than those with a "middle" amount of sexual activity.

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The results showed something expected – but also something surprising.

While traditional double standards persist, with higher sexual activity being viewed more favorably in men than women, and lower activity more positively in women than men, the study highlighted a clear preference for moderate sexual experience across both genders. The "magic number" of ideal partners was suggested to be between 4 to 5 total for men, with 2 to 3 being casual, and 2 to 3 total for women, also with 1 to 2 casual partners. The ideal age for losing virginity was also perceived differently, with men ideally between 18-20 and women slightly earlier, between 16-18.

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Although society continues to apply double standards, the most attractive to respondents was moderation.

Further findings indicated "ideal" frequencies for sexual relations and even fantasies. Men were rated more favorably with relations 4-5 times a week and masturbation 3-4 times weekly, while women's ideal was 3-4 times a week for relations and 2-3 times for masturbation. Even sexual fantasies had a "quota," with three times daily for men and twice daily for women being "ideal." Researchers emphasized that despite stereotypes, neither extreme "chastity" nor "promiscuity" is preferred; the "golden mean" fares best. Ultimately, the study concludes that a healthy, consensual sexual life aligned with personal desires, not external expectations, is most important.

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Men: ideally 4 to 5 sexual partners in total, of which 2 to 3 should be casual. For women: ideally 2 to 3 in total, with 1 to 2 casual partners.