How many partners does a person have: what sexologists say about it.

According to The Sun: The number of sexual partners you have had is a personal statistic that only you can know and share if you choose.

Although society has fortunately largely moved away from judging a person, especially a woman, by this number, unfortunately, there may still be biased ideas related to your 'number of co-authors'.

“I always think of the song Hold Us Down by Christina Aguilera, which has lines like: 'The guy gets all the glory, the more he can score, while the same girl can do the same, but you call her a b***h’,” says Annabelle Knight, a psychosexual therapist and couples relationship coach.

Fewer than three partners

• This may mean that you found long-term relationships at a young age, or you prefer other things over sex

If you have had fewer than three sexual partners, you are below average for the UK.

According to a YouGov survey from 2023, the average number is four overall, but five for men and three for women.

These figures should be taken with a grain of salt, as age, cultural context, and location influence total numbers, while societal pressures lead some people to hide the truth.

In contrast, 18.6 percent of women reduced their total number, compared to only 13.7 percent of men.

Annabelle says a small number does not necessarily indicate low sexual desire.

Three to seven partners

• You are average and may tend towards monogamy

If the YouGov survey is to be believed, most of us fall within this range.

A Superdrug study also found that both men and women consider the ideal number of co-authors for a potential partner to be between seven and eight.

“If your number is in this range, it may indicate a few things,” says Annabelle.

Eight or more partners

• You are confident in your sexuality and know what you like

While men have traditionally been praised for sowing their wild oats, women with above-average numbers have unfortunately and unfairly been shamed and called derogatory names.

Why do we judge a person having sex five times a week in a stable relationship against a person having sex with five different partners at the same time?

Annabelle Knight

“However, it is known that a colorful sexual history can have its benefits,” Annabelle says.

Nothing but a number

Whether you have had one or have a number that rivals Bonnie Blue, Annabelle says it is important not to worry about it.

“It is dangerous to let the number of partners determine your self-esteem, as it distracts from what is truly important: sexual confidence, practicing safe sex, and being able to talk openly about it with a potential partner,” she explains.

The article discusses how the number of sexual partners can reflect different aspects of personality and attitudes towards sex. The author, psychosexual therapist Annabelle Knight, points out that it is important not to judge yourself or others by this number, as it is more important to understand your own desires, practice safe sex, and communicate openly with your partner. She also emphasizes that a colorful sexual past can have its positive aspects.