The survey, conducted by YouGov for Nytelse.no, reveals a sharp gap between “desire and reality”, according to sexologist Maria K. Ebbestad, following the release of the results.
The numbers tell a revealing story: 59 percent of people in Norway have sex once a month or less, and only 36 percent have sex weekly or more.
On the other hand, 74 percent of people say they want sex at least once a week, 31 percent explicitly want more sex, and 23 percent wish they had a higher sex drive, highlighting a frustrating trend that "Norwegians want more sex, but can’t make it happen."
"Many people blame stress, time constraints, and a lack of energy. The desire is there, but everyday life gets in the way," Ebbestad said in a statement.
The result is that only 8 percent of people in Norway are truly satisfied with their sex lives.
For Norway’s international community, these findings may feel like a relatable revelation. It is common to hear foreigners complain about a reduction in how often they have sex after moving to the country.
Among close friends, the question is often the same: Is it the integration stress of adapting to a new life in Norway that causes libido to drop, or is it because Norwegian partners don't always show the same level of passion and desire common in other cultures?
READ MORE: What are the best dating options if you're single in Norway?
What about oral sex?
The survey also challenged foreplay habits. It found that 64 percent of women rarely or never receive oral sex, and 60 percent of men said the same.
"These are sad numbers, especially because oral sex is one of the best ways to warm up before intercourse," said the sexologist.
Given this reality, masturbation and sex toys are taking over. The survey showed that 54 percent of people in Norway masturbate weekly or more.
However, there is a big difference when it comes to adult content. While 47 percent of men watch porn weekly or more, 76 percent of women say they rarely or never watch it.
What are the most common fantasies?
The survey found that the top three most common fantasies among Norwegians are having a threesome (trekant), being dominated, and having sex in public places.
Ebbestad suggested that better communication is the key to improving sex life. She believes that many people have the same desires but do not talk about them or share them with their partners.
This situation feels paradoxical in a country known for frequent one-night stands and high rates of sexually transmitted infections.
What do you think? Is it the stress of daily life in Norway the reason, the effects of the long, dark season, or is there a bigger reason behind the drought? Let us know in the comments below.
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